This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Friday night brings plenty of action with eight games on the NBA schedule. The evening will be highlighted by a matchup between the Warriors and Timberwolves, although there are a few games that have blowout potential. With another opportunity to win some money on Yahoo, let's take a look at some players to target and avoid as you create your lineup.
GUARDS
Stephen Curry, GS vs. MIN ($46): Curry has always shot for a high percentage for a point guard, but his 54.9 percent field goal percentage this year is crazy. He's also made an incredible 52.9 percent of his shots from behind the arc. Add that in with his 31.3 percent usage rate, and Curry is averaging 33 points and 6.1 three-pointers per contest. With at least 41.8 Yahoo points in every game so far, Curry has a tremendously high floor again Friday.
Elie Okobo, PHO vs. TOR ($10): The Suns have been shorthanded at point guard with Devin Booker (hamstring) and Isaiah Canaan (ankle) out, opening up increased playing time for Okobo. He's logged at least 28 minutes in back-to-back games, scoring at least 21.3 Yahoo points in both contests. Booker and Canaan are listed as questionable against the Raptors, so Okobo could again be in line for increased minutes if they sit. Even if one or both of them does return, Okobo has likely earned himself an expanded role moving forward. The Raptors are also a vastly superior team, so he could get garbage time minutes if the Suns are down big in the second half, as well. At the minimum price, Okobo might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Ricky Rubio, UTA vs. MEM ($22): Rubio remains marred in a horrendous shooting slump with a 31.1 percent field goal percentage. His assists have bounced back this season at 7.1 per game, but his scoring woes have put a significant cap on his upside. This won't be an easy matchup against Mike Conley, so it might be best to avoid Rubio until he shows signs of getting back on track.
FORWARDS
Aaron Gordon, ORL vs. LAC ($30): The Magic went through a tough three-game stretch where they played the Celtics, Blazers and Bucks. Gordon didn't score more than 25.8 Yahoo points in any of those contests, but those are good defensive teams. He rebounded with 44.5 Yahoo points Tuesday against the Kings and gets another favorable matchup with the Clippers, who play at the eighth-fastest pace (105.1 possessions per game) in the league.
P.J. Tucker, HOU at BKN ($15): Tucker spent the majority of last year coming off the bench for the Rockets, but he's started all six games this season. Not only is he starting, but he's averaging a whopping 36 minutes per game. Even though he's not much of a scorer, the added playing time has helped him record at least 26.1 Yahoo points in four of six games. His upside isn't off the charts, but Tucker is still a viable option to consider for your entry.
Forward to Avoid
Jaren Jackson Jr., MEM at UTA ($21): Jackson has loads of potential, but foul troubles have put a damper on his playing time at the start of his career. He has 10 fouls in 25 minutes across his last two games and has been whistled for at least four fouls in five straight contests. The Grizzlies also play at the second-slowest pace (98.7) and will be tasked with facing a tough Jazz defense, so buyer beware with Jackson.
CENTERS
Clint Capela, HOU at BKN ($30): After a quiet first game of the season, Capela has been great with at least 31.4 Yahoo points in five straight. A significant boost in playing time has helped increase his floor and he's logging 33 minutes per contest compared to 28 minutes a night last year. With James Harden (hamstring) likely out again Friday, the Rockets should again lean heavily on Capela for production. The Nets have been roasted by opposing centers, so don't hesitate to add Capela to your lineup.
Noah Vonleh, NY at DAL ($11): It's hard to believe that the Knicks are starting Vonleh over Enes Kanter, but that's exactly what they've done for their last three games. Vonleh hasn't given them any reason to reverse course, either, averaging 9.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks in that role. If he keeps this up, you might not be able to take advantage of him being priced this cheap for much longer.
Center to Avoid
Dwight Howard, WAS vs. ORL ($34): Howard (back) has yet to play in a game this season, but he's expected to make his debut Friday. Since it will be his first outing, it would seem reasonable to believe that he might not play his normal allotment of minutes right out of the gate. It's also yet to be seen how he'll gel with his new teammates, making him a very risky play at such a lofty price.
