This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Point Guards
Rajon Rondo, SAC vs. MIN ($8,400): It doesn't matter whether or not DeMarcus Cousins is playing in this one and Darren Collison's return has not overly affected Rondo's production. By the way, when do we start to question why he didn't work in Dallas last season? Rondo is basically a lock to approach or surpass 40 minutes every game, as well as approach a triple-double. The matchup against the Timberwolves helps as well, as it should be a high-pace game.
Isaiah Canaan, PHI at HOU ($4,100): Canaan seems like the other "must-play" at the position given that he's been put in the starting lineup and has been averaging 30 minutes per game over his last three. He's scored 25, 23.1 and 25 fantasy points over those last three, respectively, and should continue to produce while Nik Stauskas is on the mend.
Shooting Guards
Jeremy Lamb, CHA vs. CLE ($4,600): Lamb is quietly starting to have a breakout season despite being limited to a reserve role. He typically plays minutes in the mid-20s but he's reached at least 30 three times in the last seven games. He's scored at least 20.6 fantasy points in eight of his last nine, showing both consistency and the ability to hit 4X or 5X value.
Zach LaVine, MIN at SAC ($5,500): This isn't as cheap of a price for LaVine considering whenever Ricky Rubio is in the lineup he'll come off the bench and play minutes in the 20s. However, Rubio left Wednesday night's game with an ankle injury and is questionable to play Friday. LaVine has thrived in the starter's role this season and has games of 32.1, 39.2, 34 and 30.6 fantasy points this month. He also has nine straight games with at least 11 shot attempts, showing that he's not shy to shoot the ball. He's always in play but will almost be a must-start if Rubio sits this one out.
Small Forwards
Evan Turner, BOS vs. WAS ($5,400):Jae Crowder was benched to start the second half Wednesday night and it was Turner who got the nod. Turner has always been a fantasy roller coaster but when he's gotten the playing time he can be a contributor across the board. Turner has 30.3, 21.3, 27.9 and 28.5 fantasy points over his last four games, respectively, and if he's named the starter, he'll easily make value.
Jeff Green, MEM vs. ATL ($4,800) and/or Matt Barnes, MEM vs. ATL ($4,000): This pick comes down to a few different factors. First, both players' values are improved as long as Zach Randolph remains sidelined with his knee injury. The second factor is about the salary cap, and if saving the $800 is worth it and there's always the possibility of taking the plunge and playing both if Randolph is out. Barnes has seen a jump in minutes and has at least 27.1 fantasy points in three of his last four games. Green has at least 27 fantasy points in five of his last seven and has a little more upside than Barnes, which is why he has the higher price tag.
Power Forwards
Tristan Thompson, CLE at CHA ($5,700): There are a lot of attractive players at this position in this price range including Markieff Morris ($5,800) and Jared Sullinger ($5,800). The difference here is that Thompson has been asked to log heavy minutes (37, 34 and 40 over his last three, respectively) with the injury to Timofey Mozgov. Over those three games, Thompson has 28.2, 26.3 and 37.7 fantasy points and the opposing frontcourt of Charlotte is anything but intimidating. While he's not a great scorer, layups and dunks should be plentiful and a double-double is almost a certainty.
Kristaps Porzingis, NYK vs. MIA, ($7,100): The Knicks have finally figured out the rookie is capable of handling minutes in the mid-30s and Porzingis has responded by being a fantasy beast over the last week. His last three games have seen him score 34.1, 43.3 and 54.8 fantasy points, all while playing 36, 37 and 36 minutes, respectively. The worst score there – 34.1 – was a result of a bad shooting night (3-for-13) but his ability to rebound (eight) and block shots (six) shows how he can contribute in other categories. Look for his price tag to rise drastically soon and take advantage while he's cheap.
Center
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. SAS ($4,400): This guys is no joke and has been playing at a high level since being inserted into the starting lineup. He has 25.2, 32.2, 14.3 and 47.4 fantasy points over his last four games, respectively, with that high score being against these same Spurs. His value gets a little bump if Kenneth Faried is out, and there's going to be a logjam at the position once Joffrey Lauvernge and Jusuf Nurkic return. However, those two remain out, leaving plenty of minutes for Jokic.
