There is one certainty when it comes to winning money with FanDuel Basketball and that is you must have a lineup comprised of as much top-tier talent as you can afford. Of course by buying high on many of the game’s best players it leaves little cash left to fill out a balanced lineup. To this end, one must find value plays that are coming into underpriced on the night and who are poised to outperform their assigned price tag.

The small forward spots are two roster holes that demand value. Typically this roster position offers the least amount of bang for your fantasy dollar as the production here is considerably lower than similarly priced players at other spots. Case in point would be that a $8000 small forward will not give the same production or averages that a $8000 point guard would give. Bottom line; this is the least valuable roster spot to fill with high-priced talent and finding value at this position is a must.

In advance of any set pricing coming out from FanDuel on the upcoming NBA season, we will take a look at players from each position and from each conference who are poised to contribute nicely in those secondary roles. While none of these guys are going to carry your lineup night in and night out, they will give you that value play that could just make the difference between winning and losing money.

Top 5 Fantasy Value Plays for Small Forwards - Western Conference

Danilo Gallinari Denver Nuggets

Gallinari’s fantasy value was at rock bottom last season as he was making his way back from injuries and nobody really knew what kind of player would emerge. Well Gallinari has fully recovered and after a few slow outings he looks to have fully regained that scoring touch. It is difficult to base value here off preceding seasons; however, should he have an opening value anywhere near the middle of the pack for small forwards then he will be a great value.

P.J. Tucker Phoenix Suns

The unheralded Tucker from Phoenix was a very useful fantasy player on FanDuel last season as he represented a near minimum priced investment and he would come through with decent points and rebounds nightly. While his numbers were never spectacular he could score and rebound in double figures for you. Tucker seems to be well liked by coach Jeff Hornacek as he hustles, plays smart and within his means and does the dirty work defensively. Tucker is likely going to open the season as a near minimum priced player again and he will once again bring good value at that price point.

Al-Farouq Aminu Portland Trailblazers

The Trailblazers are going to a pretty awful team this season as they were pretty much gutted this offseason. In efforts to try and put a somewhat respectable product out on the floor, the Blazers went out and signed Aminu. Aminu was a role player at best during the regular season for Dallas; however, he really proved his worth in the playoffs as a versatile defender and capable scorer. It will be a trying season for sure in Portland; however, a fantasy bright spot amid the losing will be that of Aminu.

Omri Casspi Sacramento Kings

Casspi decided to resign with Sacramento this offseason despite what would have been interest from around the league. Casspi probably recognized that he is a good fit for the Kings and he will personally see much more in terms of opportunity here than with a contending team rotting away on their bench. With Sacramento, Casspi can play alongside some very capable bigs and certainly take advantage not only of the floor spacing but also of coach George Karl’s upswing offense. Despite the slow start to last season that saw numerous DNP’s get registered early on; Casspi should settle in quicker this season and be ready to make an impact off the bench for Sacramento.

Shabazz Muhammad Minnesota Timberwolves

Muhammad prepares to enter a critical year both for his development and that of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves took the troubled former UCLA prodige in the 2013 Entry Draft and since that time he has grown and progressed his game nicely. Now is the turning point for Muhammad though as he is playing to prove his value on a new contract. The Wolves of course have their man in Andrew Wiggins currently holding down the starting gig at small forward; however, Muhammad knows that he is playing for much more than simply minutes on the Timberwolves squad. A good season here and many teams will take notice and could come calling with offer sheets next offseason.