This article is part of our FantasyAces NBA series.
RotoWire aims to help you win on Fantasy Aces, as we break down a few value plays that can help build lineups. We'll highlight several priced no higher than $4,700, leaving you plenty of room to fit in the likes of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Kyle Lowry.
Guards
Evan Turner, BOS at LAC ($4,700)- Turner, who will get at least one more start in place of Jae Crowder (ankle), has been highly productive in the last two games by scoring 39.50 and 34.25 fantasy points, respectively. He also scored over 30 fantasy points in three other games in the prior eight, and he is one of the best per-dollar multi-category contributors at the small forward position. He'll take aim at a Clippers defense that is middle-of-the-pack against opposing threes in fantasy points allowed per game this season (53.7), and that surrenders the most rebounds (7.8) per game to the position as well.
Shelvin Mack, UTA vs. LAL ($4,650)- Mack is likely to go a bit under-owned Monday due to a pair of lackluster performances in his two most recent games, but he draws one of the best matchups in the league for point guards. The Lakers surrender the second-most fantasy points (69.2) and points (23.9) per game to the position, along with the most assists (8.5). They also check in as a bottom-10 unit in both rebounds and field-goal percentage yielded to points guards, and Mack has aptly proven capable of stuffing the stat sheet. He scored over 30 fantasy points in six consecutive games earlier in March and should have the right conditions to get back on track Monday.
D.J. Augustin, DEN vs. DAL ($4,100)- Augustin just keeps producing off the bench, yet his price remains highly affordable. He'll be involved in another fast-paced game Monday, providing him with an opportunity to build on the impressive resume he's already built in Denver. Augustin has scored between 18.25 and 36.75 fantasy points in his last 10 games, including over 30 fantasy points three times. He's also encouragingly played between 24 and 33 minutes in his last seven games and will now face a Mavs backcourt that will once again be missing Deron Williams (abdominal).
Forwards
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR vs. SAC ($3,950)- Aminu is easy to overlook, as Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum typically dominate the headlines. However, the defensive-minded Aminu has quietly increased his offensive contributions in recent games, scoring over 30 fantasy points in two of his last three. He also scored over 20 fantasy points in three other games over the last seven, drained multiple threes in six of the last 10 contests. He now draws a Kings defense, which is on the second game of a back-to-back, that surrenders the sixth-most fantasy points (57.7), fourth-most points (20.5), fifth-most assists (3.7), second-most steals (1.9), second-most three pointers (2.5) and seventh-highest field-goal percentage (44.1) per game to small forwards this season.
Maurice Harkless, POR vs. SAC ($3,500)- Harkless is another Trail Blazer that has made some underrated contributions in recent games, yet he remains at a near-minimum price. Since moving into the starting lineup three games ago, Harkless has scored 26.00, 22.50 and 30.50 fantasy points, respectively. Those games have all featured double-digit points and solid work on the glass. He'll have a chance to provide excellent returns again Monday with DeMarcus Cousins (undisclosed) likely to sit for the Kings. Sacramento is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points (65.5), sixth-most points (21.6), fifth-most rebounds (11.2) and second-highest field-goal percentage (49.4) per game to power forwards this season, and they rank in the bottom 10 in several other categories against the position (with Cousins normally in the lineup), providing Harkless an opportunity to continue returning 8x-10x value.
Trey Lyles, UTA vs. LAL ($3,300)- Lyles flashed a glimpse of his considerable potential earlier in the season during a stretch of starts in Derrick Favors' stead, and he has continued to play well over the last several weeks after his return to the bench. The rookie has scored over 20 fantasy points in four of the last six game, and notably played under 15 minutes in each of the two games during that span when he failed to hit the mark. He's scored double-digit points in five of the last seven and has even used his touch from beyond the arc to drain multiple threes in four of the last 10 games. With the Jazz fighting for playoff positioning, at home, and facing a Lakers squad on the second game of a back-to-back, Lyles could see some extra run against a defense that's allowing the the sixth-most fantasy points (62.1), second-most rebounds (11.7), second-most assists (3.6) and sixth-highest field-goal percentage (48.2) per game to power forwards this season.
David Lee, DAL at DEN ($3,900)- Despite Dirk Nowitzki's return to the starting lineup Sunday, Lee still scored 21.50 fantasy points versus the Kings. Nowitzki and the Mavs find themselves on the second game of a back-to-back Monday, meaning that Lee, who played sparingly over the first half of the season in Boston and therefore has fresher legs than most at this stage, could see a slight uptick in minutes. He's scored between 20.75 and 44.00 fantasy points in seven of the last 10 games and will face a Nuggets defense ranked in the bottom five in fantasy points (66.9) and points (22.1) allowed per game to power forwards this season.
Centers
Willie Cauley-Stein, SAC at POR ($4,100)- The light has gone on for the talented rookie over the last two games, as Cauley-Stein has scored 40.50 and 30.75 fantasy points, respectively. Those performances have seen him post respective point totals of 26 and 21, and contribute on the glass as well. While he's still coming off the bench, he played 28 and 29 minutes in those games, and he could draw a start Monday with DeMarcus Cousins (undisclosed) likely to miss out. He also draws a premium matchup against the Trail Blazers' vulnerable frontcourt, which has struggled against big men all season.
Enes Kanter, OKC at TOR ($4,700)- Kanter just keeps rolling along, scoring between 20.75 and 37.25 fantasy points over the last 10 games. He exploded for 34.50 fantasy points in his most recent contest Saturday against the Spurs, as he continues to receive consistent minutes. Kanter has played at least 20 minutes in nine of the last 10 games, as he's become the most reliable source of offense on the Thunder's second unit. While the Raptors are a top defensive squad, they've only been middle-of-the-pack in terms of fantasy points (46.3) and points (20.2) allowed per game to centers.
