This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
There are just five games for this New Year's Eve slate, but plenty of stars. Six players come in priced above $10,000. Karl-Anthony Towns just missed the cut at $9,800 following a massive outing of 90.1 fantasy points against Miami on Sunday.
The highest-priced player with an injury designation is Devin Booker ($9,000), who is questionable against the Warriors due to a lower back bruise. If he ends up sidelined, De'Anthony Melton is a strong candidate to see more usage.
The highest over/under is 230.5, with the Timberwolves visiting the Pelicans. Grizzlies at Rockets has the lowest over/under at 200.5. The largest spread is -10.5 in favor of the Warriors, who are visiting the Suns. The smallest spread is a pick 'em between the Spurs and the visiting Celtics.
Let's dive into some options:
Point Guard
Tyus Jones ($4,500), MIN at NO
With both Derrick Rose (ankle) and Jeff Teague (ankle) out Sunday against the Heat, Jones drew the start. He provided great value, racking up 38.3 fantasy points across 36 minutes, which was largely a product of his five steals. That's nothing too out of the ordinary for Jones, however, as he averages 2.4 steals per 36 minutes and has twice racked up three steals in under 20 minutes this season. If Rose and/or Teague are available, it may best to turn away from Jones. In that case, I'd be interested in Dennis Smith Jr. ($5,200) against the Thunder. He struggled during his most recent game (15.3 FP), which was also against OKC, but the second-year guard has topped 30 FP on 10 occasions this season.
Shooting Guard
Klay Thompson ($7,100), GS at PHO
It feels difficult not to play Thompson at this price. While he's shooting about 10 percent lower from three than last season, he's still been a quality fantasy asset in DFS. He's posted at least 35 fantasy points in 16 of his 37 appearances, and he's eclipsed 50 FP twice. Notably, Thompson has been aggressive over the past two games, taking at least 19 field-goal attempts and four free-throws in each. Those looking for a low-cost option at shooting guard can consider Austin Rivers ($3,800) against Memphis. He's seen at least 33 minutes and posted at least 20 FP in each of the past two games. Eric Gordon (knee) is also out, which should give Rivers increased usage.
Small Forward
Paul George ($10,300), OKC vs. DAL
Normally I avoid players priced above $10,000 in favor of roster flexibility, but George has been on a roll lately and is, in my opinion, underpriced. The forward is averaging 34.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.1 steals (56.6 FP) over the past seven games. During this stretch, he's also dipped below 37 minutes once, and he hasn't put up fewer than 45 fantasy points. For someone with about a 40-FP floor and a ceiling of 60-plus FP, paying $10,300 doesn't feel like much of a gamble. If you're willing to spend up at the position, pairing George with T.J. Warren ($7,000), gives you realistic upside of around 90 FP for $17,300 (5.2x value)
Power Forward
Draymond Green ($7,000), GS at PHO
Green's subpar shooting has made him an inconsistent fantasy commodity this season. Essentially, when Green is hitting his shots, he exceeds value. Six of his nine outings with at least 35 fantasy points include double-digit scoring totals. All of his performances with fewer than 30 FP have single-digit scoring totals. I don't mind taking the risk here against Phoenix, as the Suns allow the second-highest opponent field-goal percentage (48.0%), including the ninth-highest percentage at the rim (67.3%). Fantasy owners looking for a cheap option can consider P.J. Tucker ($4,700), who could see more touches in the absence of Eric Gordon.
Center
Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,800), MIN at NO
Something seems to have gotten into Towns lately. Over the past two games, he's averaging 32.5 points, 18.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and a combined 6.5 blocks/steals. During that stretch, he's also gotten to the free-throw line an average of 12.0 times, which is a mark he's reached just twice this year on an individual-game basis. His price hasn't changed to reflect his recent outburst of 90.1 FP, so it may be best to invest now before the cost inflates. The matchup against Anthony Davis won't be easy, so fantasy owners looking to fade Towns could turn to Deandre Ayton ($8,000), who is averaging 47.8 FP over the past six games and has reached 60 FP twice over that stretch. He'll also be facing the Warriors, who don't seem to have the size to compete with the rookie.
