This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Saturday's evening NBA slate starts at 6:00 p.m. EDT but still features just three games. Five of the six teams in action are buried deep in the lottery, and Portland's no playoff lock itself. While these squads haven't found much success this season, they still possess plenty of individuals capable of producing value.
GUARD
Tyler Ulis, PHO at POR ($24): Ulis has flourished as the starting point guard since Eric Bledsoe was shut down for the season, scoring at least 34.0 fantasy points in seven of nine games. His 32.7 fantasy point per game average in that span suggests he will have no problem outplaying his modest $24 price against a Blazers team that ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to defending point guards. Despite his team's woes around him, Ulis' averages of 13.1 points, 9.6 assists and 1.6 steals in 40 minutes per game as a starter suggest he should be in all lineups until his price rises.
Ricky Rubio, MIN vs. SAC ($35): Rubio's 33-point, 10-assist double-double Thursday against the Lakers raised his post-All Star break averages to 16.8 points, 10.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game in 17 appearances. That increased production has stemmed from the combination of Zach LaVine's season-ending ACL injury and better efficiency from the Spaniard. Both of those factors should carry through the end of the season, and Rubio's momentum is unlikely to be stifled by a Kings defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to guards this season.
Guard to Avoid
Tyreke Evans, SAC at MIN ($16): Evans has seen his role dwindle for a Kings team that's looking to give younger players more time down the stretch. The veteran has averaged just 15.9 fantasy points in 20 minutes per game over his past, and his ceiling is likely to remain capped by a modest role on an underwhelming team. Even this small slate offers a number of players likely to provide better bang for the buck in the same price range.
FORWARD
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN vs. ORL ($13): Hollis-Jefferson has averaged over 25 minutes per game in the last four after grabbing 16 boards in 14:53 against Phoenix on Mar. 23. He has come up with at least 27.3 fantasy points in each of those five games, yet remains priced just $3 above the minimum. With Brooklyn likely to give the 2015 first-rounder even more playing time based on his recent success, expect Hollis-Jefferson to deliver another strong performance against the worst Eastern Conference team by record besides his own.
T.J. Warren, PHO at POR ($29): Warren is another young Suns player taking advantage of extended playing time. The 23-year-old forward has averaged 34.0 fantasy points in 38 minutes per game over his past 10, and he should continue to take advantage of his new role against a Trail Blazers team that has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to forwards this season. Just like in Ulis' case, don't let Phoenix's lack of success as a team keep you from taking advantage of a talented individual playing massive minutes.
Forward to Avoid
Trevor Booker, BKN vs. ORL ($16): Hollis-Jefferson's ascent has come at Booker's expense, with the veteran power forward seeing 18 minutes or fewer in six of the past seven games. That drop from his season average of 25 minutes has taken a toll on Booker, who has averaged a mere 12.5 fantasy points per game in that stretch. Don't expect his playing time or fantasy points to return Saturday.
CENTER
Meyers Leonard, POR vs. PHO ($10): Leonard is the leading candidate to fill the gaping hole at center created by Jusuf Nurkic's regular season-ending leg injury. His massive increase in role couldn't have a come at a better time considering Phoenix has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to centers. While Leonard hasn't played well of late, his 7-foot-1 frame and proficiency from deep give him tantalizing upside at the minimum price.
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. SAC ($50): With so few games to choose from, this is the time to pay up for Towns. The second-year center has scored at least 56.8 fantasy points in three of the past 10 games, displaying his unmatched upside. This matchup with a Kings team team that has allowed the second-most points to centers provides an excellent opportunity for Towns to lead all players in fantasy scoring for the night.
Center to Avoid
Alan Williams, PHO at POR ($20): Like Booker in Brooklyn, Williams is a big man who has fallen out of favor due to recent rotation changes. He has played fewer than 20 minutes three times in the past five games while posting just 12.1 fantasy points per contest in those three. Even an enticing matchup against Portland isn't enough to justify using him given the downside.
