This article is part of our DRAFT NBA series.
Following a jam-packed 11-game Friday, things are set to slow down a bit. Saturday's eight games are a bit easier to digest from a DRAFT, and daily fantasy in general, standpoint. Especially of note is the injury to Jimmy Butler, who the Timberwolves will be without for their bout against the Bulls, and perhaps beyond. That leaves Andrew Wiggins with a bigger load to bear on the wing, while also giving some fantasy relevance to bench guys like Nemanja Bjelica and Jamal Crawford (who can be considered in especially deep drafts).
Wiggins, among others with favorable matchups, is featured below. I'll outline their fantasy value by discussing their recent play, play against their respective opponents, and/or their opponent's ability (or lack thereof) to guard specific positions. Without further ado, let's jump in.
Guards
Donovan Mitchell, UTA vs. DAL
Mitchell has taken at least 20 shots in each of the past five games, averaging 37.7 fantasy points along the way. It's no secret Mitchell has been a high-usage, top-tier fantasy guard most of the year, but this recent stretch is the first time all season he's taken 20 shots in more than three straight contests, so he'll be entering Saturday's contest with some of the highest usage he's seen throughout his rookie campaign. Plus, the Mavericks have been especially poor defending against shooting guards over the past 10 outings, allowing the third-most fantasy points to the position over that stretch.
Kyrie Irving, BOS at NYK
Irving has continued his strong overall season over the past nine games, averaging 36.9 fantasy points via 24.3 points, 5.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 31.1 minutes. Irving undoubtedly gets taken early in many drafts, but Saturday represents an especially appealing matchup for two reasons. First, the Knicks are allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to point guards over the past 10 games, including the third-most assists. Second, Irving has performed well against New York this season. In the teams' two matchups, Irving has averaged 38.9 fantasy points.
Forwards
Andrew Wiggins, MIN vs. CHI
Jimmy Butler (knee) going down opens up more usage for Wiggins, who has, understandably, put up better fantasy outings when Butler isn't available. When Butler missed four contests in late January, Wiggins averaged 35.5 fantasy points on the back of 25.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and a combined 1.3 steals/blocks -- a significant increase over his season average of 28.7 fantasy points. Wiggins, listed as a forward on DRAFT, will likely play big minutes at both shooting guard and small forward in the wake of Butler's injury, depending on how coach Tom Thibodeau opts to utilize his bench players (namely, Jamal Crawford and Nemanja Bjelica). Either way, the situation should be a positive one for Wiggins, as the Bulls allow the eighth-most fantasy points to shooting guards and sixth-most to small forwards across the past 10 tilts.
Paul George, OKC at GSW
George has moved past his inconsistent play from the beginning of the season, posting fewer than 33 fantasy points just once over the past 15 games. During this stretch, he's averaged 28.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals (45.3 fantasy points) across 36.7 minutes and will be taking that momentum into Saturday's game against Golden State. Despite the Warriors' impressive defense against small forwards all season -- they allow the second-fewest fantasy points from the position -- George has taken it upon himself to shatter those expectations. In the teams' two prior bouts this season, George has averaged 57.6 fantasy points via 29.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 steals, 2.0 assists and 1.0 block.
Centers
Rudy Gobert, UTA vs. DAL
Gobert has been one of the most consistent players in the league over the past 15 games since returning from a leg injury. Over this stretch, he's fallen under 33 fantasy points on only two occasions while averaging 37.3 per game. His best mark over the past 15 contests occurred against Toronto, against whom he dropped 46.5 fantasy points by way of 18 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. He could be in for a similar outing Saturday against the Mavericks, who, like most teams, lack a center with the type of skill and athleticism to check Gobert. That's reflected in not only in the team's horrid defense against centers over the past 10 games -- Dallas allows the second-most fantasy points to the position across that time period -- but also in their previous attempt at defending Gobert. Last time these two teams faced off, The French Rejection posted a dominant 61.4 fantasy points via 17 points, 12 boards, six dimes, six rejections and two steals in 33 minutes.
