Daily fantasy strategy articles often refer to the notion of “returning value”, but what exactly does that mean?

Players are said to “return value” if they reach a certain point threshold relative to their FanDuel salary. As a general rule, cash-game value is reached when a player returns five times the value - that is, when he records a fantasy point total equal to five times his salary divided by 1,000.

For example, let’s say Russell Westbrook’s salary sits at $11,000. Westbrook would need to score 55 points (5 x ($11,000 / 1,000)) in order to return suitable cash-game value.

This formula assumes that, if a daily fantasy player averages five times the value per roster spot, he will earn enough fantasy points to be successful in the majority of cash games.

The tournament value formula requires that a player reach six times the value, since it usually requires more fantasy points to be successful in a guaranteed prize pool.

Using these formulas should help players determine which players to roster. And remember, it isn’t necessary to get five times or six times the value from every player, just an average of five times or six times from the entire roster.

Here are the week’s top FanDuel must-roster options:

Tuesday - SG DeMar DeRozan, Raptors (at Suns)

DeRozan is headed to his second All-Star Game, and he’s going to show the Suns exactly why Tuesday night. The talented shooting guard enters the week ninth in the NBA in scoring at 23.2 points, and adds 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in what is his most well-rounded season. Phoenix allows 106.5 points per game, and has no hope of slowing DeRozan.

Wednesday - PG Chris Paul, Clippers (at Timberwolves)

Paul has been sensational in the absence of PF Blake Griffin, and is in terrific position to rack up the fantasy points against a Timberwolves team surrendering 103.4 points per game. Paul averaged 21.1 points, 10.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals in 14 January games, and could approach all four of those totals against visiting Minnesota.

Thursday - PF Anthony Davis, Pelicans (at Lakers)

Davis’ season has been marred by injury but when he’s on the court, he’s still one of the five most dominant players in the game. Averaging well over a double-double for the season, Davis should wreak havoc against a visiting Lakers team that has only passive 7-footer Roy Hibbert to challenge him. Pay up for Davis and enjoy the stat bonanza.

Friday - C Brook Lopez, Nets (vs. Kings)

Lopez is a great play no matter who he matches up against in this one, but he would see his value skyrocket if DeMarcus Cousins misses the contest with an ankle injury. Lopez is the Nets’ most reliable option on offense, and should see plenty of action in a game the Nets should keep competitive. Keep him on your radar Friday night.

Saturday - PG Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers (at Rockets)

Many DFS players will roster James Harden against the visiting Trail Blazers, and that’s not a bad idea. But real value can be found in Lillard, who will be cheaper than Thunder star Russell Westbrook but offers tremendous upside against Houston. Lillard isn’t shy about shooting the ball, and should victimize a Houston team allowing 106.6 points per game.

Sunday - PG Isaiah Thomas, Celtics (vs. Kings)

There is no stronger Sunday play than Thomas, who comes into the week averaging a team-high 21.5 points to go with 6.6 assists. Thomas raised his game in January, averaging 22.7 points over 17 games, and is going to make life rather difficult for Kings starting point guard Rajon Rondo. Thomas should score 25-plus points with ease against visiting Sacramento.

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