This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
There are only six games on what is usually a packed Wednesday slate, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of decisions to be made across the price scale. The following list of players should give DFS owners a guideline for who to potentially build around:
GUARDS:
Chris Paul, HOU at MIA ($9,300): The biggest reasoning behind Paul's inclusion on my list is his price, as he's just $9,300. That's the lowest he's been since late December, so I'm going to grab him at a discounted price while that opportunity is available. It's not as if Paul's numbers have been overly low of late either, as he's posted 43.9 and 51.1 FanDuel points, respectively, over the last two contests. While the Heat may be solid in terms of backcourt defense, that doesn't scare me off from Paul and his discounted price.
Jrue Holiday, NOP vs IND ($7,600): Holiday has played particularly well of late, averaging 39.4 FanDuel points over his last five games. He hasn't fallen below 30 FanDuel points since Jan. 6, so he's got a very safe floor while also having the upside needed to benefit in tournament settings. This game also marks one of the highest over/unders on the night, so the tempo should be quick, which means more statistics will be available for all involved. Holiday has already averaged nearly 17 shot attempts per game over the last five, so he's clearly doing everything he can offensively to help make up for the loss of DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles).
Danny Green, SAS at PHO ($4,800): The Suns are poor defensively when it comes to limiting opposing shooting guards, as they've given up the most FanDuel points to the position on the season. They've been especially bad of late, which brings Green into consideration. Green sits at a lower mid-tier price, but has 40-plus FanDuel point potential on any given night, evidenced by his recent outing against Rockets on Feb. 1 when he posted 44.7 FanDuel points. With a very strong matchup at an affordable price, Green should give fantasy owners a decent price break that allows for some expensive options elsewhere.
FORWARDS:
LaMarcus Aldridge, SAS at PHO ($8,600): Like Green, this is a matchup I just couldn't resist. The Suns have started Dragan Bender over Marquese Chriss the last two contests and Bender is fresh off Tuesday's outing when he gave up 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists to the Lakers' Julius Randle. Aldridge is even more skilled and is the Spurs' top threat offensively, so if he remains paired up with Bender, that should result in some impressive production. Aldridge's price is a little cheaper than it has been in recent weeks as well, which only adds a little more intrigue to his already strong outlook. And finally, Aldridge has had a four day break, so he should be well rested going into Wednesday's contest.
Nikola Mirotic, NOP vs IND ($7,200): Mirotic has had conflicting performances in his first two games in New Orleans, posting an impressive 48.4 FanDuel points in his first outing against the Timberwolves, but then falling down to a meager 12.6 FanDuel points against the Jazz. I'm betting on a bounce-back showing and something closer to his Pelicans debut, especially considering Indiana has given up the sixth most FanDuel points to power forwards on the season. This is a very favorable matchup and makes him one of my top upper mid-tier guys at the forward positions.
Gerald Green, HOU at MIA ($4,200): The Rockets continue to deal with some injuries at forward. Trevor Ariza (hamstring) has already been ruled out, while Ryan Anderson (ankle) is now dealing with an injury and seems unlikely to play in the second night of a back-to-back. That means the Rockets' forward rotation will likely be a lot of Luc Mbah a Moute, P.J. Tucker and Green. Of the three, Green has the most upside considering his ability to score in bunches in a short period of time. At a price of just $4,200, he's another salary break option.
CENTERS:
Andre Drummond, DET vs BKN ($11,000): Drummond should have no trouble handling rookie Jarrett Allen of the Nets. Drummond is the more skilled and experienced player, so I have no doubts that he puts together another huge double-double, which would mark his eighth straight. The Nets have given up the most FanDuel points to centers during the 2017-18 campaign and there's nothing to make me think that changes here. If you can afford him, fire up Drummond with confidence Wednesday.
Bam Adebayo, MIA vs HOU ($4,200):Kelly Olynyk is dealing with a shoulder injury and is doubtful for Wednesday's contest, so look for Adebayo to get increased run in the frontcourt. Adebayo is coming off Monday's matchup with the Magic where he posted an impressive 18 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks across 26 minutes, which was good enough for 40.5 FanDuel points. If he can put together another performance like that with what should be a hefty workload once again, that would be an extremely strong return for a guy priced at just $4,200.
