Counterattack - Trust in Russ

Here are the top contrarian plays for Thursday's five-game slate:

PG Russell Westbrook, Thunder (vs. Jazz)

The Jazz defense has scared away fantasy players all season for fear that their high-priced stars will be eaten whole by Utah's imposing center Rudy Gobert. Players that do much of their damage at the hoop typically struggle when going toe-to-toe with The Stifle Tower.

Westbrook is a different case. Though he hasn't added much to his outside shot (he has shot 30 percent from 3 this season), his freakish athleticism and strength allows him to bulldoze his way into the paint for shot opportunities that lesser talents can only dream of.

While Westbrook has fallen just short of averaging a cash-game return in his three previous games against the Jazz, his price has dropped to reflect his tough matchup. If Westbrook can tally his fourth straight triple-double, he'll finally crack the Jazz defense on a slate where few will pay up for the Thunder star.

PF Myles Turner, Pacers (vs. Pelicans)

PF is very weak on this small slate, so nailing the right pick can create division between your lineup and your competitors'. Too expensive to be a bargain but just barely cracking the top-10 in pricing at his position, Turner resides in a no-man's-land that makes him easy to overlook.

Turner has returned cash-game value in each of his previous two games (and three of his last five). Despite averaging a solid 8.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, an assist and a steal over his last four outings, his price has fallen slightly, likely due to what (on paper) appears to be a difficult matchup with the Pelicans.

Of course, these aren't last month's Pelicans; Anthony Davis, Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans are out for the season. The Jrue Holiday-led skeleton crew will find themselves in dire straights early; anything approaching a double-double would mean instant cash-game or better value for the Pacers' rookie.

C DeAndre Jordan, Clippers (vs. Trail Blazers)

Jordan can be found atop the center position in terms of salary but when compared directly to challenger Pau Gasol, it's not entirely clear why Jordan takes the pole position. Gasol has better per-game fantasy stats for the season and faces weaker opposition. Jordan, an elite rebounder, will take on Portland, which ranks fifth in team rebounds per game this season.

Of course, advanced DFS players know that looks can be deceiving. Jordan is coming off a 19-point, 20-rebound outing against the Warriors on Wednesday but should have plenty left in the tank against the Blazers. In their previous three outings, Jordan has averaged 14.7 points, 17.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks.

At his current price, if he can replicate his previous stats against Portland, he will hit cash-game value; if Jordan puts up another near-20/20 game, he'll hit tournament value. Considering that many DFSers will likely opt for Gasol or other cheaper options, there is an opportunity here to roster a low-ownership, high-production player.