Fantasy basketball advice: NBA FanDuel sleepers/busts for Thursday, Jan. 28

As for what we're doing in this space: The goal here will be to direct your attention toward some players whom 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. 28. So, with that, let's get started.

John Wall, PG, Wizards ($9,600): Only three teams surrender more FanDuel points to opposing point guards on a nightly basis than the Nuggets, according to Rotowire. Even better: over its last five games Denver is allowing opposing point guards to score an obscene 49 FanDuel points per game. That bodes well for John Wall, who gets to face the Nuggets' hapless defense on Thursday. So does the fact that Wall has recorded 10 or most assists in five straight games.

Pau Gasol, C, Bulls ($8,700): Anytime a center faces the Lakers it's a good idea to add him to your lineup; no squad is allowing opposing centers to register more FanDuel points per night. That Gasol will no doubt be amped up about facing his former team makes this an even better play.

Jordan Clarkson, PG, Bulls ($5,700): The Bulls, who the Lakers face on Thursday, have surprisingly struggled containing point guards this season. They're in the bottom 10 in the league in FanDuel points surrendered to them. That Kobe Bryant is unlikely to suit up means the ball is going to be in Clarkson's hands. That could lead to a big evening for the second-year point guard.

Carmelo Anthony, SF, Knicks ($8,800): First off, he's questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Raptors, this after missing the Knicks' Tuesday night game against the Thunder. But even if he does suit up you should stay away. He's struggled from the field all year and the Knicks and Raptors are two of the slower-paced teams in the league. Combine the rough shooting numbers with a balky knee and a slow-played game and you have a player who's not even worth considering.

Greg Monroe, C, Bucks ($8,000): Monroe on Thursday has the pleasure of going up against arguably the best defensive center in the league in Grizzlies big man Marc Gasol. Gasol has the size to disrupt Monroe and the agility to stick with him out by the foul line. Monroe is talented enough to put up numbers, but the matchup is not a good one.

Jonas Valanciunas, C, Raptors ($6,400): Again, it's never a good idea to go with a player from a game that's sure to be a slow one. It kills the opportunities to fill up a box score. The Knicks also have the perfect player to place on Valanciunas in Robin Lopez, who can match the Toronto big man's size and agility, and make him work on the other end.

Other Notables

The Pelicans are 29th in the league in FanDuel points surrendered to opposing centers per game. Anthony Davis will miss the team's Thursday night game against the Kings. The Kings have center DeMarcus Cousins. You get the point. ... If Kyle Lowry, who's listed as questionable right now, is forced to sit out Thursday night due to a wrist injury, Cory Joseph ($3,700) becomes a must play. ... With Anthony Davis out Ryan Anderson is the guy to keep an eye out for in New Orleans.