Fantasy basketball advice: NBA FanDuel sleepers/busts for Thursday, Jan. 14

As for what we're doing in this space: The goal here will be to direct your attention toward some players who you might not otherwise consider. If you're here and reading this, then you already know that LeBron James is really good. But when filling out a roster you can't just pick out stars. You'll blow your cap and get stuck praying to the basketball gods that a guy like Kosta Koufos gets into the game. No, if you want to win, you have to take advantage of certain matchups -- and in order to do that you have to know where to look. That's what we're here for. Also, this space is going to be used to give you advice for the games on Thursday, Jan.14. So, with that, let's get started.

Draymond Green, SF, Warriors ($9,900): The Warriors are coming off a Wednesday night loss to the Nuggets (!), a game which Green sat out so that he'd be rested for the team's Thursday tilt against the Lakers. That Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson both played nearly 40 minutes means Golden State is going to rely even more heavily on the rested Green. That, plus his matchup against the hapless Lakers, makes him the strongest play for Thursday.

Jordan Clarkson, PG, Lakers ($6,200): We know this Lakers-Warriors game is going to be fast-paced and feature lots of points. We also know the Lakers need to keep Clarkson on the floor as he's the only point guard on the roster who can maybe bother Steph Curry a little bit. Also, there's a chance Kobe Bryant sits this one out due to a shoulder injury. Combine all these factors and you've got a point guard who should see lots of minutes and opportunities.

Bobby Portis, PF, Bulls ($3,500): This one's definitely a gamble, but one that could end up paying off at a Powerball level. The Bulls play the Sixes on Thursday, so the game should result in a blowout. That bodes well for this talented rookie. So does the fact that both Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah are banged up. Portis could end up seeing 25 minutes of playing time on Thursday. Considering his low price, that's a bet worth making.

LeBron James, SF, Cavaliers ($10,300): James has to face the historically stout defense of the Spurs on Thursday. Not only is San Antonio playing team defense at a level we haven't seen in years, but it also has, in Kawhi Leonard, one of the few players who actually bothers LeBron. Obviously James is good enough that he could put up big numbers against anyone. But you're better off spending your money elsewhere on Thursday.

Andre Drummond, C, Pistons ($8,900): No team is surrendering fewer FanDuel points per night to opposing centers than the Grizzlies, who Drummond and Detroit face on Thursday. That's no accident. Marc Gasol remains one of the game's top interior defenders. He's certainly someone who could make life difficult for Drummond.

Reggie Jackson, PG, Pistons ($7,300): Speaking of the Pistons and Grizzlies, Memphis has really tightened its defense up of late; only the Spurs are holding teams to fewer points per 100 possessions over the last 10 games. That the Grizzlies also boast one of the game's top defensive point guards -- Mike Conley -- makes this another night where you should be passing on Jackson.

Other Notables

Be wary of Stephen Curry, who played 40 minutes Wednesday night. ... DeMarcus Cousins could struggle Thursday against Utah and defensive stud Rudy Gobert ... Jazz point guard Trey Burke ($4,600) is another a great cheap option. Sacramento has had a lot of trouble defending point guards this season.