This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Friday isn't the busiest of nights in the NBA with only seven games on the schedule. A couple of the games pit teams who are fighting for playoffs berths against each other, with the Hornets facing the Nets and the Kings hosting the Clippers. Let's try to make the night even more exciting with a winning entry on Yahoo. Here are some players to target and avoid while working your way through the options.
GUARDS
Trae Young, ATL vs. CHI ($34): Young is rolling right now with at least 38.4 Yahoo points in each of his last six games. He averaged a whopping 20 shot attempts a game during that stretch, which is up significantly from his season average of 14.7. The Hawks play at the second-fastest pace (104.5 possessions per game) in the league, so look for Young to continue to receive plenty of scoring opportunities and be productive Friday.
Tyler Johnson, PHO vs. NO ($16): Johnson has started to settle in with the Suns, scoring at least 28.7 Yahoo points in three straight games. He logged at least 32 minutes in each of those contests and should continue to see plenty of playing time down the stretch. T.J. Warren (ankle) is out for this game, and Devin Booker (toe) is listed as questionable, so if Booker can't play, the Suns will need Johnson to step up offensively. The added shot attempts could prove to be beneficial against a Pelicans team that allows the fifth-most points per game (115.1).
Guard to Avoid
Spencer Dinwiddie, BKN vs. CHA ($21): The Nets are making a push to lock down a playoff spot and will receive a significant boost with Dinwiddie set to return from his thumb injury. However, Dinwiddie hasn't played in more than a month, so don't be surprised if he's eased back into action. At this price, he's a risk that's not worth taking.
FORWARDS
Otto Porter Jr., CHI at ATL, ($27): The trade to the Bulls has been huge for Porter, who is averaging 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and one steal across seven games with the team. Part of the reason for his increased scoring output is that he's shooting 55.1 percent from the field, which won't hold up over the long run. However, he has a high minutes floor due to the Bulls' lack of options at small forward, so look for him to provide plenty of value against the Hawks, who allow the most points per game (118.3) in the league.
Maurice Harkless, POR at TOR ($11): Evan Turner (knee) is set to miss his fourth-straight game and only logged eight minutes in the last game before he was sidelined. That's led to added opportunities for Harkless – who has battled his own injury issues this season – to be productive. However, he's healthy now and taking advantage of Turner's absence, scoring at least 28.1 Yahoo points in each of the last four games. At near the minimum price, he's a risk well worth taking in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Caris LeVert, BKN vs. CHA ($20): LeVert is coming off a dud of a performance against the Wizards on Wednesday where he went 0-for-5 from the field in 20 minutes. He only chipped in two rebounds to go with two turnovers, which continued his recent run of inconsistent play. Even though he's scored at least 33.9 Yahoo points in three of his last seven games, he scored 18.5 Yahoo points or fewer in each of the other four contests. Until he shows signs of consistently playing well, he's too risky based on his price tag.
CENTERS
Julius Randle, NO at PHO ($32): One Pelicans' player who hasn't seen his playing time decrease after the trade deadline has been Randle. In fact, his playing time is on the rise with at least 34 minutes in four of his last five games. With the Pelicans playing at the fifth-fastest pace (103.3), Randle was able to score at least 50.7 Yahoo points in three of those four contests. Add in the Suns' defensive struggles and Randle has the potential to be one of the top producing big men for the evening.
Robin Lopez, CHI at ATL ($13): Lopez was held to four points against the Grizzlies on Wednesday, but he helped salvage his stat line with five blocks. He's locked into significant playing time with Bobby Portis no longer in town, which has enabled him to average 17.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks across his last eight games. Look for him to provide value again in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Center to Avoid
Anthony Davis, NO at PHO ($47): Davis has logged 21 minutes or fewer in four straight games. He's been productive when on the floor, but this is a trend that should continue throughout the season with the Pelicans looking to trade him during the summer. If you want to spend big on a player, pay up for Giannis Antetokounmpo ($57) or LeBron James ($53), not Davis.
