This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday will bring a wild night in the NBA with 12 games on the schedule. Wading through all of the options in DFS can be a daunting task with so many games, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some players to target and avoid as you craft what will hopefully be a winning lineup on Yahoo.
GUARDS
James Harden, HOU vs. WAS ($51): The Rockets have started the season poorly, but Harden is putting the team on his back in an effort to right the ship. They've reeled off four straight wins against some tough opponents with Harden scoring at least 62.4 Yahoo points in each of the last three games. The Wizards play at the seventh-fastest pace (103.2 possessions per game) and allow the second-most points per game (117) in the league, so don't expect them to be the ones to slow down Harden.
Derrick Rose, MIN vs. DET ($19):Jeff Teague (ankle) will not play in this contest, setting Rose up for another start. Rose was only needed to play 24 minutes in place of Teague on Monday against the Kings, but he still scored 29.9 Yahoo points in the Timberwolves' lopsided win. This game will likely be more competitive, leaving Rose with plenty of upside at this price.
Guard to Avoid
Collin Sexton, CLE at CHA ($16): Sexton scored just 11.2 Yahoo points Tuesday against the Pacers and has now scored 20.8 Yahoo points or fewer in five straight games. His 25.2 percent usage rate is second-highest on the team, but he's only averaging three rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while contributing very little in terms of defensive stats. With Rose priced just three dollars higher, it doesn't make much sense to roll with Sexton in your lineup.
FORWARDS
Trevor Ariza, WAS at HOU ($18): The Wizards lost yet again in Ariza's debut Tuesday, but he made his presence felt with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists and six steals. With Otto Porter (knee) still on the shelf, Ariza stepped in to log 38 minutes. He has a clear path to heavy minutes until Porter returns, making him an excellent option against one of his former squads Wednesday.
Nemanja Bjelica, SAC vs. OKC ($12): The Kings dug themselves an early hole against the Timberwolves on Monday, leaving most of their starters to play very limited minutes. Bjelica was one of them, logging just five minutes of action. He had just played 35 minutes and scored 39.5 Yahoo points Sunday against the Mavericks, so don't read too much into Monday's off night. With Marvin Bagley (knee) out, Bjelica is in line for an expanded role.
Forward to Avoid
Derrick Favors, UTA vs. GS ($17): The Jazz have been playing matchups with their starting five, alternating between Favors and Jae Crowder as their starting power forward. Favors came off of the bench Monday against a Rockets team that plays small, resulting in him scoring 14.3 Yahoo points across 16 minutes. Considering the Warriors like to deploy a lot of small lineups, as well, this might not be a favorable spot to use Favors.
CENTERS
Anthony Davis, NO at MIL ($53): The Pelicans don't have a ton of depth, but they'll really be tested with both Julius Randle (ankle) and Nikola Mirotic (ankle) ruled out against the Bucks. Davis already has a high usage rate of 28.9 percent, but expect him to take even more shots in this contest. With at least 56.5 Yahoo points in 10 of his last 11 games, the sky's the limit for him with both the Pelicans and Bucks in the top-five in pace of play.
Larry Nance Jr., CLE at CHA ($22): The fact that Nance hasn't been starting with both Kevin Love (toe) and Tristan Thompson (foot) out is a joke. However, the Cavaliers finally came to their senses and started Nance on Tuesday against the Pacers. It was a tough matchup against a great defensive team, but he still scored 53.2 Yahoo points across 33 minutes. The Cavaliers even pulled off the upset victory. It's hard to imagine him playing a reduced role Wednesday, making him a great option to consider for your lineup.
Center to Avoid
Marc Gasol, MEM at POR ($26): The center position is loaded with quality options across the price scale. Gasol is having another great season for the Grizzlies, but he's not exactly on fire right now with 33.2 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last nine contests. The Blazers allow the fewest Yahoo points per game (40) to opposing centers, making it tough to pay this much for Gasol when Nance is four dollars cheaper.
