Saturday’s NBA picks will be a tad shorter due to work, but after tonight there are no more excuses. I’ll stay up till the wee hours if I have to! These picks will not be including any info from Friday night’s action, so be aware of that when reading each player’s writeup.

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$8,000 – Max Salary

Kevin Love (PF/C – $11,300) is an easy pick when it comes to which stud to use Saturday night. Love has been phenomenal this season, lately, and against the Jazz. In his last two games against the Jazz, he’s averaging 18/13/6 and 50 fantasy points. His 67 minutes in those two games is low and when you look at 100 fantasy points total that is mighty impressive. In his last two games he has had a tough matchup and a cake one. He hasn’t disappointed in either going for 131 fantasy points.

Andre Drummond (PF/C – $8,100) should be in for a big night against the Mavs, but he might be overlooked by others. In his only game against the Mavs this season, he was mysteriously benched and it resulted in only 14 fantasy points. He is on a tear lately rebounding like it’s his job (which it is I guess). He has double digit rebounds in 13 of his last 15 games and has eclipsed 20 rebounds three times during that stretch. His ability to rebound plus his consistent 10+ real points per game make him a very safe play. His ability to secure every single rebound gives him 50+ fantasy point potential on top of that.

$6,000 – $7,900

Ricky Rubio (PG – $7,500) has played like a star point guard lately and that has me eyeing him like that great looking blonde on a Friday night. That wasn’t creepy or anything… Anyways, Rubio has 42+ fantasy points in three of his last four games and has had success against the Jazz. Trey Burke is no defensive stud and it shows as Rubio is averaging 39 fantasy points in 32 minutes time. He’s starting to shoot more, so although he isn’t likely to make a high percent, it’s better than shooting 3-6 times like he has done too much in his last 15 games. In his last six games, he has eclipsed ten shots five times.

Mike Conley (PG – $6,600) is way too cheap tonight against the Bobcats. He came back in a nice way against the Knicks with a 22/5/3 game and 34 fantasy points. His price is so low that it really seems like a lock to hit value. At the end of January he was playing very well and there’s no real reason to think at 6k he doesn’t get you enough points Saturday night.

The Rest

J.R. Smith (SG/SF – $5,100) has entered the starting lineup and although Carmelo is owning lately, you can’t expect him to do that all season. Smith should get ample opportunities to shoot, so this is a very high upside pick. I am cheating here and including his minutes from Friday night’s 2OT game. He played 49 minutes, but only took 14 shots. In a GPP, I say you take the chance against the Hawks and roll Smith out there. The Hawks best defender will be on Carmelo and not Smith.

Elton Brand (PF/C – $4,100) gets another start Saturday and this time it’s against the Knicks who are coming off a 2OT game on Friday. Brand had a sweet double double against the Wizards Wednesday night and should have a solid game against the Knicks with their legs not as fresh. Brand has remained cheap while playing great as a starter.