This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA is wasting no time making up for their off day Thursday with 14 games on the schedule Friday, 12 of which make up the main slate on Yahoo. The night is filled with excellent options across the price scale. Here are some players to target and avoid on your way to hopefully creating a winning entry.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR at GS ($37): Lillard is without question one of the top offensive players in the league, averaging 26.4 points per game with a 30.4 percent usage rate. However, don't forget that he's more than just a scorer with averages of 5.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per contest, as well. With at least 50.2 Yahoo points in three of his last five games, Lillard once again has tremendous upside against the struggling Warriors.
Trey Burke, NY vs. NO ($11): We're well over a month into the season, but the Knicks still haven't settled on their rotations. Burke went through a stretch previously where he didn't get much playing time, but he's now logged at least 26 minutes in four straight contests. He's taken advantage of his added opportunities, scoring at least 31.7 Yahoo points in three games during that stretch. After lighting up the Celtics for 55.7 Yahoo points on Wednesday, Burke might be well worth the risk at this price against a Pelicans team that plays at the third-fastest pace (105.1 possessions per game) in the league.
Guard to Avoid
Brandon Ingram, LAL vs. UTA ($22): Winners of eight of their last 10 games, it looks like the Lakers are starting to be more comfortable playing with each other. Even though the team is playing well, Ingram scored 24.9 Yahoo points or fewer seven times during that stretch. His numbers are down pretty much across the board, which is not that surprising considering all of the new players the Lakers brought in. One bonus with Ingram last year was that he averaged 3.9 assists per game. However, since he's not handling the ball as much this season, his assists are down to 2.4 per contest. With so many great options available for this packed slate of games, Ingram might not be worth the risk at this price.
FORWARDS
Blake Griffin, DET vs. HOU ($36): Griffin has had some special seasons during his career, but this could be his best one yet. His 29.5 percent usage rate ranks inside the top-20 in the league, helping him average a career-high 25.1 points per game. His rebounds have jumped up significantly, as well, at 10.5 per contest. Add in his 4.8 assists a night and he has a tremendously high floor. After scoring 47.2 Yahoo points against the Rockets on Wednesday, expect another productive performance from Griffin during their rematch.
Noah Vonleh, NY vs. NO ($11): Like Burke, Vonleh's value has been at the mercy of coach David Fizdale's fickle rotations. He's bounced in and out of the starting five, but has started both of the last two games. The Knicks played well in both of those games, even defeating the Celtics on Wednesday, so Vonleh might stay in that role Friday. He scored at least 41.5 Yahoo points in both contests, so he could be a steal at this price.
Forward to Avoid
Kyle Kuzma, LAL vs. UTA ($19): Kuzma continues to start for the Lakers, but he's scored 25.9 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last seven games. He can score in bunches, but his lack of contributions in assists, steals and blocks will continue to limit his upside. His rebounding numbers are down, as well, at 4.8 boards per game. Since he's not overly cheap, Kuzma might be an option to stay away from at forward.
CENTERS
Anthony Davis, NO at NY ($51): Davis' price has decreased by six dollars and is the lowest it has been all season, creating a unique opportunity to get him into your lineup. He's rolling right now with at least 60 Yahoo points in five of his last six games, one of which was when he scored 74.9 Yahoo points against the Knicks last week. The extra savings might be too hard to pass up considering his tremendously high ceiling.
Myles Turner, IND vs. SA ($15): Domantas Sabonis (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday, which could have a significant impact on Turner's role. If Sabonis is ultimately unable to play, Turner could be in line for added minutes, even though the Pacers do have another capable backup center in Kyle O'Quinn. If Sabonis does play, Turner still has the potential to provide value at this price, having scored at least 27.4 Yahoo points in four straight games.
Center to Avoid
Wendell Carter Jr., CHI vs. MIA ($18): The Bulls have high hopes for Carter and he's shown flashes of being a very promising player. However, like many rookies, he's going to have his ups and downs. He's currently on a cold streak, scoring 27.8 Yahoo points or fewer in five straight games. The Bulls didn't play him more than 27 minutes in any of those contests, which doesn't help his cause. This will not be an easy matchup against Hassan Whiteside, so it wouldn't be all that surprising if Carter struggles.
