This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
With the NBA preparing for the first off day of the season Thursday, Wednesday brings a packed slate with 13 games. There are a ton of options to choose from up and down the price scale, as a result, so let's get right to it and highlight some players to target and avoid on Yahoo.
GUARDS
Jrue Holiday, NO at PHI ($41):Elfrid Payton (finger) is expected to miss seeks weeks after undergoing surgery, leaving Holiday to shift back to point guard. He's been extremely reliable this season, scoring at least 40.1 Yahoo points in 13 of 17 games. This has the potential to be a high-scoring game between two teams in the top-seven in the league in pace of play, making Holiday a safe option despite his lofty price tag.
Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. LAL ($15): The headline here is obviously LeBron James making his return to Cleveland, but this is also an opportunity for Clarkson to play against his former team. The Cavaliers play at the fourth-slowest pace (98.8 possessions per game) in the league, but expect them to pick things up in this game against a Lakers team that plays at the fourth-fastest pace (104.9). That would certainly benefit Clarkson, who has the highest usage rate (28.5 percent) on the team.
Guard to Avoid
Dennis Schroder, OKC at GS ($33): Schroder was very productive during Russell Westbrook's recent stint on the sidelines, scoring at least 32.7 Yahoo points in five of six contests. His price rose $10 during that stretch. However, with Westbrook back in action Monday, Schroder scored just 18.5 Yahoo points. While he's still an important part of the team, Schroder won't get nearly as many scoring opportunities with Westbrook healthy, so it might be best to keep him out of your lineup until his price starts to come down.
FORWARDS
Pascal Siakam, TOR at ATL ($28): The Raptors pulled out a last second win over the Magic on Tuesday and now have a quick turnaround in Atlanta. Siakim was productive once again versus the Magic and has now scored at least 31.3 Yahoo points in five straight contests. Kawhi Leonard has yet to play in both games of a back-to-back set this season, so it would seem likely that he'll sit this one out against the far inferior Hawks. Siakim should be in line for plenty of minutes and added scoring opportunities, making him a great option at this reasonable price since the Hawks play at the fastest pace (107.1).
Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL vs. BKN ($10):Wesley Matthews (hamstring) has been ruled out against the Nets, which will be his fourth absence in the last five games. The previous three times that he was out, Finney-Smith logged at least 33 minutes in each contest, scoring at least 25.6 Yahoo points twice. His offensive upside isn't great, but with added playing time on tap, Finney-Smith is a viable option in tournament play at the minimum price.
Forward to Avoid
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at DAL ($19): The Nets continue to start Jared Dudley, leaving Hollis-Jefferson with a limited role off of the bench. Dudley hasn't exactly been playing great, but there is no indication that the Nets are going to change things up anytime soon. After scoring 20.6 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last seven games, Hollis-Jefferson is a risky option considering he doesn't come at much of a discount.
CENTERS
Anthony Davis, NO at PHI ($57): This should be a fun game. The floor will be loaded with great talent on both sides, the most notable of which is Davis. His usage rate is actually down this season, but it's still extremely high at 28 percent. Add in his ability to stuff the stat sheet across the board and Davis has scored at least 55.8 Yahoo points in seven straight games. He'll eat up a significant portion of your budget, but Davis also has one of the highest upsides of any player at any position Wednesday.
Domantas Sabonis, IND at CHA ($22): Sabonis played very well after coming over from the Thunder last year, but he's been even better this season. Despite only averaging 25 minutes a game, Sabonis has averaged 14.1 points, 9.5 assists and 3.1 assists. His usage rate hasn't increased, but he's been extremely efficient with a 68.5 percent field goal percentage. Myles Turner (ankle) is questionable for this game, so if he sits, Sabonis could be in line for a huge day. Even if Turner does take the floor, Sabonis still have plenty of upside.
Center to Avoid
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at ATL ($18): The Raptors have been using Serge Ibaka at center more lately, which has resulted in Valanciunas scoring 21.1 Yahoo points or fewer in five straight games. He has shown the ability to be productive even in limited roles, but counting on him in DFS is another story. Sabonis is only priced four dollars higher and has significantly more upside, so it might be best to roll with him instead of Valanciunas if you don't want to pay up at the center position.
