This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Thursday's NBA slate is a light one, with three games on tap after 7:00 PM Eastern time. Despite the limited selection, certain players still stand out as options to target at their respective prices. 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
Trae Young, ATL vs. NY ($8,400): Young has taken his game to the next level over the past 10 games, averaging 21.8 PPG and 8.8 APG. The rookie point guard has elite shooting and passing ability at his disposal, and he's using those skills much more effectively than he was earlier in his first professional season. Young's recent upward trend should continue against a Knicks team that's playing its second game in as many nights. New York has also dropped 18 games in a row.
Raymond Felton, OKC at NO ($3,700): Felton poured in 15 points in 21 minutes with Dennis Schroder out due to the birth of his child Monday, and Felton is in position to repeat that effort with Schroder set to sit out a second consecutive contest. Despite its small size, this slate has plenty of expensive stars worth saving up for, and deploying the $3,700 Felton allows owners to maximize their spending at other positions.
SHOOTING GUARD
Jeremy Lamb, CHA at ORL ($6,600): Without Lamb's progression, it's unlikely the Hornets would be clinging to a playoff spot like they currently are. The 26-year-old shooting guard is averaging career highs in PPG (15.2) and RPG (5.6), having topped the 20-point mark in three of his last four games. With few strong alternatives to pick from at the shooting guard position, Lamb's a nice investment at $6,600.
Deonte Burton, OKC at NO ($3,700): Whether used in tandem with Felton or instead of him, Burton's appealing for the same reasons as his veteran teammate. Burton also benefited from the absences of Schroder and Jerami Grant (ankle) on Monday, recording 18 points and three blocks in 26 minutes. With both guys set to sit out again here, he's a low-risk, high-reward play at just $3,700.
SMALL FORWARD
Paul George, OKC at NO ($12,500): George has thrown his hat into the ring for MVP with his tremendous play over the past 10 games, averaging 37.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG and 4.7 APG. He's enhanced his fantasy value with 2.5 steals per game over that stretch as well. Another offensive outburst should occur against a Pelicans team that's surrendering 114.6 points per game -- fourth-most in the league.
Kevin Knox, NY at ATL ($5,800): Knox was limited to 19 minutes by foul trouble in Wednesday's loss to the 76ers, but that could be a blessing in disguise for the rookie, who had averaged 15.6 PPG in 35 minutes per game over the previous eight. With relatively fresh legs for this second leg of a back-to-back, Knox is set to put his scoring prowess on display against a Hawks team that's surrendering a league-high 118.4 points per game.
POWER FORWARD
John Collins, ATL vs. NY ($8,200): While Young is Atlanta's most dangerous option in the backcourt, Collins is the team's best player up front. The second-year power forward is averaging 19.4 PPG and 9.7 RPG, so a 20-and-10 performance should be expected against a tired and vulnerable Knicks team.
Marvin Williams, CHA at ORL ($5,700): Williams has turned it on over the past five games, producing a well-rounded 12.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. His potential for an outburst in any category every given night makes Williams a solid choice at $5,700, so he's a nice fallback for owners who can't afford to pay up for two of this slate's most expensive power forwards.
CENTER
Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. CHA ($10,500): Vucevic is set to earn a hefty payday in free agency this offseason, as the center's putting together his finest campaign at the ideal time. He's averaging 20.6 PPG, 12.1 RPG and 3.8 APG this season, while also chipping in 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game on the defensive end. The Montenegrin big man will have a great opportunity to eclipse those averages against a Hornets team that's struggled to win outside of its own building, posting an 8-20 record on the road.
