This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We're looking at a fairly quiet schedule in the NBA on Friday consisting of only six games. There are some intriguing matchups, including the Rockets hosting the Sixers and the Magic taking on the Heat. As we look to try and win some cash on Yahoo, here are some players to consider for your entry, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR at WAS ($42): Lillard couldn't buy a basket against the Knicks on Wednesday, scoring 11 points on just 5-for-20 shooting from the field. He also didn't attempt a single free throw, which is extremely rare considering he is averaging 7.5 attempts for the season. As bad as that was, Lillard still scored 36 Yahoo points thanks to his 10 rebounds and eight assists. With his high usage rate and heavy amount of playing time, he possesses tremendous upside against a Wizards' team that has played at the third-fastest pace in the league.
Jordan McRae, WAS vs. POR ($15): The Wizards appear close to receiving some of their big men back from injury, but it doesn't look like any reinforcements are coming for this game. They could also be without Bradley Beal (leg), who is listed as questionable. Even if Beal is able to play, McRae represents an excellent cheap option to consider. He's jumped right back into a prominent role off the bench since returning from injury, averaging 19.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and one steal across four games.
Guard to Avoid
Trae Young, ATL at BOS ($48): After missing two games with an ankle injury, Young is expected to make his return for this contest. The Hawks managed to split the two games that he missed, but they clearly need him if they are going to have any chance of keeping this close against the Celtics. The problem from a DFS perspective is that the Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the league, which has contributed to them allowing the third-fewest Yahoo points per game to opposing point guards. At this price, it might be best to keep Young out of your entry.
FORWARDS
Brandon Ingram, NO at LAL ($41): This matchup marks the first time Ingram will play the Lakers in Los Angeles since they dealt him to the Pelicans over the summer. These two teams did meet once already in New Orleans, a contest in which Ingram scored 39.5 Yahoo points. He comes into their rematch having scored at least 43.7 Yahoo points in four straight contests and should once again offer a high floor.
Kyle Kuzma, LAL vs. NO ($11): The Pelicans have played at the seventh-fastest pace in the league, making this an appealing matchup for the Lakers. If you're looking to get some exposure to them without paying the hefty price tag that comes along with deploying LeBron James or Anthony Davis, Kuzma is someone to consider in tournament play. He's cranked things up on the offensive end lately, scoring at least 16 points in four of his last five games.
Forward to Avoid
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. PHI ($14): Gordon is heavily reliant on his contributions in the scoring column to provide value, so this is not an ideal matchup for him with the Sixers allowing the sixth-fewest points per game in the league. The Rockets are also expected to have their full depth chart at their disposal, which could put somewhat of a damper on Gordon's playing time. Although he's not expensive, it still might be better if he's left out of your entry.
CENTERS
Deandre Ayton, PHO vs. NY ($25): The Suns brought Ayton off the bench again in his second game back from an ankle injury, but they did at least play him 32 minutes. He showed virtually no signs of rust, producing 16 points, 14 rebounds, one steal and one block. Even if Ayton doesn't enter the starting lineup for this game, he should receive enough court time to provide value at this mid-tier price.
Derrick Favors, NO at LAL ($21): It's no coincidence the Pelicans became a more competitive team once Favors returned to the floor. He's been an important presence for them up front, averaging 10.4 points, 13.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 blocks across his last five games. Just as noteworthy is that Favors averaged 30 minutes a night during that stretch. His price is climbing, but it's still reasonable enough given his production.
Center to Avoid
Daniel Theis, BOS vs. ATL ($12): The Celtics have experienced difficulties filling the center spot this season, mostly starting Theis at the position. However, he's only averaging 22 minutes a night and has scored 21.2 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last five contests. With Enes Kanter starting to provide more production off the bench, don't expect Theis to see an increase in minutes soon.
