Fantasy basketball advice: NBA FanDuel sleepers/busts for Thursday, Jan. 7

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. 7. So, with that, let's get started.

Al Horford, C, Hawks ($7,400): It's a mystery as to why Horford's price is this low. He's playing the Sixers on Thursday, a team that's struggled defensively all season, particularly against centers. Horford's averaging nearly 37 FanDuel points per night over his last five and should have no issue eclipsing that mark against a hapless Philly team.

Rodney Hood, SG, Jazz ($5,600): It's never a bad move slotting in someone going up against the Rockets, especially shooting guards who get to match up with James Harden. That Rodney Hood -- averaging 17.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists over his last five games -- happens to be that man Thursday night makes him a must-play.

Darren Collison, PG, Kings ($5,600): This is a situation that daily fantasy players dream of. Collison's Kings take on the Lakers on Thursday, a team that's been torched by opposing point guards all year. The 46.8 points they're surrendering to them on a nightly basis (via Rotowire) are a league high. Normally this matchup would have more to do with the Kings' starting point guard, Rajon Rondo, but he's questionable Thursday night with a back injury. If he sits then Collison becomes a must-play. Even if Rondo suits up you should still consider slotting Collison into your lineup.

Isaiah Thomas, PG, Celtics ($8,100): Thomas played 36 minutes against the Pistons Wednesday night, and now has to face a tough Bulls team less than 24 hours later. That's a bad a situation for any player, but even worse for one like Thomas who relies on speed.

Derrick Rose, PG, Bulls ($6,300): Forget, for a moment, the fact that he has double vision and is shooting just 39 percent from the field. He also just returned from a leg injury and now has to go up against a Celtics team that's holding opposing point guards to a league-low 35 FanDuel points per game. Rose is unlikely to play more than 30 minutes on Thursday. He's also unlikely to play very well.

Other Notables

If you want to build your team around one stud on Thursday, DeMarcus Cousins should be your pick. The Lakers are surrendering 49 FanDuel points per night to opposing centers, the fourth-highest mark in the league. ... Another high-priced player worth taking a look at is Jimmy Butler, who's scored more than 40 FanDuel points in each of his last four games ... Kobe Bryant returns to the floor tonight after sitting out for more than a week. There's nothing better for a 37-year-old than some fresh legs.