This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Wednesday's NBA slate consists of eight games and begins at 7:00 PM Eastern time. Below you'll find players from all over the price spectrum who stand out as some of the top value plays in this slate. 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
Elfrid Payton, NO at GS ($5,600): Payton's a well-rounded contributor, averaging 11.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG and 5.4 APG. With seven games under his belt since an extended injury layoff, Payton should see his workload start to ramp up from his season average of 26 minutes to his career 29 mark, especially in the context of playing for a Pelicans team that doesn't boast great depth. Catching the Warriors on the second leg of a back-to-back, Payton's a nice bargain here at $5,600.
Collin Sexton, CLE at POR ($4,900): Sexton's made tangible progress as a scorer, averaging 14.5 PPG over the past eight games while scoring between 12 and 18 points in each. He's rounded out his stat line with three-plus rebounds in six of those games and three-plus assists in seven, giving the rookie eighth overall pick a high floor compared to his sub-$5,000 valuation. Owners looking to clear cap space for more expensive options should lock in Sexton, as he's likely to only grow more expensive from here himself.
SHOOTING GUARD
Donovan Mitchell, UTA at LAC ($9,000): Mitchell has thrived while playing all the minutes he can handle recently with Utah missing all three of its natural point guards due to injury. He's scored at least 26 points in each of the past six contests, averaging 30.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 5.0 APG in 37 minutes per game. Another offensive outburst is likely on its way against a Clippers team that's surrendering 114.3 points per game -- sixth-most in the league.
Luka Doncic, DAL vs. SA ($8,700): Like Mitchell, Doncic is making up for his team's injuries at the point guard position with tremendous scoring and more. Over the past four games, the rookie phenom is pouring in 28.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG and 6.0 APG. Point guard Dennis Smith is questionable with an illness after missing the past three contests due to a back injury, but Doncic is an enticing play against a Spurs club that's just 7-14 on the road regardless of Smith's status.
SMALL FORWARD
DeMarre Carroll, BKN at HOU ($4,800): Carroll has played well of late, racking up 27.5 or more fantasy points in six of his past eight appearances. Coming off his first double-double of the season (10 points, 14 rebounds in 32 minutes), Carroll should keep the good times rolling here without burning a hole in your wallet.
Kawhi Leonard, TOR at BOS ($9,800): Leonard brings plenty of momentum into this battle of Eastern Conference powerhouses, having eclipsed 60.0 fantasy points in three of his past four appearances. He tormented the Celtics to the tune of 31 points and 10 rebounds in the first meeting between these teams on Oct. 19, then took it up a notch with 31 points and 15 rebounds when they met again on Nov. 16. Look for Leonard to pick up his third consecutive double-double against Boston -- and his third straight double-double overall -- given his mix of recent success and strong results facing this competition.
POWER FORWARD
Maxi Kleber, DAL vs. SA ($4,600): Kleber's quietly put together a strong stretch over the past three games, averaging 25.2 fantasy points in 30 minutes per contest. The German power forward's price hasn't caught up to his increased recent usage yet, creating an opportunity for bargain hunters. With plenty of pricey talent worth paying up for in this slate, plugging in Kleber to clear up cap space is a strong move.
Jaren Jackson, MEM vs. MIL ($6,600): Jackson has already flashed a high ceiling throughout his rookie campaign, but he's not yet delivering at a consistent level. A few signs point to him playing up to his potential in this one, though. Jackson could see increased minutes if the elbow injury suffered Monday by fellow Grizzlies big man Marc Gasol keeps the Spaniard out. Even if Gasol plays, Jackson should thrive in this one thanks to his outside shooting -- he's attempting 2.4 3-pointers per game, and those attempts will likely turn into makes against a Bucks team that surrenders 13.1 made 3-pointers game -- a full shot higher than any other team in the league.
CENTER
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at DET ($9,200): Vucevic is priced below two other centers in this slate, even though his average of 44.32 fantasy points per game is the highest at the position. He's averaging 18.4 PPG, 13.4 RPG and 5.0 APG over the past five games, so Vucevic is still quite effective even when his shot's not falling. Detroit's Andre Drummond presents a challenge on the glass, but Vucevic has been so effective in all aspects recently that it's tough to pick against him.
