Russell Westbrook is on the slate. To fade or not to fade? If you have faded him over the last few weeks the choice is easy, do not fade. I’ll try to muster some value plays to help make that decision easy for you. 

Point Guard

Mike Conley has been frustrating this season, but it’s not his fault. Coach Fizdale is holding Conley out on random days so the best thing to do is avoid him on back to backs. He’s home against the Hornets and he’s just $6,600. He’s a great play. 

Oh, Russell Westbrook. What do we do here? I’m personally leaning towards fading him but that could change in an instant. He’s over $12,000 on both sites and he takes up about 1/4th of your salary but he’s been worth it lately. 

Sergio Rodriguez is in play once again. Jerryd Bayless missed yesterday’s game because he reaggravated his wrist injury. I highly doubt he suits up so Rodriguez makes more a great play on both sites at a very strong discount. 

Every quality starter on the Raptors is in play today against the Sixers and there’s no exception with Kyle Lowry. He’s been extremely consistent lately and he has a great matchup. There is some blowout potential here with Joel Embiid sitting this one out so it’s not like yesterday’s game against the Cavs. 

Shooting Guard

DeMar DeRozan is in play but I’m not in love with him here. He’s still over $8,000 and this game is at a 14.5 spread in favor of the raptors. I’d only play one of the Raptors guards here so pick your poison. 

If you’re desperate for a minimum priced guy, Garrett Temple may be your guy. He’s been playing some solid basketball as of late but his numbers don’t translate to fantasy all that well. He’s facing his former team and has played over 24 minutes in three straight games. He doesn’t have a ton of upside so I would only play Temple if I needed him badly. 

George Hill has been incredible this season but he’s flown a bit under the radar due to his injury. In his first two games back, Hill scored 22 and 23 points. He’s a great fit with the Jazz and he’s worth considering against the Wolves tonight. 

Victor Oladipo has finally found his shot. It took him a couple weeks to get going but he appears to be his old self again. He’s gone over 30 fantasy points seven games in a row so he’s a safe option but he’s had a few explosions as well. 

Small Forward

Kevin Durant is in play almost each and every night and it only gets better with Draymond Green on the shelf. It’s unclear if Green will play or not but Durant loses a bit of appeal if Green does indeed suit up. Play him if Green sits, but consider other options if Green plays because Durant is a bit too expensive. 

If you’re looking for consistency and a bit of upside, Otto Porter is your guy. He’s been a very pleasant surprise this year and he’s nearly averaging 1 fantasy point per minute. The Kings have actually been decent against SFs but Porter just had a fine game against Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs. 

James Johnson is getting some heavy burn with Justise Winslow banged up. Obviously if Winslow plays, look elsewhere. Johnson usually racks up a few steals and blocks so he’s still a solid play despite coming off a lackluster performance in his last game. 

OKC has been giving up quite a few points as of late and they’ll likely struggle to guard Carmelo Anthony. Anthony’s price is getting a bit too high for my liking but he’s still in play. Melo will rarely kill your lineups so if you want to lock in that safe 35-40 points, he’s your guy. 

Power Forward

Richaun Holmes is only worth considering when one of the two Sixers big men is out. Joel Embiid is out for tonight and the Sixers may get blown out. Both are big pluses for Holmes making him a worthy value guy tonight. He won’t play too many minutes but he has a good chance to exceed value. 

Kristaps Porzingis has taken the reigns of the Knicks. He’s scored under 28 fantasy points just once in his last 15 games so he’s one of the best cash options of the night. The former boo recipient on draft day is on fire and we need to take advantage of it. 

Paul Millsap played terrible last night and there’s no way to sugar coat it. He’s in GPP consideration due to the Warriors tendency to play small. Millsap will play some heavy minutes and should even play the five a bit. Throw him into some GPPs because he could be in for a big game against the Warriors. 

Frank Kaminsky is in play once again but he’s no longer a lock at $5,200. He’s probably better coming off the bench especially with Nicolas Batum returning so that’s what I’m looking for tonight. His return to the bench may also scare some DFS players off of him. 

Center

I’ve been on Al Horford since he’s returned from his concussion and he appears to be even better now than he was before the injury. Surprisingly, Hassan Whiteside and the Heat have been giving up quite a bit of points to centers. Horford is very cheap and he and Mike Conley are in the same boat here. Great players coming off injuries. 

DeMarcus Cousins is the alternative route if you wish to evade Russell Westbrook. He has a very good matchup against the Wizards and this is the way I’ll likely go. He’s scored over 50 fantasy points in six of his last seven and he’s still only $10,100, fire him up. 

Hassan Whiteside has fallen to GPP consideration after playing poorly in three straight games. It’s unclear if he’s injured or just slumping but he should be much better tonight. He has a great chance at hitting 50 fantasy points and Whiteside should be fairly low-owned despite the positive matchup. 

Jonas Valanciunas may be the best Raptor player tonight based off salary with Embiid on the shelf. He’s under $6,000 and is coming off of a miserable performance. There’s not many teams that are more appealing than the Sixers to play against so give him a long look.