This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
With nine games on the schedule for Wednesday's slate, there's a ton of options to sort through at all three levels of the price scale. The following list should provide a handful of players to consider building your lineup around:
GUARDS:
James Harden, HOU vs CHA ($12,100): Despite being tied for the highest overall price with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Harden still jumps out right away as my favorite top-tier option. He's matched up against a Hornets squad that gives up the third most FanDuel points to shooting guards, which is exactly what you're looking for in a guy like Harden, who's been extremely hot of late with back-to-back performances of 67.7 and 69.1 FanDuel point efforts. If you're paying up, Harden will unsurprisingly be one one of the top options.
Eric Bledsoe, MIL at NO ($6,900): You've got to love the price for Bledsoe. He's peaked at $7,500 this season, but has now dropped down a bit to $6,900. That's a nice discount for a guy that's averaged 39.2 FanDuel points over the last three games. The Pelicans actually give up the second most FanDuel points to point guards on the season, so Bledsoe should have every opportunity to take over this game in a one-two punch with Antetokounmpo.
Milos Teodosic, LAC at ORL ($4,500): Teodosic is definitely a risky play, but one of the more intriguing ones at that, especially for those putting in tournament lineups. He played his first game in nearly two months on Monday, posting 12 points and seven rebounds across 21 minutes, which was good enough for 19.4 FanDuel points. With a game under his belt, look for his minutes to slowly rise, so it wouldn't be surprising if his workload jumped up into the mid-to-upper-20s. At a price of just $4,500, Teodosic could provide some strong value if he sees the increase in playing that most are expecting.
FORWARDS:
Paul George, OKC at IND ($7,600): George has been super inconsistent this season in terms of his fantasy output, which is to be expected when he has to share the ball with the likes of Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. Still, with a matchup against a defensively weak Pacers team, George immediately becomes an intriguing play. The inconsistencies aside, George has surpassed the 50-FanDuel-point mark five times already this season, so compared to others at his price, he's easily got the most upside. Again, he has the occasional off night, which continues to keep his price down, but his upside is what makes him a strong tournament play.
Wilson Chandler, DEN at BOS ($4,100): Chandler had a very slow start to the season, but has finally showed some life of late with both Paul Millsap (wrist) and Nikola Jokic (ankle) out. That's allowed Chandler to get the ball in his hands a little more and up his usage, which has translated to a pair of solid performances his last two times out. For a guy that scores as quickly as Chandler that's priced at a meager $4,100 price, that immediately screams a potential value play. Jokic is considered questionable for Wednesday's contest currently, but if he sits out, look for Chandler to once again help out with extra touches offensively.
Frank Kaminsky, CHA at HOU ($3,800): Kaminsky is another cheap power forward option that jumps out right away at a near minimum price. Cody Zeller recently underwent surgery on his knee and is slated to be out for upwards of six months, which means Kaminsky is slated for an elevated role helping fill in as a top reserve in the frontcourt. He was limited to just 18 minutes Monday, though that was because he was fresh off an ankle injury. With another game under his belt, his minutes should push up into the mid-to-upper 20s, making him a very strong play at a near minimum price.
CENTERS:
DeMarcus Cousins, NOP vs MIL ($12,000): Cousins is the top priced center on the slate, so it's already assumed he's going to put up some strong numbers. That said, he's going up against a Milwaukee team that often struggles against opposing centers, so he's going to have an opportunity to dominate down low. While Anthony Davis (groin) is likely to play, he's fresh off an injury and the Pelicans will likely monitor his minutes closely, which should mean more touches and a higher usage for Cousins in the post. Averaging 57.8 FanDuel points over his last five games, Cousins will be a great play if you can afford him. If you need something cheaper, a guy like Mason Plumlee ($4,900) can be considered.
Rudy Gobert, UTA at CHI ($7,400): Gobert will be playing in his fifth game since an extended absence with a bone bruise in his knee, so he should be on a full starter's workload, especially considering he's had a full four days off since the last time the Jazz took the court. He's got a great matchup against the Bulls who have given up the fifth most FanDuel points to centers on the season and his price is fairly cheap. Gobert peaked at $9,000 earlier this season, so $7,400 is extremely discounted and could be the best you'll see him at the rest of the season.
