This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Guards:
Russell Westbrook, OKC at NOP ($11,600): Westbrook is in full takeover mode right now, as he knows he needs to get his team into the playoffs. That's clear by the fact that he has at least 44 fantasy points in 15 of his last 16 games. What's more impressive is that he's reached 55 fantasy points in six of those outings. It's the matchup that puts Westbrook over the top though, as he faces a Pelicans defense that allows the second-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. That's evident when looking at his numbers against New Orleans previously this season, collecting 38 points, 27 rebounds, 26 assists and four steals in just two games against them.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL vs. SAC ($6,000): With Lonzo Ball (knee) and Brandon Ingram (concussion) expected to sit this game out, Caldwell-Pope should be asked to play more minutes and take on increased usage. Not only is Caldwell-Pope averaging 27 fantasy points per game for the season, he's averaging over 30 fantasy points per game when Ball is sidelined. Sacramento is a defense worth exploiting in this expanded role too, as they currently rank 28th in defensive efficiency. That was evident when KCP dropped a season-high
34 points and seven rebounds the last time he faced Sacramento on February 24.
Rodney Hood, CLE vs. DAL ($4,200): Hood has had a hard time finding his role in Cleveland, but he's been too good to be a $4,200 player. The 22 fantasy points per game for the season is evidence enough of that, but the fact that he has at least 21 fantasy points in four-straight games furthers that point. Hood has also played at least 25 minutes in all four of those games and he could see even more minutes here with George Hill (ankle) and Kyle Korver (foot) both sitting out. Not to mention, Hood dropped 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting the one time he faced Dallas earlier this season.
Forwards:
Paul George, OKC at NOP ($7,600): This price really doesn't make any sense, as George has been closer to $9,000 for the majority of the season. That's where he should be too, as he's averaging 38.4 fantasy points per game for the year and has an elite matchup. Not only does New Orleans rank 29th in points allowed, George is also averaging 40 fantasy points per game in two meetings against them this season. The fact that playoff positioning is on the line for both teams only adds to George's value, as he could approach 40 minutes of action after playing at least 36 minutes in six-straight outings.
Harrison Barnes, DAL at CLE ($6,500): Barnes has established a nice floor for himself, as he has at least 23 fantasy points in 13-straight games. That floor isn't the only positive though, considering he also has at least 28 fantasy points in 11 of those games. His season average of 30 fantasy points per game indicates that he should be closer to $7,000, so we're getting quite the bargain with him at $6,500. The icing on the cake is the matchup though, with Cleveland allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards while ranking 29th in defensive efficiency.
Marquese Chriss, PHX at GS ($5,400): With injuries to Devin Booker, Alex Len, Elfrid Payton and Tyson Chandler, Chriss has found himself in a much bigger role over recent weeks. It shows in his fantasy production too, as he's averaging 32.6 fantasy points per game in his last five outings. That's 6X value at this bargain price and he should continue to add to his 29 minutes per game that he's played during that span too. The fact that the expected total score of this contest is approaching 220 only adds to Chriss' value, as that means this should be one of the highest paced games on the slate, with Chriss playing in a shorthanded rotation.
Centers:
Andre Drummond, DET at BRK ($10,000): Drummond is hard to fade right now, as he has at least 36 fantasy points in six-straight games. That 36-point floor looks like nothing when considering his upside, considering Drummond is averaging 53 fantasy points per game in his last five outings. It's the matchup that really adds to Drummond's intrigue though, as the Nets allow the most fantasy points in the league to opposing centers. That was on full display when Drummond tallied 17 points, 27 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks the last time he played Brooklyn on February 7.
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. ORL ($5,600): Despite the fact that Atlanta continues to struggle, Dedmon has been a pleasant surprise. In fact, Dedmon has at least 26 fantasy points in six of his last seven games while averaging 31 fantasy points per game in that span. That form pairs beautifully with this enticing matchup, as Orlando allows the third-most fantasy points to opposing centers. To further prove what a value Dedmon is, Jarrett Allen and Nerlens Noel are within $100 of Dedmon and neither of those guys is cracking 19 fantasy points per game while Dedmon is averaging over 24 fantasy points per game.
