This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Thursday's NBA slate is a modest one, with just three games on tap beginning at 8:00 PM Eastern time.
There's no shortage of intrigue despite the minimal number of games, as the Pacers will be looking to avenge last year's seven-game postseason loss to LeBron, the Raptors and Warriors square off in a potential NBA Finals preview, and a pair of overachieving California teams battle as the Clippers visit Sacramento.
Read on to see which players stand out as options to target in this small yet captivating slate. FanDuel's format only counts the eight highest scores in your nine-player lineup, so keep that in mind when making your selections.
POINT GUARD
Quinn Cook, GS at TOR ($5,400):Stephen Curry is nearing a return from injury, but he's already been ruled out Thursday, putting Cook in line to start once again. Cook's scored at least 22.0 fantasy points in each of his last six games, and that consistent production should be enough to earn him a look given the small number of available alternatives.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at SAC ($5,200): Gilgeous-Alexander has carved out a consistent role, playing 28 or 29 minutes in each of the past five games. The 11th overall pick averaged a respectable 25.4 fantasy points over the first four before laying down arguably his best performance as a pro with 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists Wednesday. It's fair to assume that he'll only improve as the season progresses, so grab him at $5,200 before Gilgeous-Alexander's price starts to climb.
SHOOTING GUARD
Klay Thompson, GS at TOR ($7,000): Thompson continues to pick up the slack offensively with Curry out, scoring 25-plus points in each of the past five games for an average of 28.6 PPG over that span. With that level of scoring, Thompson just needs to make modest contributions in other categories to provide strong value at $7,000. He's been doing that with at least four rebounds in each of the past four games, as well as three steals and three blocks in that stretch.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC vs. LAC ($5,700): Bogdanovic's three highest playing time totals of the season have come in the past three games, amounting to an average of 30 minutes per contest. He's taken advantage of the increased workload with two performances of 29.0 fantasy points or greater during that stretch. Bogdanovic should be able to maintain his newfound level of play, making him a nice bargain at $5,700.
SMALL FORWARD
Lance Stephenson, LAL vs. IND ($3,700): With Lonzo Ball battling a sprained ankle and Rajon Rondo out with a hand injury, Stephenson's ball handling skills should earn him some extended run in this one -- especially if Ball, who's questionable, is ruled out. In his five games with over 20 minutes of playing time this season, Stephenson's averaging 15.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 3.6 APG. At just $3,700, Lance makes for a low-risk, high-reward option against his former team.
Tyreke Evans, IND at LAL ($5,100): Evans tied his season high with 27 minutes of playing time Tuesday while Victor Oladipo continued to sit out with a knee injury. He didn't capitalize on that opportunity, but the free agent acquisition should get another shot at extended minutes with Oladipo doubtful for this one. Evans should fare better against a Lakers team that's giving up 113.0 points per game.
POWER FORWARD
Marvin Bagley, SAC vs. LAC ($6,700): Bagley's trending up, having topped 40.0 fantasy points twice in the past four games while scoring 28.1 or more in each of the last five. Look for the rookie second overall pick to keep rolling against a tired Clippers team that's playing its second game in as many nights.
Tobias Harris, LAC at SAC ($8,400): The Kings rank among the league's five most generous teams in terms of both points (116.7) and rebounds (57.9) allowed per game, setting Harris up to excel in his two best categories. In his last six games, Harris has scored 24 or more points four times while pulling down 8.8 boards per game.
CENTER
Myles Turner, IND at LAL ($7,200): Turner's thrived with increased offensive responsibility while Oladipo's been out, scoring double-digit points in each of his past six appearances and 16 in each of the last two. He also pulled down a season-high 13 rebounds Tuesday while recording multiple blocks for the 10th consecutive contest. With the ability to contribute significant value on both ends of the floor, Turner is a nice option here.
