This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We only have five games in the NBA on Saturday, four of which will make up the main evening slate on Yahoo. A few teams will be playing the second game of a back-to-back set, so be sure to keep an eye on the news leading up to tip off for possible rest days. As things currently stand, here are some players to target for your entry, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC at MIN ($31): Gilgeous-Alexander has provided a high floor of late, scoring at least 37.5 Yahoo points in eight straight games. The Hawks certainly couldn't slow him down Friday, leaving him to finish with 24 points, three rebounds, six assists and three blocks across 37 minutes. This is a great matchup for him against another bad defensive team in the Timberwolves, who have allowed the fifth-most points per game in the league. The last time they met, he scored a whopping 60 Yahoo points.
Furkan Korkmaz, PHI vs. LAL ($10): Already down Joel Embiid (finger), the Sixers recently lost another member of their starting five in Josh Richardson (hamstring). His loss is a tough one considering he's one of the better three-point shooters on the team. Look for them to turn to Korkmaz to provide spacing, who has already stepped up to average 16.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.8 three-pointers across their last five games. Although this matchup isn't ideal, Korkmaz is cheap enough to consider in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Jarrett Culver, MIN vs. OKC ($15): The up-and-down rookie season for Culver has taken yet another turn. He recently had an 11-game stretch in which he played very well, averaging 15.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals. However, after a couple of duds against the Nuggets and Bulls, the Timberwolves decided to bring Culver off the bench Friday against the Rockets. As a result, he scored just 16.6 Yahoo points over 18 minutes. That's just not enough playing time to justify adding him to your entry.
FORWARDS
Kevin Love, CLE vs. CHI ($33): As the trade deadline approaches, Love's days in a Cavaliers uniform might be numbered. If he does get dealt, he's at least going out on a high note having scored at least 31.8 Yahoo points in seven of his last eight games. This is a great opportunity for him to keep things rolling against the Bulls, who are reeling because of injuries and just lost to the Kings at home Friday. With their limited depth chart, they could have several players with tired legs.
Thaddeus Young, CHI at CLE ($14): The big news surrounding the Bulls on Friday was that Lauri Markkanen (pelvis) was going to miss at least the next four weeks. For a team that already struggles to score, losing him is a crushing blow. Young started and logged 29 minutes in his absence against the Kings, finishing with 27.6 Yahoo points. He's likely going to play a lot in this game, as well, making him a viable option at such a cheap price.
Forward to Avoid
Kyle Kuzma, LAL at PHI ($20): Kuzma (ankle) finds himself on the injury report for this game, but he should play since he is listed as probable. Anthony Davis (back) is listed as questionable, but he was Thursday against the Nets, as well, and still took the floor. As long as Davis plays, Kuzma is someone to avoid at this price. Even with Davis missing some time recently, Kuzma has scored 24.9 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last six games.
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET vs. BKN ($49): It looked like Drummond (lip) was going to return to the floor Friday, but he ultimately missed his second straight contest. With the Pistons also playing again Saturday, they might have just decided to give him the extra day to recover, rather than have him play in both legs of a back-to-back set. If he does return for this game, this is an excellent matchup against a Nets team that struggles to defend centers and allowed him to score 78 Yahoo points earlier this season. If he does sit, then you could pivot to Christian Wood ($14). He's scored at least 28.1 Yahoo points in both of the last two games with Drummond out.
Larry Nance Jr., CLE vs. CHI ($12): Nance's upside is somewhat limited as long as Love and Tristan Thompson are still on the team. However, if either one of them are traded, he could be in line for a significant boost in playing time. As it is, he's already scored at least 27 Yahoo points in three of his last four games. With the Bulls lack of size up front, Nance could once again provide value given his cheap price.
Center to Avoid
Gorgui Dieng, MIN vs. OKC ($13): The Timberwolves asked a lot from Dieng when he filled in for the injured Karl-Anthony Towns. He largely came through, but now he's back to a reduced role off the bench with Towns healthy. As a result, he's scored 23.4 Yahoo points or fewer in five straight games. Nothing to see here.
