This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Saturday brings a packed 11-game slate in the NBA. There are a couple of early start times, so nine will be left to make up the main evening slate on Yahoo. Here are some players across the price scale to target for your entry, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
De'Aaron Fox, SAC vs. NO ($30): Fox is coming off of a monster performance against the Grizzlies in which he produced 27 points, four rebounds, nine assists, five steals and two blocks across 30 minutes. That was a favorable matchup considering the Grizzlies have played at the fifth-fastest pace and are tied for the third-most points allowed per game in the league. This is another great matchup for Fox with the Pelicans tied with the Grizzlies for the third-most points allowed and playing at the seventh-fastest pace. They are also tied for the most Yahoo points per game allowed to opposing point guards.
Jordan McRae, WAS vs. DEN ($15): The Wizards could only muster up 103 points against the Blazers on Friday, but McRae scored 35 of them. He attempted 26 shots across 33 minutes and is now averaging 22.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists over five games since returning from injury. If Bradley Beal (leg) is forced to sit again, McRae should once more see increased scoring opportunities. Even if Beal does play, McRae can still provide value at this cheap price.
Guard to Avoid
Isaiah Thomas, WAS vs. DEN ($16): Thomas didn't even last two minutes into Friday's game before he was ejected for making contact with an official. He could be facing a suspension, but if he does play Saturday, he's not a very appealing option. He had logged 22 minutes or fewer in both of his previous two games and has to face a Nuggets team that has allowed the third-fewest points per game.
FORWARDS
Will Barton, DEN at WAS ($25): With the Wizards allowing the most points per game, this is a prime opportunity to deploy a player or two from the Nuggets in DFS. One who is appealing and who also won't destroy your budget is Barton. He comes into this matchup playing extremely well having scored at least 30.7 Yahoo points in six of his last seven contests.
Michael Porter Jr., DEN at WAS ($11): Are the Nuggets ready to unleash Porter? Despite having to face a strong defensive team in the Pacers on Thursday, Porter was excellent with 25 points and five rebounds over 23 minutes. He started and played 26 minutes against the Kings last Sunday and cashed in his added playing time there to produce 19 points and six rebounds. This game has blowout written all over it, which could leave Porter with added playing time in the second half. At just over the minimum price, he could be well worth the risk in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Jabari Parker, ATL vs. IND ($19): Parker's production has fallen off a cliff with him scoring 13.9 Yahoo points or fewer in each of his last three games. Some of that can be attributed to the return of John Collins, who could be out for this game after a hard fall Friday. Still, the Pacers have allowed the eighth-fewest points per game in the league and held Parker to 27.7 Yahoo points a couple of weeks ago, so don't expect him to carry much upside.
CENTERS
Richaun Holmes, SAC vs. NO ($27): The Kings will once again be without Marvin Bagley III (foot), who is set to miss his fifth straight game. Holmes has scored at least 30.2 Yahoo points in each of the previous three games and should continue to receive all of the playing time that he can handle up front. With the Pelicans' defensive deficiencies already detailed, Holmes is a great mid-tier option to pursue.
Maxi Kleber, DAL vs. CHA ($12): It looks like the Mavericks will be playing without Kristaps Porzingis (knee) for their third straight contest. They are heavy favorites here at home, so it makes sense to take a cautious approach and keep him out, even if his injury is starting to improve. Kleber scored at least 32.3 Yahoo points and played at least 31 minutes in both of the first two games that Porzingis missed and should once again have an expanded role here.
Center to Avoid
Tristan Thompson, CLE vs. OKC ($20): Thompson comes into this game cold, having scored 26 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last five games. Playing time hasn't been an issue since he logged at least 30 minutes in each of those contests. This doesn't have the makings of a high-scoring affair with both the Cavaliers and the Thunder ranked inside the bottom-six in the league in pace of play, so keeping Thompson out of our entry could prove to be wise.
