This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Get ready for a wild Saturday with 12 games on the NBA schedule, 11 of which make up the main evening slate on Yahoo. There are a lot of options across the price scale to consider, so let's highlight some to target and avoid on your way to creating what will hopefully be a winning entry.
GUARDS
Devin Booker, PHO at ATL ($34): When these two teams met earlier this month, Booker exploded for 55.6 Yahoo points. That's not a surprise since the Hawks play at the fastest pace (104.6 possessions per game) and allow the most points per game (118.3) in the league. Booker should receive all of the shots that he can handle in their rematch, especially with T.J. Warren (ankle) still on the sidelines.
Wesley Matthews, IND at WAS ($10): The Pacers stormed back for a win over the Pelicans on Friday in large part because Matthews scored 24 points. He was 6-for-11 from behind the arc, which helped salvage his line since he only had two rebounds and no assists or defensive stats. The Wizards allow the second-most points per game (117), so look for Matthews to follow up Friday's performance with another strong stat line.
Guard to Avoid
Kris Dunn, CHI vs. BOS ($21): The Bulls had high hopes for Dunn when they acquired him in the deal that sent Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves, but he's yet to live up to expectations. Injuries have limited him to 32 games this year and he's struggling right now with 27.8 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last six contests. This is not a good matchup for him against the Celtics' strong defense, so keep him out of your entry.
FORWARDS
LeBron James, LAL at NO ($52): James scored 53.2 Yahoo points in the Lakers' dramatic comeback victory over the Rockets on Thursday and has now scored at least that many Yahoo points in three of his last four games. This has the potential to be a high-scoring affair with both the Lakers and the Pelicans inside the top-six in the league in pace of play, leaving James with tremendous upside. The only concern with deploying him is this could become a blowout if Anthony Davis doesn't play. Still, this matchup might be too good to pass up.
Cheick Diallo, NO vs. LAL ($10): Diallo exploded for 42.1 Yahoo points across 26 minutes Friday, which is even more impressive when you consider he did that against the Pacers. There's a chance that Anthony Davis doesn't play Saturday. Even if he does, it's hard to imagine him playing much in the second game of a back-to-back set. At the minimum price, Diallo might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Jabari Parker, WAS vs. IND ($18): Parker had a rough night against the Hornets on Friday, scoring just 9.6 Yahoo points. That's actually the second time over his last three contests that he's scored fewer than 10 Yahoo points. He has the ability to score in bunches when he's feeling it, especially since the Wizards play at the eighth-fastest pace (102.6). However, the Pacers allow the fewest points per game (103), so this is the night to avoid him.
CENTERS
Al Horford, BOS at CHI ($30): Horford is rolling right now with at least 48.8 Yahoo points in three straight games. He logged at least 31 minutes in each contest, which is encouraging considering the knee injury he's battled this season. The last time these two teams met, Horford scored 33.1 Yahoo points in just 20 minutes. There is plenty of blowout potential here, but Horford is still a great option to consider.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. BKN ($14): Keep rolling with Zeller until his price finally goes up. After missing over a month with a hand injury, he's scored at least 27.2 Yahoo points in all six games since his return. The Nets allow the sixth-most Yahoo points per game (41) to opposing centers, making it hard to envision them being the team to slow him down.
Center to Avoid
Kenneth Faried, HOU at GS ($26):Clint Capela returned to the floor Thursday, which pushed Faried into a reserve role. He still scored 27.7 Yahoo points, but he only played 18 minutes. Amazingly, his price actually increased by three dollars after that game. Even though he will be an important part of the Rockets' second unit, his limited playing time makes him an unappealing option at this price.
