This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday brings a strange five-game NBA slate. The Bucks will be severely short-handed with Jrue Holiday (ankle) and Khris Middleton (health and safety protocols) out. The Heat and Mavericks are set to face off, but they could also be missing key players with Bam Adebayo (knee) and Kristaps Porzingis (back) questionable. Finally, when the West Coast games get underway, the Suns could be down a starter with Deandre Ayton (leg) questionable. As we try to wade through all of these injuries, here are some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Devin Booker, PHO vs. NO ($32): The good news with Booker is that he averages 5.8 assists, which is a significant upgrade over the 4.3 he averaged last season during Chris Paul's first campaign with the Suns. The bad news is that Booker has only shot 41.6 percent from the field. He's a career 45.4 percent shooter and his usage rate is still 32.2 percent this season, so better scoring performances should be on the horizon. This matchup works in his favor given that the Pelicans entered Monday with the fifth-lowest defensive rating in the league.
Grayson Allen, MIL at DET ($13): Get ready to see a lot of players on the Bucks mentioned as possible targets. Their depth chart is significantly depleted, which means some of their players with cheap salaries have a potential to provide significant value. That includes Allen (knee), who is probable. He averages 13.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 three-pointers per game, but the potential for added shot attempts could leave him with plenty of points given his three-point shooting prowess.
Guard to Avoid
Cade Cunningham, DET vs. MIL ($27): It's been a disappointing start to Cunningham's career with injuries forcing him to miss five of the Pistons' six games. The one game that he did appear in, he only logged 19 minutes. Although he's not on the injury report for this matchup, he might not play enough to justify his salary.
FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at DET ($56): Giannis (knee) is also on the injury report for the Bucks, but he's probable. With Holiday and Middleton out, his usage rate could be through the roof. Add his ability to contribute heavily in other areas and a case can be made for building your entire lineup around him.
Pat Connaughton, MIL at DET ($12): Last season, Connaughton averaged a career-high 23 minutes per game. He's blown past that this season, averaging 31 minutes with the Bucks dealing with multiple injuries. That's helped him score at least 26.4 Yahoo points in four of seven games.
Forward to Avoid
Jae Crowder, PHO vs. NO ($19): Crowder is known for his ability to play defense and shoot three-pointers. His first season in Phoenix did not result in a lot of scoring given his 15.7 percent usage rate. With his usage rate at 14.3 percent through five games, he's scored 25.4 Yahoo points or fewer in all five games. Connaughton at least has similar upside and has a salary that is $7 cheaper, so there's no need to take a chance on Crowder.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, NO at PHO ($39): Prior to this season, Valanciunas had never averaged more than 28 minutes per game. Still, he's averaged at least 14.9 points and 11.3 rebounds in both the last two seasons. He's been unleashed with the Pelicans and has prospered, averaging 19.4 points, 14.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 34 minutes per game. If Ayton can't play, there could be no stopping Valanciunas.
Bobby Portis, MIL at DET ($10): In a rare piece of positive injury news for the Bucks, Portis is back. He looked great in their last game against the Jazz, posting 15 points and five rebounds in 19 minutes. Incredibly, he jacked up 15 shots during that game. He's never been one to shy away from taking shots, so with Holiday and Middleton out, Portis could be busy.
Center to Avoid
Isaiah Stewart, DET vs. MIL ($18): High expectations followed Stewart into this season as the new undisputed starting center for the Pistons. The problem is, he's only averaged 23 minutes per game, which is two minutes more than last season. The result has been disappointing averages of 8.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. Until his playing time increases more consistently, it might be best to avoid him.
