This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Friday has the makings of a wild DFS slate with several teams resting multiple players. Let's dive into some of the appealing options who are still set to take the floor, as well as discuss a few players who it might be best to avoid.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, WAS vs. NO ($55): At this point, fading Westbrook might be detrimental to your health. He's recorded a triple-double in 10 of his last 11 games while averaging 22.7 points, 14.1 rebounds, 12.8 assists and 1.2 steals during that stretch. This is a great spot for Westbrook to keep things rolling against the Pelicans, who enter with the league's third-worst defensive rating.
Luguentz Dort, OKC at DET ($18): The last time we saw Dort take the floor, he torched a stout Jazz defense for 42 points. He attempted a whopping 31 shots in that contest and could continue to be one of the focal points of the Thunders' offense with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (foot) still out. While Dort's 39.6 percent shooting from the field might classify him as volatile, his low salary still makes him an appealing option.
Guard to Avoid
Eric Bledsoe, NO at WAS ($18): Bledsoe was shut down Wednesday against the Knicks and only produced 9.6 Yahoo points across 27 minutes. He's scored 23.9 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last six while shooting just 38.1 percent from the field an averaging only 10.5 shot attempts per game. Bledsoe is basically an afterthought within the Pelicans' offense, so he's still likely someone to avoid even in this favorable matchup.
FORWARDS
Zion Williamson, NO at WAS ($47): This could get ugly in a hurry for the Wizards. Their strength is their backcourt duo of Westbrook and Bradley Beal. Their frontcourt of Rui Hachimura, Davis Bertans and Alex Len isn't much to write home about, especially on the defensive end. This is a matchup nightmare for them in Williamson, who has scored at least 40.7 Yahoo points in 12 of his last 13 outings.
Saddiq Bey, DET vs. OKC ($14): In this battle of two teams who are fully committed to tanking, the Pistons have ruled out Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee and Wayne Ellington for rest. Dennis Smith Jr. (knee) and Cory Joseph (ankle) are also out with injuries, so their depth chart will be extremely thin. Expect Bey, who is averaging 18.6 points and 3.8 three-pointers over the last five games, to be one of the offensive focal points.
Forward to Avoid
Thaddeus Young, CHI vs. MEM ($17): The Bulls had a decision to make at the trade deadline. Go for the playoffs now, or trade away some of their veterans to improve their draft positioning. They decided to go with the former, which resulted in them holding onto Young. However, they also added Daniel Theis, who has quickly become one of the team's key reserves. That has contributed to Young averaging only 20 minutes across their last five games. That could be a trend that continues tonight.
CENTERS
Chris Boucher, TOR vs. ORL ($22): Despite only being one game behind the Bulls for the play-in tournament, the Raptors have decided to rest Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby for the matchup with the Magic. That should mean added playing time for Boucher. He's generally played well when given extended run by averaging 22.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks across 11 where he has logged at least 30 minutes.
Khem Birch, TOR vs. ORL ($11): Birch has quickly found himself in an important role with the Raptors after being waived by the Magic. He's played at least 25 minutes in back-to-back games while scoring 28.4 and 31.7 Yahoo points, respectively. Don't be surprised if Birch provides excellent value here against his former squad.
Center to Avoid
Enes Kanter, POR at SA ($23): Kanter has moved back to the bench with Jusuf Nurkic healthy, which has contributed to him scoring 22.5 Yahoo points or fewer in three of the last four contests. Nurkic could see occasional rest days down the stretch, which would mean added production from Kanter in those contests. However, with the expectation Nurkic plays tonight, it will be tough for Kanter to return value at his salary.
