Saturday's Small Forward Value Rankings
Here are theScore's small forward value rankings for Saturday, April 16:
Value Rankings
PG | SG | SF | PF | C
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant (OKC) | vs. DAL | 8 |
| Paul George (IND) | at TOR | 8 |
| Michael Beasley (HOU) | at GS | 7 |
Durant scored 30 or more points in six of his last seven regular season games. He should be in line to do so once again against a mediocre Dallas defense. The potential for a double-double is also in play as Dallas ranks as one of the worst rebounding teams in the league. Though Durant's salary is high, his ceiling is unmatched.
George offers a slight discount compared to Durant with a dash of superstar upside. A matchup against Toronto will limit his production, however. In four games against Toronto, George averaged only 16.3 points, seven rebounds, and 4.5 assists. If he fails to score a minimum of 25 points, George is unlikely to return value.
Beasley is a strict tournament play depending on how many minutes he plays. If he were to receive 25 or more, he could provide strong value based on his scoring and rebounding ability. In what will surely be an up-tempo, high scoring affair, Beasley could excel. His mid-tier salary increases the appeal.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Harrison Barnes (GS) | vs. HOU | 6 |
| Kent Bazemore (ATL) | vs. BOS | 6 |
| Trevor Ariza (HOU) | at GS | 5 |
Barnes and Ariza should benefit from the high tempo of their matchup. Barnes comes in at a cheaper price and has averaged a stellar 14.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in April.
Bazemore has the potential to be effective and has shown glimpses throughout the season. Unfortunately, a tough Boston defense works against him.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Jae Crowder (BOS) | at ATL | 4 |
| Andre Iguodala (GS) | vs. HOU | 4 |
| DeMarre Carroll (TOR) | vs. IND | 4 |
Crowder enters the playoffs with a somewhat wonky ankle. He may be forced to defend the versatile Paul Millsap as well considering his size. DFS players may want to roster Crowder considering his strong regular season, but they should wait at least one game before hopping back on the bandwagon. His salary demands strong production and Crowder doesn't look like the most reliable option quite yet.