This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
GUARD
Shelvin Mack, UTA vs DAL ($4,100): With George Hill out Mack has taken over as the primary point guard for the Jazz. While he doesn't have a ton of upside in this offense, Mack has established a nice floor with the increase in playing . He's averaged 22.4 fantasy points over his last seven games and has at least 17.3 in each of those. It's a decent matchup tonight against the Mavericks as Deron Williams has been known for his defensive prowess.
Ramon Sessions, CHA at BOS ($4,300): Kemba Walker has already been ruled out for tonight likely putting Sessions into the starting lineup. Sessions has been productive on a per minute basis this season so an uptick in minutes tonight should put him over 5X value. Watch to make sure Brian Roberts doesn't sneak into the starting lineup but it should be Sessions taking Kemba's spot. Give Nicolas Batum ($7,400) a bump in value as well.
Evan Fournier, ORL vs BRO, ($5,900): This is a good example of finding a player on fire who also has an outstanding fantasy matchup. Fournier has 36.2, 38 and 39.8 fantasy points in his last three games and gets the Nets tonight. Brooklyn is giving up the second most fantasy points to opposing guards on the season at 44.1 per game. Fournier is one of those players who has played better at home too, averaging 3.2 more points and has more of every other counting stat at home than on the road.
FORWARD
Thabo Sefolosha, ATL at TOR ($4,500): Sefolosha has worked out just fine since being inserted into the starting lineup rewarding his fantasy owners. Over his last four games he's scored 32.5, 28.2, 25.5 and 24.6 fantasy points over his last four games. Sefolosha brings with his a solid floor each game due to his ability to stuff the stat sheet. Sefolosha has at least one block and steal in each of those games (except missing a block in one) totaling 14 over that span.
Robert Covington, PHI vs LAL ($5,000): Covington has seen his fantasy production improve steadily over the last three games and there are probably a few reasons why. He's been battling injuries all season and could finally be healthy. He's got a much better supporting cast this season keeping games much more competitive. Covington's also getting solid minutes with at least 31 in each of the last three games. On the season the Lakers are giving up the second-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards.
Omri Casspi, SAC at MEM, ($4,300): Rudy Gay is already listed as doubtful for tonight and it's likely Casspi will get another start in his place. He's scored double-digits in five straight games and been right around 30 minutes per game over his last three. Casspi has parlayed the extra minutes into 24 and 25.7 fantasy points in two of those last three games showing the ability to get over 5X value. While the matchup isn't the best Casspi has a pretty solid floor here given the extra minutes.
CENTER
Bismack Biyombo, ORL vs BRO ($4,600): This pick really hinges on the availability of Nikola Vucevic as Biyombo's playing time is directed to it. Biyombo has logged minutes in the mid-30s in each of his last three and scored 24.9, 25.8 and 29.2 (5.4-6.3X value) in those contests. Like his teammate Evan Fournier the Nets present an excellent matchup giving up the third-most (48.7) fantasy points to opposing centers. This is also a good game to target according to Vegas with the Magic favored by 6.5 in a game with the second-highest over/under on the slate (217.5).
Jahlil Okafor, PHI vs LAL ($5,100): Okafor has come on strong since getting his minutes lifted and responded with several solid fantasy games. He's scored at least 21.7 fantasy points over his last seven games to the tune of an 26.5 fantasy points average overall. As mentioned, the key to his fantasy production is getting the extra minutes and the Lakers are giving up the second most fantasy points to opposing power forwards and the fourth most fantasy points to opposing center. Okafor should play in both spots tonight and the presence of either Joel Embiid and possibly Nerlens Noel shouldn't have a big impact on his playing time.
