This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
Saturday night brings another moderately sized four-game slate that sports a fairly narrow pool of elite options. That gives us plenty of selections in the mid-tier and affordable levels, with some attractive individual matchups potentially funneling our choices even further. Let's examine the best routes to take with your budget.
GUARD
Premium Option
DeMar DeRozan, TOR vs. GS ($16,500): DeRozan had a "quiet" game against the Cavaliers on Thursday, posting 30.25 fantasy points, but that largely came as a result of only playing 28 minutes in a Raptors blowout victory. He's likely in for a much more competitive, four-quarter battle Saturday against a Warriors team that could have Stephen Curry (ankle) back and that's tied with the Sixers for second-most possessions per game on the road (105.5). Golden State has also been the most vulnerable team to two-guards in recent games, allowing the most fantasy points to the position over both the last 10 (69.1) and last five (75.8) contests.
Mid-Tier
Kris Dunn, CHI vs. DET ($13,400): Dunn faces a Pistons squad that's allowed the second-most fantasy points to point guards the last five games (60.2), along with the most assists (9.6) and second-highest shooting percentage (45.0) this season. Dunn has scored 35 to 56 fantasy points in three of last four games despite some shooting struggles, as he's typically filled out the stat sheet in impressive fashion. Even with Zach LaVine's expected debut in the starting lineup Saturday, look for Dunn to still see plenty of usage in what should be a tightly contested affair.
Affordable
Dwight Buycks, DET at CHI ($7,400): Buycks is quietly developing into a consistent source of scoring off the bench, posting 22 to 25 fantasy points in four of the last five games. The Bulls shape up as inviting targets for the veteran, as they've allowed the third-most fantasy points (49.2) to point guards this season, including the most (68.5) in the last five contests. They've also surrendered the most rebounds (12.6) to the position over the latter span, while Buycks is shooting 50 percent from the field, including 60 percent from three-point range, in the last three games.
FORWARD/CENTER
Premium
Andre Drummond, DET at CHI ($17,000): Drummond has been on a tear, scoring 43.5 to 62 fantasy points in six of the last seven games, including three contests with more than 50. He'll be poised for more spectacular production Saturday, as the Bulls have the second-lowest shooting percentage (43.9) in the league and a bottom-10 figure of 19.9 percent in offensive rebounding, which should afford Drummond rebounding opportunities.
Mid-Tier
Draymond Green, GS at TOR ($13,800): Green is in a favorable spot irrespective of whether Curry returns to the lineup Saturday, as his price is reasonable enough for him to provide a solid return at minimum. Green exploded for 48 fantasy points against the Bucks on Friday, and had 36 to and 56.5 fantasy points in four of the previous five games. The Raptors have given up the fifth-most fantasy points (46.4) to fours this season, including 51.7 in the last 10 games. They've also yielded bottom-10 figures in points (21.7), rebounds (12.0) and steals (1.7) to the position on the season, while Green is averaging 1.11 fantasy points per minute with Curry off the floor.
Affordable
Markieff Morris, WAS vs. BKN ($9,700): Morris is strictly a tournament option due to the fluctuations in his production, but he's scored 20 to 38.75 fantasy points in five of the last six games. The Nets have been vulnerable to fours throughout the season and have allowed 44.0 fantasy points per game to the position, along with the third-most rebounds (12.0), most blocks (1.9) and third-highest shooting percentage (49.0). Brooklyn's league-low 43.7 percent shooting should also afford Morris rebounding opportunities.
UTILITY
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA vs. DEN ($15,800): Kawhi Leonard is questionable to play Saturday with a shoulder injury, potentially setting up Aldridge for another game with increased minutes. His matchup is enticing regardless of Leonard's status, as the Nuggets have allowed the third-most fantasy points this season (46.8) and in the last 10 (53.8) to power forwards. Aldridge has scored 44 to 55.00 fantasy points in four of the last five games and should be a focal point of the offense even if Leonard suits up.
Avery Bradley, DET at CHI ($11,000): Like Morris, Bradley's fantasy production sees its fair share of ups and downs, but he has some upside at his reasonable price. The veteran guard has scored 23 to 40.75 fantasy points in four of the last six games, and he'll draw a matchup against a Bulls squad that's been vulnerable to two-guards this season. Bradley should see a fair amount of Zach LaVine, but the latter isn't particularly renowned for his defensive prowess. Additionally, Chicago comes in allowing 47.6 fantasy points per game to twos, along with 3.7 made three-pointers and the third-highest shooting percentage (44.0) to the position.
