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 for this weekend that can help you build your lineups. Injuries continue to create starting opportunities across the league, which in turn present us with some appealing value propositions to consider in DFS.
With a heaping selection of the elite in action over the weekend, we'll hone in on some of that value priced no higher than $4,850, leaving plenty of room to fit in a few superstars.
Guards
J.R. Smith, CLE at MIN (Fri.), at PHI (Sun.) ($4,350)- After a considerable rough patch in mid-to-late December, Smith has caught fire from the field once again. He's scored between 22.0 and 36.25 fantasy points in four of his last five, and has drained 13 three-pointers over his last two games. Smith can be particularly prolific for extended periods when he gets hot, and his confidence and willingness to shoot at high volume appears sky-high at the moment. Even with a blowout risk at Philadelphia on Sunday, the opportunities should be there for the veteran to return solid value on his price.
Shane Larkin, BKN vs. ORL (Fri.), at DET (Sat.) ($3,900)- While he undoubtedly disappointed in his first start in Jarret Jack's stead following the latter's season-ending ACL tear, Larkin came back strong against the Raptors' stingy point guard defense Wednesday by tallying 26.25 fantasy points in 29 minutes. His price continues unchanged and exceedingly reasonable for a player who figures to have the ball in his hands as often as Larkin will. He'll draw two middle-of-the-pack defenses versus point guards over the weekend, and doesn't need a particularly explosive night to return 5x-6x value.
Mario Chalmers, MEM vs. DEN (Fri.), vs. BOS (Sun.) ($3,850)- Chalmers appears to have at least one starting opportunity lined up Friday and could very well get the call again Sunday. Mike Conley is doubtful to play Friday because of an Achilles injury, and if Chalmers can come anywhere close to his first performance in Conley's stead Wednesday, he'll pay off his price tag handsomely. The 29-year-old scored 49.50 fantasy points two nights ago in a near triple-double performance, and he will draw a Denver defense Friday that surrenders the fourth-most fantasy points per game to point guards on the season. While his Sunday matchup versus the Celtics will be considerably tougher, Chalmers' playing time and opportunity should allow him to return solid-to-superior value in both contests if he starts.
Kent Bazemore, ATL vs. CHI (Sat.) (Price TBD)- Bazemore's price remains pleasantly stagnant while he continues to rattle off productive performances. He's coming off a 38.50-fantasy-point effort versus the Sixers on Thursday, and has tallied four straight double-digit scoring outings. He's also a solid contributor in virtually every category, and he will draw a Bulls defense Saturday giving up 38.6 fantasy points per game to small forwards (where he usually starts) over their last 10 games.
Forwards
Jeff Green, MEM vs. DEN (Fri.), vs. BOS (Sun.) ($4,300)- Green could be in line for some increased responsibility on the offensive side with both Mike Conley (Achilles) and Courtney Lee (hip) likely out for Friday's game, at a minimum. He continues to be priced very reasonably and has scored between 23.25 and 29.75 fantasy points in three of his last five contests. While he's prone to occasional scoring fluctuations, Green is typically a solid contributor across other categories and should see an increase in playing time and scoring chances considering the Grizzlies' health. He'll also draw a Nuggets defense Friday surrendering 41.0 fantasy points to opposing threes over their last 10 games.
Mirza Teletovic, PHX vs. MIA (Fri.) ($3,850)- Teletovic appears to be entrenched as Jon Leuer's backup, but his price has remained parked in the upper $3K range despite a recent increase in minutes and production. The sharpshooting forward has scored 23.75, 25.50 and 35.50 fantasy points over his last three games, respectively, with double-digit scoring and multiple three-pointers in each game. He's played at least 23 minutes in each of those contests as well, and given Markieff Morris' tumultuous relationship with coach Jeff Hornacek, Teletovic's minutes appear to be safe at the moment. If recent performances are any indication, he could be in line to return 6x-8x value if the playing time is there.
Trey Lyles, UTA vs. MIA (Sat.) (Price TBD)- Lyles appears to be increasingly benefiting from all of the extra floor time he's received during Derrick Favors' absence due to a back injury. He turned in one of his best performances Thursday versus the Rockets, scoring 28.75 fantasy points in a season-high 34 minutes. While Lyles certainly won't light up the scoreboard by any stretch, coach Quin Snyder appears willing to give the 2015 first-round pick extended opportunity at the moment, providing him with enough minutes to accumulate some serviceable fantasy performances. Lyles' price has typically been in the mid-$3K range and figures to be in that neighborhood again Saturday, making it fairly feasible for him to bring back at least 5x value.
Centers
Cody Zeller, CHA at LAC (Sat.), AT DEN (Sun.) (Price TBD)- Zeller continues to acquit himself well in Al Jefferson's (knee) latest absence, and his prowess on the glass could lead to some solid fantasy outings this weekend. The 23-year old will kick things off Saturday against DeAndre Jordan, who spearheads a Clippers defense surrendering 50.5 fantasy points per game to opposing centers over their last five, and a league-worst 16.3 rebounds per game over the course of the season. His matchup against the Nuggets on Sunday should bring a little more resistance, but Denver still yields 45.0 fantasy points per game to opposing fives, and generally gives up their fair share of boards in the frontcourt as well. Zeller has averaged 8.3 rebounds per game over his last six, while also posting double-digit scoring in four of those contests.
Zaza Pachulia, DAL at MIL (Fri.), at MIN (Sun.) ($4,850)- Pachulia checks in as the highest-priced value option, but warrants the selection considering the outstanding amount of value he's been returning over his last six games. The Mavs' big man has scored between 32.50 and 37.25 fantasy points over that span, typically returning 7x-8x value. He'll draw two poor defenses this weekend, as Milwaukee is surrendering a league-worst 58.5 fantasy points per game to centers over the last five, while the Timberwolves aren't far behind, allowing 52.7 over that same span.
