This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
Saturday night's solid eight-game slate has some intriguing matchups across the board and a Western Conference showdown between the Rockets and Trail Blazers to cap off the night. With plenty of options across all price levels, let's drill down on where some of the best value may lie at each tier.
GUARD
Ben Simmons, PHI at CLE ($18,000): Simmons makes for a cost-savings pivot for those who don't want to shell out for James Harden ($22,900) and Russell Westbrook ($20,000), who are always appealing options if you can pay up. Simmons boasts a 30.1 percent usage rate and averages 1.27 fantasy points per minute without Joel Embiid on the floor, and the latter will be rested against the Cavaliers on Saturday. That leaves Simmons in a premium spot against a Cleveland squad that's allowed 46.4 fantasy points per game to point guards, a position that he is currently playing and in which he has already triple-doubled earlier this season. He's also scored over 50 fantasy points twice and over 60 on another occasion in the last five games, making him an excellent cash or GPP play.
Dennis Schroder, ATL vs. ORL ($14,500): Schroder continues to be the unquestioned leader of the Hawks' offense and has scored between 31.25 and 46.25 in nine of his last 10 games. The Magic check in allowing the third most fantasy points (54.0) and points (26.1) per game to point guards on the season, including the second most (61.6) over the last 10 contests. Schroder also comes into Saturday's game shooting a career-best 45.7 percent from the floor, while the Magic allow the fifth highest shooting percentage (42.0) to the position on the season.
Courtney Lee, NY at CHI ($10,600): Lee has quietly upped his offensive profile this season after years of primarily being renowned for his prowess on the other end of the floor. The veteran guard is averaging a career-high 13.1 points per game on a career-best 49.8 percent shooting, including a blistering 46.5 percent from three-point range. He's also scored over 30 fantasy points in five of his last eight games and draws a matchup versus a Bulls squad that's allowed the second most fantasy points (55.2) per game to two-guards on the season, including the most (64.7) over the last 10 games. Chicago has also yielded the most rebounds (9.3) and second most assists (6.6) to the position, furthering Lee's case.
FORWARD/CENTER
LeBron James, CLE vs. PHI ($22,300): James already lit up the Sixers for 58.00 fantasy points on the strength of a 30-point, 14-rebound double-double over 31 minutes back on Nov. 27, and he'll be in prime spot to dish out more damage Saturday. Philadelphia ranks as a bottom 10 squad in fantasy points allowed per game to small forwards (42.3) on the season, and they've given up 46.0 to the position in the last 10 contests. James has scored 69.75 and 60.00 fantasy points in the last two contests, and between 52.50 and 75.50 in six of the prior seven games as well. Moreover, James has been seeing some time at point guard recently, giving even more opportunity for fantasy production as a facilitator.
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at ATL ($15,000): Vucevic has scored between 55.25 and 61.50 fantasy points in three of his past four games, with the latter figure having come against this same Hawks squad two games ago. Atlanta also checks in allowing the seventh most fantasy points (38.9) per game to centers and have been consistently vulnerable to fives irrespective of who's manned the position for them. It's also worth noting that Vucevic is averaging 1.47 fantasy points per minute and sports a 29.3 percent usage rate with Evan Fournier (ankle) off the floor this season, and the latter will be out for Saturday's game.
Robin Lopez, CHI vs. NY ($9,600): Lopez has taken on an increased offensive role this season as an elder statesman for a young Bulls squad, leading to career highs in points (13.5) and shot attempts (11.5). He's averaging 25.1 fantasy points per contest and has been exceedingly consistent as of late, scoring between 23.00 and 34.50 fantasy points in the last seven contests. The Knicks check in as an appealing target as well Saturday, as they reside just outside the top 10 in fantasy points allowed (37.9) to centers, and have also surrendered the second most points per game (17.7) to the position.
UTILITY
Dwight Howard, CHA vs. LAL ($13,700): Howard exploded for one of his trademark double-doubles against the Bulls on Friday, going for 67.50 fantasy points on the strength of 25 points and 20 rebounds. His fantasy production has been up and down, but when he's been on, he's flashed an impressive ceiling. He'll be poised for another abundant return Saturday, considering the Lakers have allowed the fourth most fantasy points (40.8) per game to centers on the season, including 44.8 over the last 10.
Carmelo Anthony, OKC at MEM ($12,100): A recent slight downturn in fantasy production has led to Anthony's price seeing a corresponding drop, making Saturday an opportune time to pounce on him in a favorable matchup. The Grizzlies have been reeling since losing Mike Conley to an Achilles injury and have been especially vulnerable in the frontcourt, where they've allowed the fifth most fantasy points (46.0) per game on the season to power forwards, along with the fifth most points (21.4), most rebounds (12.9) and fourth most three-pointers (1.8). Paul George is also questionable for Saturday's game with his calf bruise, and his potential absence would leave Anthony with a chance to build on the 35.8 percent usage rate and average of 1.22 fantasy points per minute he already boasts with George off the floor this season.
