Monday's Small Forward Value Rankings
Here are theScore's small forward value rankings for Monday's nine-game slate.
Value Rankings
PG | SG | SF | PF | C
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lance Stephenson (MEM) | at HOU | 8 |
| Tony Allen (MEM) | at HOU | 8 |
| Tobias Harris (DET) | at WAS | 8 |
| Luol Deng (MIA) | vs. DEN | 7 |
| Joe Johnson (MIA) | vs. DEN | 7 |
Stephenson's price has quickly risen, but as one of the few players left on the Grizzlies who can create offense, he's averaged 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and five assists over the last two games. A very favorable matchup against the fast-paced Rockets further helps his prospects.
Fellow Grizzly Allen is an inconsistent shooter, but racks up rebounds and steals. He will undoubtedly play big minutes chasing James Harden around.
Harris has been extremely consistent; each of his last six games have included between 16 and 21 points and five and eight rebounds. He's been returning five and six times his value in that stretch.
Johnson will benefit if Dwyane Wade sits out a second straight game; he scored 28 points Saturday and has shot better than 50 per cent for five straight games. Deng has scored at least 19 points in three straight games as a nominal PF, and is a reliable rebounder and ball hawk.
Best of the Rest
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Chandler Parsons (DAL) | at CHA | 7 |
| Justice Winslow (MIA) | vs. DEN | 7 |
| Michael Beasley (HOU) | vs. MEM | 7 |
| Matt Barnes (MEM) | at HOU | 7 |
| LeBron James (CLE) | at UTA | 7 |
| Marcus Morris (DET) | at WAS | 7 |
| Kevin Durant (OKC) | vs. POR | 6 |
| Doug McDermott (CHI) | at TOR | 6 |
| Dante Cunningham (NO) | at GS | 6 |
| Trevor Ariza (HOU) | vs. MEM | 6 |
| Corey Brewer (HOU) | vs. MEM | 6 |
| Otto Porter (WAS) | vs. DET | 6 |
| Al-Farouq Aminu (POR) | at OKC | 6 |
Like his teammates, Winslow is worth rostering if Wade sits out again. The rookie started Saturday, playing 43 minutes in an overtime loss and recording 11 points, five rebounds and three steals.
Available at the minimum price, Beasley has been very impressive off the bench of late. Despite playing just 15 minutes in each of the last two games, Beasley averaged 16.5 points and five rebounds. That level of production can't possibly continue if he sees such little court time, but he's a decent low-priced flier.
In a stretch of three games in four nights, Durant and teammate Russell Westbrook haven't really lived up to their premium price tags, not that Durant's averages of 28 points, five rebounds and 4.5 assists in two games can be considered that disappointing. At his price, though, a triple-double is needed to provide value.
At least Porter is inexpensive, because it's impossible to know what to expect out of him. He scored 23 points Saturday after totaling exactly that amount over his previous four games.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Harrison Barnes (GS) | vs. NO | 4 |
It may be tempting to regard Barnes as a low-cost route into the explosive Warriors offense, but he usually provides an underwhelming fantasy return. He hasn't made a 3-pointer in five games, and is shooting just 10-of-35 in that span.