This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
The NBA regular season comes to a close Wednesday and even though the excitement of the playoffs is about to begin, I'm still sad that the long 82-game grind has come to an end. There is just something about finishing in the money on a random Wednesday in February because of a big game from someone like Lance Stephenson or Mirza Teletovic that makes you proud, even if you only win a few bucks.
Although Wednesday will be your last day to win big for the regular season, that doesn't mean the win would be any less exciting. Here are some of the better value plays available to hopefully end your season with some extra cash.
Point Guard
Toney Douglas, NO at MIN ($5,900): The Pelicans had one of the more disappointing seasons in the league, but their struggles were a result of being decimated by injuries. Douglas has been thrust into a prominent role as a result and he has not disappointed, recording at least 29.9 FanDuel points in each of his last four games. The Pelicans don't really have many guys left available to play, so look for Douglas to have another big game against Minnesota.
Shooting Guard
Kobe Bryant, LAL vs UTA ($5,900): Bryant plays the last game of his career Wednesday at home, so look for him to get plenty of looks in this game. He has scored at least 17 points in four of his last five home games, but I'm expecting him to get around 30 points in this one. The energy in the arena is going to be awesome, so why not add a little more spice to your living room as well by putting Kobe in your lineup one last time as well? I don't think he will disappoint.
Marcus Thornton, WAS vs. ATL ($4,000): Did some say garbage time? In comes Thornton, who always seems to put up numbers when given the chance to play extended minutes. He has played at least 31 minutes in both of his last two games, finishing with at least 28 FanDuel points in both contests. The Wizards have nothing to play for as the season comes to an end, so look for Thornton to see plenty of action and far out produce his price tag Wednesday.
Small Forward
Nikola Mirotic, CHI vs. PHI ($5,200): The Bulls might be the most disappointing team in the entire league because even though they suffered some injuries to key players, they still had enough talent that they should have been able to at least find a way into the playoffs. They are playing out the string at this point and with several key players either injured or just sitting out to rest against the Sixers, Mirotic should see plenty of scoring opportunities. The Bulls were without several key players Monday against the Pelicans when Mirotic finished with 29.3 FanDuel points, so I expect much of the same from him Wednesday.
Power Forward
Bobby Portis, CHI vs. PHI ($4,000): Like Mirotic, Portis saw extended playing time Monday against the Pelicans and he cashed in with 27.6 FanDuel points. While the Bulls season has been terrible, Portis has been one of the bright spots on the roster as he has shown lots of potential. Expect him to play significant minutes and provide plenty of value Wednesday at this cheap price.
Trey Lyles, UTA at LAL ($4,000): Lyles appears to be in line for extended playing time Wednesday as Rudy Gobert (ankle) didn't travel with the team to Los Angeles and is unlikely to play. Lyles tends to produce when given the opportunity to play, evident by the fact that he has produced at least 28.5 FanDuel points in both of the last two games where he played at least 32 minutes. I'm willing to give him a shot Wednesday considering his price tag.
Center
Bismack Biyombo, TOR at BKN ($4,100): Biyombo had a serviceable performance Tuesday against the Sixers as he finished with 24.4 FanDuel points in 22 minutes. The Raptors might sit some of their key players on the second night of a back-to-back that means nothing, which could mean even more playing time for Biyombo. The Nets are terrible up front considering they are resting their best players, so Biyombo could be in store for a big night.
