This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Wednesday's action-packed NBA slate begins at 7:00 PM Eastern time and features 12 games. With the playoffs around the corner, some teams are jostling for position while others have been eliminated from contention and are giving youngsters extended run.
Both situations create fantasy value for certain players. 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
Kemba Walker, CHA at NO ($9,000): Though it looks like they're going to come up short, Walker's doing everything in his power to will the Hornets into the playoffs. He's scored over 30 points four times in his last seven, with games of 36, 38 and most recently, 47 points in that stretch. Walker's also chipping in 5.9 RPG and 7.3 APG in that stretch, and a Pelicans team with a 111.7 defensive rating will have a hard time slowing him down.
Emmanuel Mudiay, NY at ORL ($6,500): With Dennis Smith (back) doubtful and Kadeem Allen (concussion) out, Mudiay should see all the minutes he can handle at the point guard position in this one. Mudiay has exceeded 35.0 fantasy points four times in his past 10 games, so he has the skills to produce when given the opportunity.
SHOOTING GUARD
Evan Fournier, ORL vs. NY ($5,600): Orlando's one of five teams involved in a heated battle for the final three playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, and Fournier's doing all he can to get his team over the hump. The French wing has topped 20 points in four of his last seven games, adding 3.6 RPG and 4.6 APG over that span. Fournier has a great opportunity to add to his recent success in this home meeting with a Knicks team that has the league's third-worst defensive rating at 113.0.
Delon Wright, MEM at POR ($7,000): Wright scored 45.6 fantasy points with Mike Conley sidelined by an ankle injury Sunday, marking the third time in the past four games that Wright's recorded at least 39.1. With Conley doubtful for this one, Wright's primed to play a sizable role on offense while continuing to show off his prowess on the other end -- he has 15 steals in the last four games.
SMALL FORWARD
JaKarr Sampson, CHI at WAS ($3,500): The Bulls aren't exactly trotting out a prolific lineup right now, so Sampson should get plenty of chances to exploit a Wizards team with a 112.6 defensive rating that ranks fifth-worst in the league. He took advantage of a similar opportunity in his season debut Monday, racking up 22 points and seven rebounds in 29 minutes against the Knicks. At just $3,500, Sampson's a low-risk, high-reward option.
Jabari Parker, WAS vs. CHI ($6,700): On the opposite side of this Bulls-Wizards meeting lies Parker, who rides a nice wave of momentum into this matchup against the team he started the season with. Parker has thrived since Trevor Ariza went down with a groin injury, averaging 21.0 PPG and 8.3 RPG in the three games since Ariza -- who's like done for the season -- last suited up. The second overall selection in the 2014 draft poured in 28 points when these teams last met March 20, and Parker's set up for a similarly successful revenge game.
POWER FORWARD
Jonah Bolden, PHI at ATL ($5,500): Bolden showcased both his high ceiling and low floor in the past two games, scoring 44.1 fantasy points in 31 minutes Friday and 13.9 in 29 minutes Monday. Joel Embiid's (rest) fill-in is a risky pick, but it's a risk worth taking against a Hawks team that's been extremely generous to opponents all season. Atlanta sports the league's sixth-worst defensive rating and fastest pace, plus the Hawks will be playing their second game in as many nights.
Christian Wood, NO vs. CHA ($6,600): Silly season is upon us, with various youngsters getting chances to shine for non-playoff clubs. Wood's certainly making the most of his opportunities, averaging 21.0 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.3 steals and 2.7 blocks per game over the past three. The 23-year-old big man should continue to get extended run, and his ability to deliver on both ends makes Wood a strong option as long as that's the case.
CENTER
Rudy Gobert, UTA at PHO ($10,500): Gobert is averaging a robust 48.4 fantasy points over his past five games, and he has a nice opportunity to exceed that average here. He played 39 minutes in Utah's last game with fellow big man Derrick Favors sidelined by a back injury, and Favors has already been ruled out for this one. All that playing time should lead to more opportunities for rebounds and hustle stats, while offense shouldn't be an issue for Gobert against a Suns team with the league's second-worst defensive rating (113.7).
