PG - Eric Bledsoe, Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets
With Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard questionable and Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul in a shooting slump, the red-hot Bledsoe emerges as a value pick who could provide cap flexibility. He has averaged 24.2 points and 5.5 assists in his last six games, but what stands out is the blistering 63.7 percent shooting percentage in that span while making 14 of 29 from 3-point range.
Bledsoe had 28 points and six assists in his most recent game against the Nets, and with the Bucks in a position to reach as high as sixth in the Eastern Conference, the point guard will be plenty motivated to continue his strong play.
Also consider: John Wall, Washington Wizards @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Admittedly a risky selection because Wall has shot a combined nine of 27 in his first two games back, but some of his shooting woes are canceled out with his 24 assists in those games. And while Cleveland have improved defensively of late, they still are giving up nearly 110 points per game on the season.
Wall had 28 points and 21 assists in the two games he played versus Cleveland earlier this season, but again, he did shoot 34.5 percent in those contests. He has recorded games of at least 30 points and ten assists in two of his last three trips to Cleveland, so he still could be worth a flyer.
Low-cost option: Shabazz Napier, Portland Trail Blazers @ Houston Rockets
Lillard's potential absence could mean increased minutes for Napier, who is coming off a solid performance against Dallas in which he totaled 13 points and four assists while making all four of his 3-point shots. That partially obscures the struggles of his last three games in which he totaled 18 points and went five of 23 from the field overall, but Napier is Portland's top backcourt option off the bench already and could get starters' minutes versus Houston.