This article is part of our FantasyAces NBA series.
RotoWire aims to help you win on Fantasy Aces, as we will break down a few value plays for the coming days that can help you build your lineups.
There is value to be had, and identifying it will allow you to spend on top-tier players to round out your lineup.
Guards:
O.J. Mayo, MIL vs. TOR (Fri.), vs. GSW (Sat.), $4,150: Mayo has been playing point guard with the injuries to Jerryd Bayless (ankle) and Greivis Vasquez (ankle), which makes him a value play as long as the two Bucks' point guards are out. Even when they do return, Mayo's role is sure to increase with his excellent play of late. He has reached value on Fantasy Aces in four straight games (all at point guard) while playing at least 33 minutes in each.
Will Barton, DEN vs. MIN (Fri), $4,800: Barton has been a top value on Fantasy Aces for nearly a month. At his price, anything over 25 fantasy points is solid value. He has at least that many in eight of his last 10 games, reaching 29 or more in three straight. Barton's role and minutes have increased throughout the season, as he played 37 minutes in the Nuggets' last game against the Magic. His usage rate has climbed to second on the team, only behind starting point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, making him a solid value at a still too-low price.
Tony Wroten, PHI vs. DET (Fri.), vs. TOR (Sun), $4,400: Wroten's minutes limit is strictly at 16 minutes for the time being, which is not enough for him to be worth a play on Aces, but it will be removed soon. When that happens, he will be an instant value play given his price and production. In his career he has averaged 0.9 fantasy points per minute, which equates to 27 fantasy points in 30 minutes. His price would need to exceed $5,000 to supersede the value, but Wroten could be playing more than 30 by then. Keep an eye on the Sixers news, because as soon as Wroten's minutes limit is lifted he is a solid play.
Forwards:
Mirza Teletovic, PHO vs. POR (Fri.), vs. MIN (Sun.), $3,850: In the new Suns rotation (sans Markieff Morris), Teletovic has been a staple off the bench. He has played at least 21 minutes in seven straight, including at least 24 in three of the last four, while reaching value in eight of the last 10. At just $3,850, anything over 22 fantasy points would be considered excellent value, and given his 0.8 fantasy points per minute this season, that is worth playing in two good matchups Friday and Sunday.
Ersan Ilyasova, DET vs. PHI (Fri.), vs. IND (Sat.), $4,000: Ilyasova has been known to go through hot stretches during his career where he sees a blend of minutes, production and value in DFS. His minutes have risen, as has his production, which indicates this could be one of those stretches. Ilyasova has at least 23 fantasy points in four of the last five games, playing at least 24 minutes in four of five as well. With the Pistons facing the Sixers and Pacers in the next two games, he will have a chance to exploit two smaller matchups on the perimeter and in the post.
Jon Leuer, PHO vs. POR (Fri.), vs. MIN (Sun.), $4,400: Another beneficiary of the Suns' new rotation is Leuer, who has become a DFS superstar of late. At his current price of $4,400, anything over 24 fantasy points is an excellent return. Leuer has at least 25 in four of his last five games and has played huge minutes. In the last five, Leuer's minutes are 27, 30, 40, 22 and 38, respectively. With Morris injured and/or struggling, Leuer has taken the reigns as the stretch four in Phoenix. In two fast-paced games against the Blazers and Wolves on Friday and Sunday, look for him to continue to be a great play if he starts.
Center:
Alex Len, PHO vs. POR (Fri.), vs. MIN (Sun.), $4,350: Len has been a huge boost for the Suns with Tyson Chandler (hamstring) out, scoring well over a fantasy point per minute. In eight games without Chandler, Len has at least one fantasy point per minute in five contests including both of the last two. At just $4,350 he needs a return of at least 24 fantasy points for an excellent value. In the last three games, Len has done just that, scoring 27.25, 27.5 and 42 fantasy points. Given the Blazers and Wolves' struggles against centers this season, expect Len to play a lot of minutes.
