This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA finishes off the work week with seven games on the schedule Friday. There aren't many exciting matchups, but a game between the Celtics and Jazz should be the highlight of the evening. With the Sixers, Timberwolves and Nuggets in action, as well, there will be plenty of top-tier talent available in DFS. Let's take a look across the price scale at some players to target and avoid when crafting your Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
Jimmy Butler, MIN at SAC ($38): The Butler saga drags on in Minnesota. Even though he's demanded a trade, Butler is still playing great when he does take the floor. Considering the Timberwolves haven't played since Wednesday, there doesn't appear to be any indication that he'll rest Friday. This a great matchup to exploit against a Kings team that is tied for the third-most points allowed per game (118.8) in the league.
Derrick Rose, MIN at SAC ($18): Rose has turned back the clock and is looking somewhat like the player that he was during his glory days in Chicago. With Jeff Teague (knee) out, the Timberwolves have counted on Rose to lead them at point guard. He hasn't disappointed, including scoring 66.8 Yahoo points against the Jazz in one of the games that Teague missed. Teague has already been ruled out for Friday, leaving Rose with the potential to be one of the better bargains for the evening.
Guard to Avoid
Tyreke Evans, IND at MIA ($18): Evans just isn't playing enough minutes right now to be worth considering in DFS. Evans played a ton last year on a Grizzlies team that was decimated by injuries, but he has only averaged 20 minutes a game for a much deeper Pacers squad. With 19.5 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last six games, it might be best to avoid Evans, especially since he is priced exactly the same as Rose.
FORWARDS
Aaron Gordon, ORL vs. WAS ($29): Gordon had an absolute dud of a performance in a blowout loss to the Clippers a few games ago, but he's played well overall with at least 37.3 Yahoo points in four of his last five games. The Magic have struggled to score this season, but that hasn't stopped Gordon from averaging 16 points and 1.6 three-pointers per contest with a 22.1 percent usage rate. The Wizards have played at the seventh-fastest pace (104.5 possessions per game) and are terrible defensively, leaving Gordon with significant upside.
Taj Gibson, MIN at SAC ($16): Gibson's playing time is down slightly this season, but he's logged at least 32 minutes in back-to-back contests, scoring at least 36.3 Yahoo points both times. He's still averaging 11.2 points, seven rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks despite the limited minutes overall. This should be a high-scoring game that is played at a fast pace, potentially leaving Gibson with a few added opportunities to provide value.
Forward to Avoid
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at DEN ($18): After averaging 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists across 28 minutes a game last year, Hollis-Jefferson entered this season with the potential for a breakout campaign. However, he started out injured and hasn't been able to regain his starting spot since returning. The Nets are only playing him an average of 21 minutes a game off the bench, resulting in Hollis-Jefferson scoring 19.9 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his eight games. The Nuggets have been one of the best defensive teams in the league, so this isn't a good matchup, either.
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET at ATL ($41): By averaging 18.9 points and 16.6 rebounds per game, Drummond has one of the highest upsides of anyone in DFS. He's also averaging one steal and 1.3 blocks per contest and has been an excellent contributor in both categories throughout his career. There is the potential that the Pistons could blow out the Hawks, but Drummond could still feast facing Alex Len and Dewayne Dedmon.
Domantas Sabonis, IND at MIA ($18): Sabonis opened up a lot of eyes last year after coming to the Pacers in the trade that sent Paul George to the Thunder. He's been even better out of the gate this season, averaging 14.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. The Pacers may have just signed Myles Turner to a big extension, but Sabonis is actually averaging only three fewer minutes per contest. With at least 29.3 Yahoo points in three of his last four games, Sabonis is a cost-effective option worth considering for your entry.
Center to Avoid
Al Horford, BOS at UTA ($21): The Celtics stormed back to win in overtime Thursday against the Suns, but they've got a quick turnaround Friday night. This certainly isn't an easy matchup on the road against the Jazz, but things could be especially tough for Horford having to face Rudy Gobert. Horford hasn't had many disappointing performances this season, but he also has a limited ceiling, scoring 28.8 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last six games. With so many great options available at center Friday, it might be best to pass on Horford.
