This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Saturday's five-game slate is mostly devoid of consequence from a playoff perspective, and the anemic Over/Under totals in most of the contests are equally yawn-inducing.
What's equally unimpressive? Kevin Durant is our only player listed above $50, and there's almost no chance that he'll play a full game against the Kings. The only upside is that you won't need to make room for a Westbrook or a LeBron -- there are fewer toys in the sandbox on Saturday.
As we get close to the end of the season, variance is going to be high on teams that have nothing to play for. If we have reliable evidence from multiple sources that a lineup change is imminent then we should take advantage, but otherwise you are better off taking a 'better safe than sorry' approach with your cash rosters in the final weeks.
I'll highlight two players at each position with a small additional list at each spot that holds equal weight in my predictions. I'll attempt to feature one budget player at each spot. We will also select a guard, forward and center to avoid on Saturday.
GUARDS
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. TOR ($27): While most will flock to the backcourt on the other side of this matchup, Rozier outplayed expected totals in both meetings against the Raptors with an average of 32 YFP over those two games. Let's face it, he's not going to explode for 60 points, but his floor is reliable enough to warrant an add.
Quinn Cook GS at SAC ($23): The Warriors will have to keep Cook on come playoff time which means someone will be missing a playoff trip. They are simply too thin at guard and Curry can't carry the backcourt by himself. Saturday's game against the Kings sets up well for Cook as he put up 42 YFP against them two weeks ago and I see no reason why his usage and output would deviate. He's averaged 19.3 points and six assists per game this week.
Other guards to consider: D'Angelo Russell, BKN at MIA ($27); Goran Dragic, MIA vs. BKN ($23); Trey Burke, NY vs. DET ($19)
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GUARD TO AVOID
De'Aaron Fox, SAC vs.GS ($14): Fox simply hasn't been the consistent offensive threat that he was in February. Over the past month, he's only averaged 10.1 points and 3.5 assists per game. Name recognition based on previous performance is a popular trap – don't fall into this one.
FORWARDS
Draymond Green, GS at SAC ($35): I'm taking a gamble on Green seeing more time on the floor than any other starter tonight, as they will almost certainly sit Kevin Durant if the game gets out of hand. Green is a superior defensive player and can be a streaky shooter, but I think he's due for a big one.
Kelly Oubre, Jr., WAS vs, CHA ($17): Otto Porter's ankle makes him a shaky prospect even if he does return to action on Saturday, and Oubre has been playing some decent ball lately. Porter will likely play but he could see his minutes capped, which opens the door even further for Oubre.
Other forwards to consider: Michael Beasley, NY vs. DET ($21); DeMarre Carroll, BKN at MIA ($20); Serge Ibaka, TOR at BOS ($19)
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FORWARD TO AVOID
Kevin Durant, GS at SAC ($50): OK, to be clear, he'll have a fine game, I just don't think it will be a $50 game. The Warriors are looking vulnerable going into the playoffs and there is no need to overplay Durant against the Kings. It would be foolish of Steve Kerr to give him more than 25 minutes. At $40, I'd play him, but not at this price.
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET at NY ($44): Drummond will be without Blake Griffin so he'll shoulder a bigger load, and with Enes Kanter a game-time call, the Knicks will be vulnerable under the basket. I think Drummond is one of the best spend-up plays on the slate.
Greg Monroe, BOS vs. TOR ($11): I said earlier in the season that the Monroe acquisition will be key to Boston's playoff success, and the dividends are already paying off with Al Horford struggling with injuries. I think Horford will suit up and see a minutes restriction at best, and Monroe will once again take advantage and blow away value at this price.
Other centers to consider: Hassan Whiteside, MIA vs. BKN ($26)
CENTER TO AVOID
Kelly Olynyk, MIA vs. BKN ($23): It's a great night to roster two centers as I think a few guys have reliable 30 YFP floors but Olynyk isn't one of them. With Hassan Whiteside's return, Olynyk will see a dip in production. He may make a fool out of me and take advantage of this favorable matchup, but I won't take the risk.
