This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA closes out the work week with nine games on the schedule Friday. There is the potential for a couple of lopsided affairs when the Bucks play the Rockets and the Lakers take on the Thunder. However, there are also several exciting matchups, including the Hawks hosting the Nets. Kevin Durant should be fresh for that matchup after sitting out Wednesday's battle with the Rockets for rest purposes. The main Yahoo slate will consist of seven of the nine games, so let's highlight some players from those games to consider, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Trae Young, ATL vs. BKN ($40): Young has been at the top of his game lately, scoring at least 43.2 Yahoo points in each of his last eight games. Not only does his 34.0 percent usage rate leave him with a high ceiling in the scoring department, but he's also continued to be an excellent facilitator, averaging 9.4 assists per game. While he only shot 6-for-22 from the field the first time these two teams met this season, he still finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists.
Garrison Mathews, HOU vs. MIL ($11): During the Rockets seven-game winning streak, Mathews has averaged 34 minutes per game. He's taken advantage of his opportunities, averaging 16.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals during that stretch. With Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) and Danuel House (ankle) ruled out again, Mathews should continue to receive added minutes.
Guard to Avoid
Derrick Rose, NY at TOR ($17): The Knicks haven't been pushing Rose to play a ton, leaving him to average only 24 minutes per game. Given his age and injury history, his role likely won't change anytime soon. The problem is, his lack of playing time has limited him to 24.5 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last eight games.
FORWARDS
Jerami Grant, DET at NO ($31): Grant has seen a slight reduction in his offensive role, posting a 26.9 percent usage rate this season, compared to his 28.5 percent rate last season. Still, he hasn't exactly been a disappointment with averages of 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He has the potential to thrive in this matchup given that the Pelicans have the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league.
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. MIL ($14): The Rockets need someone to step up in the scoring department with Porter out. Gordon has obliged, scoring at least 21 points in three straight games. Injuries have limited him the past couple of seasons, but he's healthy now and has a green light to shoot early and often, so he has the potential to provide value.
Forward to Avoid
Jarred Vanderbilt, MIN vs. CLE ($20): Vanderbilt is making a name for himself in the rebounding department, hauling in at least 10 boards in eight of his last 10 games. The problem is, he doesn't receive many shot attempts, which left him to average only 6.9 points during that stretch. The Cavaliers have allowed the fourth-fewest rebounds per game in the league, so they might be able to take Vanderbilt's strength away from him in this matchup.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, NO vs. DET ($32): The Pistons aren't great on the glass, allowing the eighth-most rebounds per game in the league. That could be a recipe for disaster against Valanciunas, who is on pace to average at least 12.0 rebounds for the second straight season. Valanciunas is also averaging a career high 18.9 points per game with Zion Williamson (foot) having yet to play this season.
Bobby Portis, MIL at HOU ($26): Portis is locked into the starting five for the Bucks with Brook Lopez having undergone back surgery. He's averaged a career high 28 minutes per game, which has propelled him to averages of 15.1 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. With the Rockets playing at the fastest pace in the league, Portis could receive plenty of opportunities to be productive in this matchup.
Center to Avoid
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. CLE ($41): The Cavaliers are a great defensive team, holding their opponents to an average of 102.0 points per game. The strength of their defense has been up front with the duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. With those two likely taking turns guarding Towns in this game, an underwhelming stat line could be coming.
