Price: $12,000
After a small slump following the All-Star break, Russell Westbrook had no trouble bouncing back, averaging 56.3 FanDuel points per game over his last four. He has also seen a particularly big workload in recent games, topping 39 minutes in three of those four.
With his huge rate stats, including a 34.7% usage rate, 14.8% rebound rate, .518 true shooting percentage and league-leading 49.8% assist rate, it's no surprise that he ranks among the league's most efficient fantasy producers. He’s sitting second on the year with 1.48 FanDuel points per minute. Combining this efficiency with his big workload give him that consistent upside he has flashed with a league-leading 19 games with 60-plus fantasy points.
He brings those elite numbers into an outstanding matchup, playing at home against Phoenix. The Suns have played at the league's 4th-highest pace this season, which, combined with their 30th-ranked defensive rating, has them allowing big fantasy numbers across the board. Especially appealing for Westbrook is that they have allowed the league's most FanDuel points per game to opponents at both guard spots.
Russ is by far the highest-priced player on the slate, but both his floor and ceiling are way above anyone else's on Thursday. He’s worth making room to pay up for in all formats.