This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Friday brings a packed NBA slate consisting of 10 games. We have some key injuries to monitor along with players who might be forced to sit out because of the league's health and safety protocols. As things currently stand, here are some players to target for your entry, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. WAS ($36): The Celtics are a team to watch because they have four players listed as questionable due to health and safety protocols. If any are forced to sit, their depth chart would be extremely thin. Regardless of who plays, this is still a prime spot to deploy Brown as he is one of the offense's focal points. The Wizards have played at the fastest pace and allowed the most points per game in the league, so Brown and the Celtics' offense should do well.
Caris LeVert, BKN at MEM ($26): Kyrie Irving did not play for the Nets on Thursday for personal reasons, which left LeVert to carry their offense. He didn't let the team down by scoring 22 points to go along with seven rebounds, 10 assists and two steals in an upset win over the Sixers. Irving is reportedly not traveling with the team for this game, so it appears he won't play Friday. That makes LeVert a potential steal at this salary.
Guard to Avoid
Jrue Holiday, MIL vs. UTA ($28): It's been a quiet start to the season for Holiday, who has scored fewer than 30 Yahoo points in four of eight games. His numbers are down across the board - including his usage rate - which has dropped to 18.6 percent. To put that into perspective, Holiday had recorded a usage rate of at least 23.1 percent in each of the last eight seasons. On a night with so many other viable options, there's no need to take a chance on him seeing an increased role.
FORWARDS
Jayson Tatum, BOS vs. WAS ($43): Rolling with both Brown and Tatum could be a winning strategy based on the matchup. Tatum has been even more productive than during his breakout campaign last season by averaging 26.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, four assists and a steal through nine games. He's also averaging 35 minutes and boasts a 30.3 percent usage rate, so he's in line to torch the Wizards' suspect defense.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, BKN at MEM ($10): With Irving and Kevin Durant (COVID-19) out, the Nets will need some help from their bench players if they are going to pull off another win. Luwawu-Cabarrot was productive across 26 minutes Thursday and finished with 27.3 Yahoo points. Add the opportunity for more minutes to the Nets playing at the fourth-fastest pace and he's tough to pass up at the minimum salary.
Forward to Avoid
Blake Griffin, DET vs. PHO ($25): Griffin has already missed three games this season and he hasn't been very productive when able to take the floor. He's shooting an ugly 38.3 percent from the field and hasn't done much on the glass, leaving him to score 27.4 Yahoo points or fewer in four of five games. Facing a Suns' team that has allowed the fewest points per game likely won't help Griffin break out of his slump.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, MEM vs. BKN ($28): Talk about reliable. Eight games for the Grizzlies has resulted in eight double-doubles for Valanciunas. On top of that, he's averaging a career-high two assists a night. The big man should remain one of the team leaders until Ja Morant (ankle) returns from injury, so he offers a reasonably high floor based on his mid-tier salary.
Jarrett Allen, BKN vs. MEM ($22): As appealing as Valanciunas is, Allen might be an even better choice given his lower salary. He's taken over as the Nets' starting center and scored 57.1 and 32.7 Yahoo points, respectively, in that role. The Nets won both games, so don't expect Allen to drop out of the starting lineup anytime soon.
Center to Avoid
Al Horford, OKC at NY ($17): Horford seemed to land in an ideal situation with the Thunder based on their lack of depth. However, he's only averaging 26 minutes a night and is struggling by only shooting 39.6 percent from the field. Just as concerning has been his lack of assists with only 2.7 dimes a night after averaging at least four in each of the last four seasons. Until Horford starts to play more, he's too risky.
