This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Happy Tuesday everyone! Today's slate is pretty light with five games on the schedule. The first clash of the evening will tip off at 7:30 Eastern time and features the Lakers and the Hawks. We've also got some teams with some serious firepower in action, as the Celtics will take on the Sixers in Philadelphia and the Jazz will travel to Golden State to face off with the Warriors.
There are a handful of stars in action, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis, so keep that in mind when filling out your FanDuel lineups. It may be beneficial to include at least a couple of true value plays to make room for the big names of the night. As always, remember to take advantage of the fact that FanDuel drops the player with the lowest score. Good luck!
Point Guard
Stephen Curry, GS vs. UTA ($9,100): Kyrie Irving (knee) has already been ruled out for Tuesday, so I'm scooping up Curry as my top point guard for the evening. It's difficult to go wrong with Curry in your lineup, given he's produced 36-plus FanDuel points in five of his last six games and has thrown in a 51-point performance during that stretch. Although the Jazz typically hold their own on the defensive end of the court, I don't think any team in the league has enough tools to defend Curry, much less the entire Warriors' starting lineup.
Bryn Forbes, SA at MEM ($4,100): After going with Stephen Curry and targeting Anthony Davis ($12,500) elsewhere in my lineup, I'm picking up Forbes for a mere $4,100. He's racked up 10 straight games of 10 or more points, and while his production elsewhere often leaves something to be desired, he's shown that he can dish out a handful of assists or help out on the boards on occasion. Forbes has cracked 20-plus FanDuel points in four of his last eight matchups and his relatively consistent playing time and scoring output make for a high ceiling, especially with Memphis allowing 40.5 FanDuel points per contest this season to opposing point guards. With this in mind, I'm a big fan of Forbes, who can balance out the funds spent at point guard after selecting a more expensive option in Curry.
Shooting Guard
Klay Thompson, GS vs. UTA ($7,400): I'm pouncing on Thompson for $7,400 here, especially when considering his recent high level of play. He's put up 34 or more FanDuel points in each of his last four games and has poured in 25 or more actual points during this stretch of impressive basketball. It's also worth pointing out that the sharpshooter has drilled four or more threes at a clip of 60.0 percent during his most recent hot streak. While Utah does possess one of the more impressive defenses out there, I'm relying on Thompson's outstanding 3-point shooting to propel his way to a big fantasy night.
Kevin Huerter, ATL vs. LAL ($5,600): After considering the success that opposing shooting guards have had against the Lakers throughout the season (39.8 FanDuel points per game), I'm rolling with Huerter, who's mustered 22-plus FanDuel points in seven of his last eight contests. While he's not one of the flashiest options at this position, his matchup and recent play have convinced me that he's worth the risk at just $5,600 for the night. The young shooting guard certainly doesn't possess the highest fantasy upside, but he's proven to be a reliable option, especially if when trying to squeeze another big star into your lineup.
Small Forward
Kenrich Williams, NO vs. ORL ($6,400): Williams has recently emerged as a starting forward for the Pelicans, and he's coming off his first double-double of the season Saturday in Memphis (39.1 FanDuel points). He's racked up 30-plus FanDuel points in three of his first four starts for New Orleans, leaving little doubt that he'll get another chance to run with the first unit Tuesday in Orlando. Williams' contributions across the board make him an enticing choice for your lineup at small forward, especially when looking to avoid spending a small fortune on the top-tier names like LeBron James ($11,200) and Kevin Durant ($9,900).
J.J. Redick, PHI vs. BOS ($5,700): Redick is coming off a pair of stellar outings, racking up 39.1 and 36.9 FanDuel points over his previous two games. Despite the addition of Tobias Harris to the mix at the trade deadline, Redick's production has actually increased, primarily because he's gone 9-for-13 from beyond the arc during a brief two-game stretch. I anticipate Redick being able to carry his recent high level of play over into the Sixers' matchup with Boston, who'll be without the services of Kyrie Irving due to a knee injury.
Power Forward
Anthony Davis, NO vs. ORL ($12,500): Now that the trade deadline has come and gone, the Pelicans will continue to play their star while slightly reducing his minutes. While he's played 33 and 24 minutes in his previous two matchups, respectively, Davis has still managed to finish with 52.2 and 52.8 FanDuel points. He's the most expensive option at all five positions for the night, but I believe his fantasy potential is simply too great to ignore, even if it means having to cut back at other spots in your lineup. Expect another big night out of Davis, who will go up against an Orlando defense that ranks 12th in defensive rating.
Derrick Favors, UTA at GS ($5,400): After selecting Anthony Davis at this position, I had to go a bit cheaper with Favors, who's managed to produce reliable totals for an affordable price of late. He's finished with 28-plus FanDuel points in four of his last six matchups, doing so with strong showings in the scoring column and on the boards, although he's also proven himself as a shot blocker. Favors is slated to face off against a defense that ranks near the middle of the pack in defensive rating, which I believe will allow him to continue his recent production.
Center
JaVale McGee, LAL at ATL ($6,300): I'm rolling with McGee as my center for the evening, primarily because he's facing an Atlanta defense that's ranked 28th in defensive rating (112.8). The Hawks sit amongst the middle of the pack when it comes to points allowed to opposing centers, and I envision a big night for the 31-year-old big man. I've also seen McGee pull himself out of a brief slump, as he erupted for 43.1 FanDuel points in his last matchup against the Sixers and has finished with 26 or more points in five of his last six matchups. With Anthony Davis on the slate at power forward Tuesday evening, I'm going with a mid-tier center here.
