This article is part of our Category Strategy series.
The NBA regular season comes to a close Wednesday with an 11-game slate that begins at 8:00 PM Eastern time.
Veterans battling for playoff positioning and less-heralded guys getting extended playing time on lottery-bound teams make up the majority of the value plays to be found in this slate, with a couple retiring legends making the cut as well. While this is your last opportunity to play in the regular season, FanDuel will continue to offer NBA DFS contests throughout the playoffs. FanDuel's format only counts the eight highest scores in your nine-player lineup, so keep that in mind when making your selections.
POINT GUARD
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC vs. UTA ($5,800): Gilgeous-Alexander is playing some of his best basketball to close out his rookie season, averaging 34.2 fantasy points per game over the past six. With Utah likely giving some of its better players a bit of a breather in the season finale, SGA should continue his recent success as the Clippers try to avoid a first-round matchup with Golden State.
Kemba Walker, CHA vs. ORL ($9,800): Charlotte needs a win and a Pistons loss to make the playoffs, so expect Walker to once again put the team on his back. He topped 48.0 fantasy points in four straight games prior to Tuesday's blowout win over Cleveland, in which Walker was able to take his foot off the gas quickly and save his energy in preparation for this all-important contest.
SHOOTING GUARD
Dwyane Wade, MIA at BKN ($5,333): While he probably won't match Kobe's last game, Wade is likely to end his Hall-of-Fame career with one last strong performance after falling short of 30.0 fantasy points only once in his past nine games. With the Heat having been eliminated from playoff contention, expect Wade's teammates to defer to him early and often.
Wayne Ellington, DET at NY ($4,900): Ellington has been instrumental in getting Detroit to this "win and you're in" scenario, averaging 26.5 fantasy points in 34 minutes per game over the last five. Considering this pivotal matchup comes against a Knicks team with a 112.7 defensive rating that's fifth-worst in the league, Ellington's primed to help his team get over the hump with another strong outing.
SMALL FORWARD
Mario Hezonja, NY vs. DET ($7,900): Hezonja's closing out the season on a high note, averaging 25.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 7.0 APG and 1.7 steals as the starting point guard over his past three games played. He sat out Tuesday against the Bulls due to an illness, but Hezonja's worth targeting if he can get back into the lineup. If Hezonja doesn't play, Dennis Smith would likely start at point guard and be a strong play himself.
Bruno Caboclo, MEM vs. GS ($5,300): Caboclo's no stranger to success against the Warriors, having mustered 46.1 fantasy points when these teams last met March 27. That's one of three performances over 40.0 fantasy points among Caboclo's past eight games, as the Brazilian forward is finally flashing the upside that prompted Toronto to select him 20th overall in 2014. Still just 23, Caboclo should get plenty of playing time in this meaningless finale for Memphis.
POWER FORWARD
Aaron Gordon, ORL at CHA ($7,000): Gordon has displayed some improved playmaking ability of late, dishing out six-plus assists in three of his last five games to go with his usual mid-teens scoring and high single-digit rebounding averages. With fellow Magic forward Jonathan Isaac ruled out due to a potential concussion, Gordon will likely have a little extra responsibility against a Hornets team that lacks options that can match his combination of size and athleticism at the power forward position.
Dirk Nowitzki, DAL at SA ($4,141): Like Wade, Dirk is writing the final chapter of a legendary career. Nowitzki scored 30 points with eight rebounds in his final home game Tuesday, and his usage rate is likely to be high once again in his final career game. At his price, Dirk's a low-risk, high-reward option.
CENTER
Gorgui Dieng, MIN at DEN ($4,000): Dieng made his first start of the season Tuesday with Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined by a knee injury, posting a well-rounded 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block. A repeat effort would make Dieng a tremendous play at just $4,000.
