This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday's six-game slate in the NBA is one of those where playing in a DFS contest can really perk up the evening. There are the potential for a few lopsided games with the only marquee matchup being the Nuggets hosting the Heat. So, without further ado, here are some players to target and avoid while creating your lineup.
GUARDS
Malcolm Brogdon, IND at CHA ($36): Brogdon's tenure with the Pacers couldn't have really started off any better than it has. He's been their anchor with Victor Oladipo (knee) out, averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 9.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.7 three-pointers across 34 minutes a night. His usage rate is 27.3 percent and that should remain high for however long Oladipo is out. Look for him to feast against the underwhelming Hornets.
Marcus Smart, BOS at CLE ($19): The Celtics will once again be shorthanded Tuesday with Jaylen Brown (illness) set to miss his third straight game. Smart has played at least 30 minutes in both of the previous two games, scoring 35.8 and 23.1 Yahoo points, respectively. His offensive upside might not be off the charts, but the added playing time makes him an excellent option at this price.
Guard to Avoid
Zach LaVine, CHI vs. LAL ($32): The Bulls are off to a very disappointing start and LaVine's play on the defensive end has been one of their many issues. His offense hasn't been a problem with him averaging 21.1 points and 2.7 three-pointers per contest. The problem is that he doesn't excel in any other area and is turnover prone, which has limited him to 37.7 Yahoo points or fewer in six of their seven games. He has the ability to explode any given night, but with Brogdon at a similar price and carrying a higher floor, spending your money on LaVine might not be a wise choice.
FORWARDS
LeBron James, LAL at CHI ($50): Although LeBron would have obviously preferred to make the playoffs last season, the extra rest that he received over the summer might have been just what he needed. He's been a monster out of the gate, averaging 25.5 points, eight rebounds, 11.2 assists and 1.5 steals. Playing him at point guard has been a smashing success so far and he's formed a dynamic duo with Anthony Davis that should get him back into the postseason. The Bulls' defense has been a disaster, so don't expect them to be able to slow LeBron down.
T.J. Warren, IND at CHA ($20): Oladipo isn't the only key injury that the Pacers are dealing with right now. They are also without Myles Turner (ankle), which has forced Warren to spend more time at power forward after starting the season at small forward. He put on an excellent performance against the Bulls on Sunday, scoring 26 points to go along with five rebounds, three assists and a steal. Just as important is the fact that he played 38 minutes in that contest. There will be no shortage of playing time for him moving forward, making him someone to at least consider at this reasonable price.
Forward to Avoid
Paul Millsap, DEN vs. MIA ($18): More often than not, Millsap is someone I'm avoiding in DFS. The Nuggets have so much depth that they don't need him to log a lot of minutes. As a result, he's scored 23.2 Yahoo points or fewer in four of their six games. Add in this matchup against a tough Heat defense and don't even think about adding Millsap to your lineup.
CENTERS
Anthony Davis, LAL at CHI ($52): With his injury history, deploying Davis in DFS is a thrill a minute. His upside is off the charts, but he can also destroy you at his lofty price if he does depart a contest early. With that being said, I'm not going to argue against building your entry around him Tuesday. The Bulls are the worst rebounding team in the league with a rebounding differential of -9.8 per game. To put how bad they have been into perspective, the next worst team is the Celtics at -5.4 per game.
Wendell Carter Jr., CHI vs. LAL ($18): There haven't been a lot of things for the Bulls to be excited about, but the play of Carter has stood out. He's recorded a double-double in four of his last five games, scoring at least 15 points in four of those contests. With a lack of quality depth behind him, he's going to be given every opportunity to thrive, if he can stay healthy. If you're looking to fade Davis in tournament play, Carter is a cost-effective option to consider.
Center to Avoid
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. MIA ($44): Jokic isn't exactly flying high coming into this game, scoring 42 Yahoo points or fewer in five of six games this season. His ability to contribute in multiple areas is extremely appealing, but his usage rate is only 24.1 percent so far, which is down just over three percentage points from last season. Add in this matchup against the Heat and paying the extra eight dollars to use Davis could be the route to take if you want to roll with an elite big man.
