This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
With the first couple of games behind us, now's the time to capitalize on what we've learned. Studying rotations and minutes is key in these first few games to find values in the pricing system. There are still plenty of players who have been overlooked, and finding those players to pair with studs can lead to a big DFS day. This particular slate has eight games spread throughout the night, which means it's crucial to be safe with the west coast games and avoid any question marks in terms of injuries or limited minutes.
GUARDS
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. BOS ($27): The price is not a premium price and that's what makes Batum such a good play on this slate. There aren't many players who can stuff a stat sheet like Batum and it makes him extremely efficient for fantasy. In the opener, Batum failed to reach double figures in scoring but still managed a solid 30.2 fantasy points. In addition, this game is expected to be close between two strong eastern conference teams, so Batum could easily play at least 35 minutes.
Ty Lawson, SAC vs. MIN ($15): Lawson is the starting point guard in Sacramento in the absence of Darren Collison and his price doesn't reflect his role. The former Nugget was told that he'd play 30-40 minutes per game while Collison is out, and he's played at least 35 in his first two games with the Kings. Lawson actually averaged just shy of 30 fantasy points in those games, and he should accumulate fantasy points through sheer volume. The total in this game should be in the 210-range and that makes Lawson an intriguing option with the anticipated up-tempo play.
Guard to Avoid
Dwyane Wade, CHI vs. IND ($34): Wade is one of my favorite players in the league, but this price reflects Miami Wade more than the Chicago Wade. While he did have a great showing in his debut, it would be hard to imagine Wade matching the usage rate he had in Miami. The reason for that is simple, as Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler tend to dominate the ball. That will make it hard for Wade to produce in both points and assists. This is the sort of matchup that scares me too, as he faces an Indiana defense that regularly finished in the top 10 in efficiency ratings. If I pay 15 percent of my budget for one player, I want him to produce elite numbers and that's hard to see with Wade's new role.
FORWARDS
Al Horford, BOS at CHA ($31): This was one of those prices that I had to double check because it simply didn't seem correct. Horford is a near guarantee for 30 fantasy points and regularly gets in the 40-point range. Much like Batum, he provides statistics across the board and rarely leaves fantasy owners disappointed with his consistency. What's especially enticing is the matchup, as he should be able to abuse a slow Roy Hibbert and run him all over the floor.
JaMychal Green, MEM at NYK ($10): Green is one of the beneficiaries of offseason confusion, as the price makers are slow to adjusting to the fact that he's starting for the Grizzlies. Finding a minimum priced player who is starting is rare enough, but considering he has been productive makes him even more valuable. Green scored 24 fantasy points in the opener and regularly flirted with double-doubles for the final month of the season last year. The Grizzlies will use him too, as they'll need an athletic power forward to stay with Kristaps Porzingis all night. Green makes for a great tournament play and is a must-use in nearly all cash formats.
Forward to Avoid
Anthony Davis, NOP at SAN ($52): Davis deserves all the attention after his first two monster games, but this is a new game in a new circumstance against a different animal. Coming off that near 100 fantasy point outing, he'll have to face a much tougher defense here in the Spurs. In fact, San Antonio was first in nearly every defensive statistic last season and they'll be smart enough to make sure Davis doesn't single-handedly beat them. The Brow will get his, but paying $52 for a player who could struggle against a defense like this is simply out of the question. In addition, the Spurs are a double-digit favorite, so the dogs could be called off early if this game gets out of hand. New Orleans is also playing the second half of a back-to-back, so that could limit Davis' numbers and minutes as well.
CENTER
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at SAC ($46): Towns faces a Sacramento defense that ranked last in numerous defensive categories last season. What also benefits him is the pace, as the Kings like to run up and down the floor. That sort of pace only makes a talented player like Towns more dangerous, as he is one of the most athletic bigs in the league. There are five players priced higher than Towns on this slate, but he could be the one with the highest point total at the end of the night.
Jusuf Nurkic, DEN vs. POR ($14): Nurkic is coming off a career-high 23 points in the opener, and it's clear he's a major part of the Denver offense. He also added nine boards in that game and did all that damage in just 26 minutes. What isn't seen are his defensive capabilities, as he's always a threat for a couple of blocks and steals. With a new role in the Nuggets' offense and his skills as a big, Nurkic should flirt with double-doubles on a nightly basis and provide solid defensive numbers. The price is the icing though, as Nurkic should easily exceed value at just $14.
Center to Avoid
Pau Gasol, SAN vs. NOP ($35): Gasol has really struggled in his first two games for the Spurs, accumulating nine points, 10 rebounds and two assists in 38 minutes. Those are usually low single-game numbers for Gasol, so it's clear he's not a major part of this San Antonio offense yet. This is a tough matchup as well, as he will be matched up with either Anthony Davis or Omer Asik. The Pelicans can also run small, and that sort of circumstance would make Gasol virtually unusable.
