This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There will be plenty of options from which to choose in DFS on Friday with nine games on the schedule. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Let's dive right in and highlight some players to target and avoid as you create what will hopefully be a winning entry on Yahoo.
GUARDS
Kemba Walker, CHA vs. NY ($40): Walker is averaging a career-high 26 points per game on the strength of his 31.2 percent usage rate that ranks inside the top-10 in the league. He's been so much more than just a scorer, though, also averaging career-highs in rebounds (4.5) and assists (6.3). After scoring 51.2 Yahoo points against the Knicks on Sunday, Walker again has a very high floor for their rematch.
Monte Morris, DEN vs. OKC ($10): The Nuggets have been absolutely decimated by injuries, forcing several players from their second unit to step into prominent roles. Morris has been one of those players who has helped try to fill the void, averaging 13.2 points, three rebounds and 3.3 assists across his last six games. He's even scored at least 34.9 Yahoo points in back-to-back contests, making him someone to consider in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Damian Lillard, POR vs. TOR ($48): Lillard is coming off of a quiet performance in which he scored 28.9 Yahoo points against the Grizzlies on Wednesday. They are one of the best defensive teams in the league, but things won't get much easier for him Friday against the Raptors. Not only are the Raptors allowing just 107 points per game, but they also have allowed the third-fewest Yahoo points per game (38.2) to opposing point guards.
FORWARDS
John Collins, ATL at BOS ($31): The Hawks don't have a lot to be excited about, but the way Collins has been playing lately must have them thrilled. His playing time has increased significantly from the 24 minutes a game that he averaged during his rookie season, which is huge considering his usage rate has also jumped up to 23.6 percent. The Celtics will be without Al Horford (knee) for this contest, which should make things a little easier for Collins, as well.
Larry Nance Jr., CLE vs. MIL ($15): The Cavaliers have strangely tried to keep Nance away from significant playing time, but they don't have much of a choice now with Tristan Thompson (foot) out. Nance still didn't start Tuesday's game against the Knicks, but he logged 33 minutes and scored 43.7 Yahoo points. The Bucks play at the fourth-fastest pace (103.5 possessions per game) in the league, so the added playing time could leave Nance with plenty of upside considering his cheap price.
Forward to Avoid
Khris Middleton, MIL at CLE ($25): Middleton is in a scoring funk right now, scoring 10 points or fewer in four of his last five games. He's continued to chip in with rebounds and assists, but his lack of offensive output has resulted in him scoring 26.3 Yahoo points or fewer in each of those four contests. There are a ton of great options with so many games on the schedule, so it might be best to hold off on adding Middleton to your entry.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND at PHI ($27): Turner is averaging 28 minutes a game this year, but has logged at least 31 minutes in five of his last six games. He's taken full advantage of his expanded playing time, scoring at least 35.6 Yahoo points in all five of those contests. In fact, he even scored at least 52.7 Yahoo points twice. Staying out of foul trouble against Joel Embiid is no easy task, but Turner is priced low enough that his recent production might make him worth the risk.
Serge Ibaka, TOR at POR ($23): The Raptors have been playing matchups at center this season, but Ibaka is in line for heavy minutes now with Jonas Valanciunas (thumb) out for at least four weeks. Ibaka was already getting into a groove recently, scoring at least 43.9 Yahoo points in each of his last three games. Jusuf Nurkic isn't exactly a push over, but Ibaka could still provide excellent value based on his expanded role.
Center to Avoid
Bam Adebayo, MIA at MEM ($20): Adebayo had been rolling, with Hassan Whiteside away from the team due to a personal matter, but he was shut down by Rudy Gobert and the Jazz on Wednesday, scoring just 21.5 Yahoo points. Whiteside is expected to return Friday, which should push Adebayo back to a limited role off of the bench. His price has increased due to his production with Whiteside out, but it's now much too high with Whiteside back in the picture.
