This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We're set up for a busy Friday with nine games. The marquee matchup showcases the Suns and Warriors facing off for the second time this week, but this time Phoenix will be without Devin Booker (hamstring). To complicate matters, they'll be on the second of a back-to-back set. Another contest between two of the better defensive teams will feature the Jazz hosting the Celtics. In a battle between two teams that have played surprisingly well this season, the Cavs will travel to face the Wizards. Let's discuss some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Cole Anthony, ORL at HOU ($29): With their depth chart getting shallower by the day due to injuries, the Magic were thrilled to welcome Anthony back from a six-game absence Wednesday. He certainly didn't look rusty and produced 43.1 Yahoo points across 37 minutes. With all the minutes Anthony can handle coming his way here, he could thrive against a Rockets team that has played at the league's fastest pace.
Armoni Brooks, HOU at ORL ($11): The Rockets are also in bad shape on in the injury front. Already without Jalen Green (hamstring), Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) had to leave Wednesday against the Thunder. He's listed as questionable for this matchup, but could get the night off as he's dealt with this same injury before. If that happens, Brooks becomes a potential value play after logging 30 minutes after Porter went down while scoring 33.8 Yahoo points.
Guard to Avoid
Tim Hardaway Jr., DAL vs. NO ($19): With the Mavs struggling, they decided to shake up their starting five Wednesday by moving Hardaway to the bench and starting Reggie Bullock. He only managed 25 minutes in the eventual victory, well below his season average of 33. If this move sticks, Hardaway's upside should be limited.
FORWARDS
Jae'Sean Tate, HOU vs. ORL ($22): Tate had been doing well heading into Wednesday after posting 26.9 and 37.2 Yahoo points over his previous two outings. However, when Porter and Christian Wood (ankle) were sidelined, Tate became the focal point of the Rockets' offense. He stepped up in a big way with 32 points on his way to 72.5 YP. Porter represents a major part of Houston's scoring attack, so Tate could provide another juicy stat line if he's out again.
Cameron Johnson, PHO at GS ($10): On a deep Suns squad, Johnson has generally found it difficult finding his way onto the floor only averaging 23 minutes a night. However, with Devin Booker suffering a hamstring injury, Johnson has received 29 and 27 minutes in the last two games. He scored at least 26.8 Yahoo points in both, so he could be worth a look in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Andrew Wiggins, GS vs. PHO ($23): The Suns come in with the NBA's second-best defensive rating, which is not good news for Wiggins as he provides most of his production in the scoring column. He only shot 4-for-12 from the field when these teams met Tuesday to finish with 21.6 YP. There are plenty of other appealing players in this salary range, including Tate.
CENTERS
Deandre Ayton, PHO at GS ($28): Despite the absence of Booker, the Suns extended their winning streak to 18 on Thursday. Ayton was at the forefront of the victory posting 17 points and 12 rebounds on his way to 37.4 Yahoo points. The Warriors don't offer much size up front, which helped Ayton torch them for 48.2 YP Tuesday. Similar production could be forthcoming in the rematch.
Mo Bamba, ORL at HOU ($26): Bamba had a quiet showing in his last contest with 24.2 Yahoo points in an upset victory over the Nuggets. That wasn't a great matchup considering Denver plays at the third-slowest pace and allow the third-fewest rebounds per game. The Rockets are almost the complete opposite as they not only register the fastest pace, but give up the ninth-most rebounds.
Center to Avoid
Christian Wood, HOU vs. ORL ($35): Wood tried to come back Wednesday after injuring his ankle, but ultimately couldn't keep playing. And he's somehow listed as probable for this matchup. Even if Wood takes the floor, he's a risky option on a slate that boasts many other appealing centers who would be safer choices.
