Even in defeat, a handful of NBA stars have proven to return major daily fantasy value on a regular basis.

The natural inclination for DFS participants is to target players on successful teams. And while that strategy is mostly sound, it also ignores the fact that even teams that lose regularly still contain value.

Consider, for example, the Brooklyn Nets, who come into the week with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference. Center Brook Lopez finds himself on the wrong end of the score more often than not, but still makes for a terrific nightly DFS play. Averaging 33.5 minutes per night, Lopez posts 19 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks.

Most importantly, he isn’t adversely affected by his team’s outcomes any more than Stephen Curry or Kawhi Leonard. While Lopez may sit late in blowouts, the same can be said for players who suit up for teams that regularly trounce opponents (the Warriors and Spurs come immediately to mind).

In short, don’t fade players simply due to their win-loss record.

Here are the week’s top elite options:

Tuesday - SG James Harden, Rockets (at Kings)

The Rockets may be a hot mess nearly a third of the way through the NBA season, but it isn’t due to a lack of effort from Harden. The electrifying guard has been sensational, coming into Tuesday with 28.9/6.2/6.7 splits while averaging nearly 39 minutes per night. Sacramento has nobody capable of slowing Harden down and with the game expected to be somewhat close, Harden is a must-roster.

Wednesday - PG Stephen Curry, Warriors (vs. Suns)

This game may have one of the highest totals of the season, with the Warriors’ high-octane offense colliding with the Suns’ breakneck pace. With Curry’s salary still in the stratosphere, this one will have to stay close long enough for Curry to post video game numbers. The Suns are capable of complying, even in hostile territory. Expect Curry to score at will, and reach value as a result.

Thursday - PG Russell Westbrook, Thunder (at Cavaliers)

While the focus in this one will undoubtedly be on the small forward battle between former MVPs LeBron James and Kevin Durant, it’s Westbrook who is primed for a big night. The Cavaliers will struggle mightily to slow down the high-scoring guard, who is averaging an absurd 27.1/7.7/9.9 with 1.6 steals in 10 road games so far this season. He’s as pricey as they come, but worth the investment.

Friday - SF/PF Carmelo Anthony, Knicks (at 76ers)

This one is rather self-explanatory. Anthony gets to face a team that comes into the week with just one victory all season, and is surrendering more than 103 points per night. Anthony’s scoring is down from seasons past - due primarily to a significant dip in shooting percentage - and he had just 12 points in their first meeting. But he’s heating up, with 60 points in two games coming into the week.

Saturday - PG Chris Paul, Clippers (at Rockets)

The Rockets are hemorrhaging points, coming into this week’s action allowing more than 107 per game. That doesn’t bode well for a Houston team that will need to figure out how to contain the dynamic duo of Paul and PF Blake Griffin. Paul sat out the first meeting between the teams, but has racked up 49 assists in four games coming into the week and should add to that total with ease.

Sunday - PG Kyle Lowry, Raptors (vs. Kings)

Lowry has slightly fallen off the blistering daily fantasy scoring pace he set earlier in the season, but is still a terrific source of value in both cash games and tournaments. Lowry comes into the week with impressive 22/8/5.0/5.8 marks in December, while adding 1.8 steals and a block per game. A home date with Sacramento should see him easily reach - and even surpass - his monthly averages.

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