This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Saturday will be busy with 10 games in the NBA, nine of which will make up the main evening slate on Yahoo. Let's get right to it and discuss some of the better players to target for your entry, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Kyrie Irving, BKN at WAS ($43): The Bulls lost Kris Dunn (knee) in the opening minute of Friday's game against the Nets, leaving them without their best defender. Irving feasted in his absence, scoring 54 points while shooting an insane 19-for-23 from the field. The question now is, will Irving play in the second game of a back-to-back set Saturday? If he does, this is an elite matchup for him against a Wizards team that has allowed the most points per game in the league. If he sits, then you could easily pivot to Spencer Dinwiddie ($27), who would have the possibility for a huge performance with Irving on the sideline.
Jalen Brunson, DAL vs. ATL ($10): Brunson looked prime for a big role with the news that Luka Doncic (ankle) was out. When Doncic missed four games earlier this season, Brunson started each contest. However, he came off the bench behind J.J. Barea on Friday, leaving him to score 17.1 Yahoo points across 20 minutes. If there was a bright side, it's that he played significantly more than Barea in the second half, which could mean he plays more Saturday. Considering he is the minimum price and the Hawks have allowed the second-most points per game, he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Victor Oladipo, IND vs. NY ($20): Oladipo only played 21 minutes in his return from injury, scoring 15.4 Yahoo points against the Bulls. The Pacers are going to be very cautious with him and have already said they plan to play him no more than 24 minutes in any of their games before the All-Star break. Since he's not that cheap, there just isn't enough upside here to warrant adding him to your entry.
FORWARDS
Domantas Sabonis, IND vs. NY ($42): Sabonis produced another well-rounded stat line against the Bulls on Wednesday with 15 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Although he doesn't provide much in terms of defensive stats, his ability to contribute in the other three key areas has enabled him to score at least 34.7 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. The last time we saw him take the floor against the underwhelming Knicks, he scored 44 Yahoo points. He should have a high floor for their rematch, as well.
Taurean Prince, BKN at WAS ($20): Considering how poorly the Wizards have played on defense, stacking the Nets could be a wise move. If you want some exposure to them without destroying your budget, Prince is an interesting option. He's averaging career highs in rebounds (6.4) and three-pointers (2.5) per game, which has helped him score at least 28.1 Yahoo points in four of his las six games.
Forward to Avoid
Aaron Gordon, ORL vs. MIA ($20): Even with the Magic missing a couple of key parts of their rotation, Gordon still isn't providing big numbers. In fact, he's scored 25.7 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last six contests. That included scoring just 24.4 Yahoo points against these same Heat on Monday. Given the Heat's defensive prowess, it might be best to keep Gordon out of your entry.
CENTERS
Thomas Bryant, WAS vs. BKN ($18): It looked like Bryant was back to his usual expanded role after scoring 43 Yahoo points across 32 minutes against the Bucks on Tuesday. However, he moved back to the bench Thursday against the Hornets, which limited him to 23 minutes. On the bright side, he still scored 31.6 Yahoo points. Even if he comes off the bench again, this is still a favorable spot to deploy him for your lineup given that the Nets have allowed the ninth-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers.
Larry Nance Jr., CLE vs. GS ($16): For now, Nance continues to come off the bench for the Cavaliers. All of that could change if they trade Kevin Love at the deadline, but for now, Nance won't be in a starting role. However, even with him coming off the bench, he's averaged 14.8 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists over his last six games. The Warriors have the eighth-worst defensive rating and have allowed the third-most rebounds per game, so don't be surprised if Nance continues his recent run of success.
Center to Avoid
Daniel Theis, BOS vs. PHI ($20): Enes Kanter (hip) will remain on the sideline for the Celtics. He's missed each of their last four games, which has forced Theis to log added minutes. He's largely played well, although he did score only 22.1 Yahoo points against the Warriors on Thursday. The problem is that his price has now jumped up considerably. To top it off, he could get into foul trouble having to battle with Joel Embiid. Buyer beware.
