This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
A star-studded 10-game Tuesday slate sees $20K options like Russell Westbrook, DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis and LeBron James in action. However, there are also some stars capable of offering the same level of production at discounted prices and plenty of value plays to be considered as well. Let's dive in to what should be a high-scoring night of NBA DFS:
GUARDS:
Premium Option
Russell Westbrook, OKC at SAC ($21,000): Westbrook may not be generating the jaw-dropping fantasy-point totals of previous seasons now that he has a little help on the offensive end, but he's still scored over 50 fantasy points in six games -- a sample that includes one tally over 70. The Kings have proven highly vulnerable to point guards despite George Hill's solid defensive reputation, allowing the second-most fantasy points (58.2) to the position over the last five, along with the fourth-most assists (10.1) and second-most made three-pointers (3.2) on the season.
Mid-Tier
Damian Lillard, POR vs. MEM ($16,000): Lillard's current torrid stretch includes two games with over 60 fantasy points in the last four. He's scored between 32 and 36 points in each game during that stretch and has scored less than 38 fantasy points in only one contest this season. That type of upside puts him squarely in play at his price despite the tough matchup against the Grizzlies. Lillard was also solid in against Memphis last season, as he averaged 23.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists across three games.
Affordable
Emmanuel Mudiay, DEN vs. BKN ($8,700): Mudiay's price remains very reasonable despite a strong stretch of production, as he's scored between 22.25 and 32.25 fantasy points in his last six games. He's encouragingly seen between 25 and 32 minutes in the last three as well and will get a crack at a Nets defense that's allowed the third-most fantasy points (57.6) to point guards over the last five. Mudiay has flashed an improved shot this season, while Brooklyn has allowed the fourth-highest shooting percentage (46.0) to the position on the campaign.
FORWARDS/CENTERS:
Premium
LeBron James, CLE vs. MIL ($21,100): The Cavs continue to struggle, but James has apparently decided that if he's going down, he's going down swinging. He's scored between 56.25 and 92.25 fantasy points in his last three games while double-doubling in each. There's also no reason to think he won't be seeing extended run again Tuesday. The Bucks check in allowing 44.7 fantasy points to small forwards over the last five and the third-most assists (5.1) on the season, while James is sporting a robust 29.8 percent usage rate.
Mid-Tier
Ben Simmons, PHI at UTA ($16,900): Simmons has been outstanding in what is essentially his rookie season, scoring between 42.50 and 54.75 fantasy points in eight of nine games. He's been trending toward the high end of that range over the last four contests, as he's scored over 50 in three of them. The Jazz are never the ideal matchup for fantasy purposes, but they're as susceptible as any defense to a down night, as evidenced by their 137-110 loss to the Rockets on Sunday. Moreover, the Sixers will be without Jerryd Bayless (wrist) and Joel Embiid (rest) Tuesday, which could push Simmons to point guard for the night and give his 23.6 percent usage rate a nice boost.
Affordable
Marcin Gortat, WAS vs. DAL ($10,600): Gortat draws a matchup versus a Mavericks squad that's given up the second-most fantasy points (48.3) to centers on the season, as well as the most (55.3) over the last five. Gortat has scored over 30 fantasy points in three of his last six and has scored no less than 22.25 fantasy points in any contest this season.
UTILITY:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at CLE ($18,200): Antetokounmpo will be in a prime position to get his fantasy point totals back up against a Cavs defense that's allowed the third-most fantasy points (51.8) to power forwards on the season, as well as the most (73.3) over the last five. Kevin Love has been suffering from an illness that was bad enough to hospitalize him briefly just two days ago, so he's unlikely to be at full capacity even if he takes the court. Regardless of defender, the matchup-proof Antetokounmpo should return solid value at a price that's come down significantly over the last week.
Donovan Mitchell, UTA vs. PHI ($8,800): Mitchell continues to be priced well below five figures despite a current stretch in which he's scored between 29.00 and 41.00 fantasy points in four out of five contests. The rookie has seen between 24 and 34 minutes in those games, as starting two-guard Rodney Hood has experienced his share of struggles. Mitchell will be poised for a strong return versus a Sixers defense that's allowed the most fantasy points (64.0) to shooting guards over the last five, as well as the third-most fantasy points (53.9) and points (33.1) to the position on the season.
