Point Guard
Best Value: Ishmael Smith, New Orleans Pelicans $6,600
When Smith played for the 76ers, I remember watching a game against the Wizards where he didn’t perform like a viable NBA player. He was sloppy, indecisive, and couldn’t find his shot. Fast forward to today, Smith has found a home with the injury plagued Pelicans.
Their up-tempo style of play, matched with their need for warm bodies on the floor, has given Smith a specific niche in the NBA. Over his last four games, Smith has averaged around 41 FFPG. That is a whopping amount for a player that barely anybody knew about coming into this year. Jrue Holiday plans to sit out on Saturday night, leaving Smith to handle as many minutes as possible. The one down side of this value tonight is the defensive efficiency of the Jazz, who do well to slow down most teams. Regardless, Smith is an excellent value play tonight.
Worst Value: John Wall, Washington Wizards $8,500
The Washington Wizards have NBA fans scratching their heads for all the wrong reasons so far. The once promising conference title contenders, are now sitting at 6-7 record. The Wiz are the fourth worst defense in the league, allowing 107 PPG to opponents, and are in the bottom half of the league in shooting percentage. Those combined team statistics make a recipe for disaster.
Wall is a key ingredient in this disappointing stew as he isn’t playing the perennial All-Star we know him to be. Last night, the Wiz were destroyed by the Celtics and Wall only came away with 20 fantasy points. Of course, Wall is still capable of great games but he hasn’t surpassed 40 fantasy points since November 4th. For his price, you’d better be banking on 40 points at the very least and that doesn’t seem likely. Wall is our worst value play for the second straight night
Shooting Guard
Best Value: C.J. McCollum, Portland Trailblazers $6,600
Shooting guard is the thinnest position on Saturday night, so go with you can trust. McCollum has a safe floor while locked into a massive workload on most nights. Paired alongside Damian Lillard, the Blazers should have no problem lighting up the Lakers.
C.J. is averaging 20 points a game and is always primed for a big outing. He hasn’t had a big game in over a month, but the Lakers seem like a prime candidate for an explosion. C.J. averages 29 FFPG and that seems like an easy feat to match tonight. In such a weak position, McCollum could even be the top scorer at SG tonight.
Worst Value: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards $6,800 and Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers $6,900
For Beal, the Wizards are a burning building and he just happens to be in it. He has arguably been the Wizards best player this season, but that isn’t saying much. Beal’s salary cost is uncomfortably high for someone averaging 28 FFPG (less than McCollum) on a team who is wildly disappointing.
The Wiz face off against the Raptors, meaning Beal with be guarded by DeMar DeRozan who can be a frustrating defender most nights. Beal is not a safe pick tonight. Kobe is our other worst value for many obvious reasons, but we are simply here to sway and owners who want to live on the edge tonight. Byron Scott has said he will play, but not how much. Unfortunately, Kobe’s last days are here and he looks abysmal out there. Even worse, he is only there to sell tickets instead of mentor younger players who desperately could use his tutelage.
Small Forward
Best Value: Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets $7,200
Gallo has suppressed the fears of fantasy owners so far this season as he has managed to stay healthy, and consistently be the Nuggets best player. Gallo contributed an impressive double-double last night against the Spurs, and will look to keep rolling against the Mavs. He’s averaging a solid 30.5 FFPG and has a fairly safe floor as the Nuggets number one option on offense.
Worst Value: Otto Porter, Washington Wizards $5,400
Porter has been having an improved season from last year, but the current woes of the Wiz make him a dangerous DFS choice against solid teams like the Raptors. He will be guarded by DeMarre Carroll tonight who is a great on-ball defender. Porter doesn’t score much, which is frightening because if he doesn’t get involved in the harder to earn categories, he produces lowly games like in past two outings. He’s averaging 23.5 FFPG, and has failed to reach that in three straight.
Power Forward
Best Value: Luis Scola, Toronto Raptors $4,700
Scola has been given an increased role in the absence of Jonas Valanciunas. The Raptors have relied on his veteran instincts and savvy play to keep up their winning ways. Scola is only averaging 20 FFPG on the season, however, that average is skewed to low playing time early in the season. He has surpassed that average in four of his last five games and tonight he gets to face off against a Wizards team who can’t guard anybody.
Worst Value: Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans $11,100
That salary is eye-popping for a star who is banged up and playing one of the best interior defenses in the league. Davis is reportedly okay after suffering a scary injury last night while banging knees with Chris Paul. The Pelicans should be smart with their franchise and allow him to rest for as long as needed, for the Pelicans simply don’t have the firepower to fight for a playoff spot this year.
Center
Best Value: Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets $8,200
Due to the Nets season, Lopez has been flying under the radar with impressive fantasy production. He is averaging 35 FFPG and has met or surpassed that average in seven out of the last eight games. As long as he stays healthy, Lopez is an elite fantasy big men because of his polished offensive game and his defensive contributions.
