This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
With just two games in the NBA on Saturday, we are left with very few options to choose from in DFS. There is significant blowout potential in the matchup between the Sixers and Bulls, which further complicates matters. Here are some players to target and avoid while you create what will hopefully be a winning entry on Yahoo.
GUARDS
Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. BKN ($30): After playing just three minutes due to an ejection against the Sixers on Thursday, Bledsoe is at least well rested for this contest. These two teams just met Monday and Bledsoe destroyed the Nets for 62.5 Yahoo points in that contest. Even though Khris Middleton didn't play in that game, Bledsoe should still have an expanded role Saturday with Malcolm Brogdon (foot) and Nikola Mirotic (thumb) out. The Nets have allowed the eighth-most Yahoo points per game (56.8) to opposing point guards over their last 10 games, so Bledsoe projects to be one of the safer options on the slate.
Shaquille Harrison, CHI vs. PHI ($21): The Bulls aren't expected to receive any reinforcements on the injury front Saturday, leaving a lot of minutes on the table for their reserves. Harrison has been one of their key contributors down the stretch, scoring at least 27.5 Yahoo points in seven straight contests. He averaged 34 minutes a night during that span and should be in line for extended playing time once again.
Guard to Avoid
Ben Simmons, PHI at CHI ($44): It will be interesting to see how the Sixers decide to play this game. The Celtics are actually making a charge to catch them for the third seed in the Eastern Conference, so they still have something left to play for. With that being said, Jimmy Butler (back) and Joel Embiid (knee) are listed as questionable and could be held out. If they don't play, that would provide a boost for Simmons. However, if they do take the floor, this game could get out of hand early, leaving Simmons with some added time to rest in the second half. If you want to pay up somewhere, it might be best to go with some of the cheaper options at guard and splurge for Giannis Antetokounmpo ($55) at forward.
FORWARDS
Walter Lemon Jr., CHI vs. PHI ($18): Lemon has logged at least 29 minutes in all three games since joining the Bulls and scored at least 41.6 Yahoo points in two of those contests. With the Bulls short on scorers, he's averaged 14.3 shot attempts per game. With the Sixers playing at the seventh-fastest pace (102.8 possessions per game) in the league, Lemon should have plenty of opportunities to provide value at this price.
JaKarr Sampson, CHI vs. PHI ($14): Speaking of players coming out of nowhere to become DFS relevant, Sampson has also assumed a key role for the Bulls. He's certainly shown he can be productive, scoring 35.4 and 35.8 Yahoo points, respectively, since joining the team. There really isn't anyone to push him for playing time up front, making him another cheap player to target.
Forward to Avoid
Tobias Harris, PHI at CHI ($31): Despite Embiid and Butler missing time lately, Harris has scored 30.4 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last seven games. He doesn't provide much in the way of assists and defensive stats, which can somewhat limit his upside despite his offensive prowess. With the potential for him to spend added time on the bench in the second half if the Sixers race out to an early lead, he might be too risky at this price.
CENTERS
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. BKN ($24): Targeting centers against the Nets can be a sound strategy since they allow the fifth-most Yahoo points per game (42.9) to the position. When they met earlier this week, Lopez shined with 36.4 Yahoo points. Since this is such a limited slate, Lopez is actually the second-most expensive center behind Embiid ($53). He has a fairly high floor with the Bucks playing at the fifth-fastest pace, so this is a matchup to target.
Jarrett Allen, BKN at MIL ($16): The one thing with Allen is that his ceiling isn't all that high. He's only topped 30 Yahoo points one time across his last 10 contests. However, he also has a relatively high floor, scoring between 24.8 and 29.8 Yahoo points seven times during that stretch. His playing time is secure with the Nets trying to hold onto a playoff spot, making him one of the better cost-effective options at center.
Center to Avoid
Robin Lopez, CHI vs. PHI ($16): Lopez lit up the Knicks for 42.4 Yahoo points Monday, then came back down to Earth with 21 Yahoo points versus the Wizards on Wednesday. He's been all over the map lately. While he's scored at least 30.8 Yahoo points in three of his last eight games, he also scored 17.3 Yahoo points or fewer in four of those contests. Allen is probably the safer option at the same price, so he's likely the better cash game option. Lopez might be someone to consider in tournament play, but he's risky.
