This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Guard
Dennis Schroder, ATL vs. BRK ($33): Schroder is easily the best player on this Atlanta roster and it's clear they want him to run the show. In fact, Schroder has a usage rate north of 30 percent, while averaging nearly 18 shots per game. Both of those statistics lead his team, and he gets a spectacular matchup here against a Brooklyn defense that ranks 29th in total defense. Schroder has owned this team too, averaging 39 fantasy points per game in his two matchups against them this season.
Jerryd Bayless, PHI vs. PHX ($10): With T.J. McConnell injured, Bayless has found himself in a prominent role. In fact, Bayless has played at least 26 minutes in three straight games, and he's posting some solid fantasy numbers in that span too. Bayless is averaging over 16 fantasy points per game in that stretch, which is great value for a player at minimum salary. The best part about using Bayless is his matchup though, as he faces a Phoenix defense that ranks dead last in points allowed and defensive efficiency, while ranking first in pace.
[Join the free NBA Yahoo Cup. $25K in total prizes with weekly winners]
Guard to Avoid
Mario Chalmers, MEM vs. MIN ($16): Chalmers was a nice sneaky pick just last week due to his role, but now that it's gone, Chalmers is hard to trust. Memphis has chosen to go younger by starting Ben McLemore and Dillon Brooks and it's really killed Chalmers' value. In fact, he hasn't cracked 20 minutes of action in three straight games, and he's averaging under 12 fantasy points per game in that span. The $16 price tag is more indicative of his value when he was a starter, and it would be a silly move to use him at this sort of price with such a low ceiling.
Forward
Kevin Durant, GS at NOP ($50): I'm not a huge fan of using players priced at $50 or above, but it's strange not to see Durant in the top five in salary. That's what makes him a good value, as he's still averaging 45 fantasy points per game for the season. What's most intriguing about Durant is his matchup though, as he faces a Pelicans defense that allows the fifth most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. In addition, they rank 27th in points allowed, and Durant is averaging nearly 50 fantasy points per game against them the past three seasons.
Marvin Williams, CHA vs. ORL ($10): Williams hasn't done a whole lot to make him an enticing option for fantasy, but $10 is simply too cheap for someone of his ability. Not only is he averaging 19 fantasy points per game for the season, Williams has at least 25 fantasy points in four of his last seven games. Orlando really struggle against opposing power forwards too, allowing the sixth most fantasy points to them for the season. It's rare to see a minimum priced player with so much in his favor, and he very well could approach 30 minutes of action as well.
Forward to Avoid
Khris Middleton, MIL at BOS ($34): Middleton has had some absolute gems this season, but his role is simply not the same since Eric Bledsoe joined the team. In fact, his usage and shot attempts are down, and as a result he's seeing a dip in fantasy production. Outside of a game without Giannis Antetokounmpo against a putrid Suns defense, Middleton has not surpassed 27 fantasy points in six of his last seven contests. That directly correlates to the addition of Bledsoe, and that factor alone makes Middleton tough to trust. The fact that he faces Boston just further muddles his value, as the Celtics own the best defense in the NBA.
[Join a Yahoo Daily Fantasy Basketball contest or league today]
Center
Al Horford, BOS vs. MIL ($29): Horford is a regular in my Yahoo Articles, as he continues to be underpriced. The consistency of this guy just can't be matched, as he's scored at least 23 fantasy points in every game this season. In addition, he's surpassed 26 fantasy points all but one time this year, and he's averaging 34 fantasy points per game for the season. Milwaukee struggles with opposing centers too, allowing the 10th most fantasy points to them.
Mason Plumlee, DEN at DAL ($12): With so many injuries in Denver's frontcourt, Plumlee has found himself in a similar role to the one he had in Portland. This is a team that likes to run a lot of their offense through the post and Plumlee showed in Portland he can do just that. In fact, Plumlee had six assists in his most recent start, as he filled in for Nikola Jokic. That sort of potential is huge, especially considering he's a good bet to approach a double-double as well. Dallas are definitely not a matchup to fear either, as they have one of the weakest frontlines in the NBA. That sort of upside is more indicative of a $25 player, and we get to use Plumlee at more than half that price.
Center to Avoid
Pau Gasol, SAN vs. DET ($21): Gasol has actually surpassed expectations this season, but there's reason to believe he'll sit here. Not only is it the back end of a back-to-back set, it's the Spurs' third game in four days. The fact that LaMarcus Aldridge was rested on Sunday just adds to the evidence, as Gasol is a older player who probably needs the rest much more than Aldridge. Even if he does suit up, it's still a tough matchup against a defensive stud like Andre Drummond.
