This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
This time of year can be frustrating for DFS players, but it needs to be looked at positively. What it really does is open up the door for tons of value, with rotations as bizarre as ever. There are a ton of minimum priced players worth taking a shot on and that helps brings some of the studs in, which is as important as ever with Russell Westbrook potentially looking at one of the biggest fantasy lines of the season.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, OKC at DEN ($65): Everyone and their mother had Westbrook on Friday because of the triple-double record, but they were probably disappointed. That's what makes him all the more intriguing Sunday, as he'll likely have a smaller ownership percentage in a much better matchup. Not only is Denver last in defensive efficiency, they allow the most fantasy points in the league to point guards. In addition, Westbrook is averaging 34 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists in his three games against the Nuggets this season.
Jamal Murray, OKC vs. DEN ($11): Murray has been starting with Jameer Nelson ailing and it's done wonders for his fantasy production, as he is averaging over 32 fantasy points per game in his last three, obliterating his price. What makes that even more encouraging is the fact that Murray ranks second on the team in usage in those games, as the Nuggets clearly want to run their offense through him and Nikola Jokic.
Guard to Avoid
Cory Joseph, TOR at NYK ($16): Joseph was a nice fill-in for Kyle Lowry, but now that Lowry's back, Joseph is no longer a value play. While he does have at least 25 fantasy points in his two games since Lowry's return, he's seen a decrease in minutes. Those minutes should continue to fall, as Lowry will play more minutes the healthier he gets, and $16 is too much to spend on a player with that profile.
FORWARD
Skal Labissiere, SAC vs. HOU ($11): Labissiere has scored at least 21 fantasy points in four of his last five games, playing at least 31 minutes four times, which is excellent production for an $11 player. He should have a major advantage in his individual matchup Sunday, as the Rockets start an undersized Ryan Anderson at power forward.
Maurice Ndour, NYK vs. TOR ($10): This is another one of those strange situations in which a random player has seen a major increase in minutes on a bad team. With Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis all out or banged up, it's led to some great outings from Ndour, who has scored at least 30 fantasy points in two of his last three games. If he can keep that going, Ndour would be the value of the day at minimum price.
Forward to Avoid
Carmelo Anthony, NYK vs. TOR ($31): Anthony is so difficult to trust now, as it's unclear when he's going to play. Since March 22, Anthony has only played four games and it's never a certainty that he suits up. He's seen a major decrease in production too, as he hasn't surpassed 40 fantasy points since the end of February. Additionally, Toronto has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to small forwards this season.
CENTERS
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at LAL ($49): The Timberwolves are one of the few bad teams that continue to play their stars. It's no surprise, as this young core continues to try to piece things together. Towns has been spectacular, averaging 45 fantasy points per game for the season and dropping at least 50 in his last two. Additionally, Sunday's matchup is solid, as the Lakers have allowed the second-most fantasy points to centers this season, with Towns contributing to that by averaging 26.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game in three starts against them this season.
Clint Capela, HOU at SAC ($17): Capela is averaging 26 fantasy points per game for the season, including 13.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.9 blocks per game over his last 20. That's great production for a $17 player and it comes in a premium matchup, as Sacramento is allowing the third-most fantasy points to centers since they traded DeMarcus Cousins.
Center to Avoid
Andre Drummond, DET at MEM ($28): Drummond has failed to crack 33 fantasy points in seven straight games, and his minutes have been decreasing of late, averaging only 27 per game over his last eight. Meanwhile, Memphis has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to centers this season.
