This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday is going to be a fun night in the NBA. Among the games on the docket are the Raptors facing the Celtics, the Pelicans taking on the Warriors and the Clippers hosting the Jazz. We also have another opportunity to win some money on Yahoo, so here are some players to target and avoid while crafting your lineup.
GUARDS
James Harden, HOU vs. BKN ($59): It's not easy to fade Harden, even at this lofty price tag. He's on an incredible hot streak that has resulted in him scoring at least 53.4 Yahoo points in 17 straight games. He's also scored at least 74.8 Yahoo points in three straight contests. The Rockets may be getting a key player back Wednesday with Eric Gordon (knee) listed as questionable. They will still be without Chris Paul (hamstring) and Clint Capela (thumb), though, leaving Harden with a tremendously high floor.
Kyle Korver, UTA at LAC ($10): The Jazz aren't getting any help on the point guard front with Ricky Rubio (hamstring), Dante Exum (ankle) and Raul Neto (groin) all still out. Across the first three games that those players have missed, Korver averaged 20.5 Yahoo points. It was especially encouraging to see him log 32 minutes Monday against the Pistons. The Clippers play at the ninth-fastest pace (102.5 possessions per game) in the league, so the added playing time makes Korver appealing at the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. TOR ($21): Rozier was a major disappointment filling in for Kyrie Irving (quadriceps) on Monday against the Nets, shooting 3-for-12 from the field on his way to 18.1 Yahoo points. Irving is expected to return for this matchup with the Raptors, leaving Rozier without much upside, especially when you consider his price actually increased by two dollars after Monday's dud.
FORWARDS
DeMar DeRozan, SA at DAL ($34): Deploying DeRozan in DFS has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride of late. Across his last nine contests, he's scored at least 44.1 Yahoo points four times. However, he also scored 26.8 Yahoo points or fewer three times during that stretch. His price has come down a bit lately, which makes him a more attractive option when you consider he's averaging 21.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game for the season. The first time he faced the Mavericks, he exploded for 61.7 Yahoo points.
Royce O'Neale, UTA at LAC ($16): O'Neale laid an egg against the Pistons on Monday, scoring just 10.4 Yahoo points across 27 minutes. He had scored 30.9 and 36.2 Yahoo points, respectively, in the first two games that the Jazz's point guard trio missed. Based on the fast pace at which this game will likely be paid and his increased playing time, this is an excellent opportunity for O'Neale to rebound with a productive stat line.
Forward to Avoid
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at HOU ($18): Hollis-Jefferson (groin) has missed the last seven games for the Nets, but he's listed as probable for this battle with the Rockets. Considering he's been out for so long, it wouldn't be surprising to see him on a minute's restriction in his first game back. Since he doesn't come at much of a discount, he might be too risky to add to your lineup.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA at LAC ($37): Gobert has absolutely dominated the glass of late, averaging 17.6 rebounds across his last five games. He's continued to be a consistent source of blocks as well, which helped him score at least 43.5 Yahoo points four times during that stretch. Even though he's not known as much of a facilitator on offense, he's actually racked up 13 assists over the last three games with the Jazz thin at point guard. This could be an opportunity for him to feast against a Clippers team that has allowed the most Yahoo points per game (55.7) to opposing centers.
Kevon Looney, GS vs. NO ($11): The Warriors' star starting five will finally be complete Friday when DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) is expected to make his return. Looney will be forced to the bench when that happens, but he'll at least get another start Wednesday. He clearly takes a back seat to the rest of the starters, but Looney has been productive with at least 23.9 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. This projects to be a high-scoring game with both teams in the top-10 in the league in pace of play, making Looney someone to at least consider in tournament play.
Center to Avoid
Tristan Thompson, CLE at POR ($22): Thompson is averaging 30 minutes a game this season with the Cavaliers short on depth at center. However, the Cavaliers have played in some lopsided games of late, which has contributed to Thompson logging 27 minutes or fewer in five of his last eight games. He scored 23.5 Yahoo points or fewer in four of those five contests. This has the potential to be another blowout against a Blazers team that is 18-7 at home, so buyer beware here with Thompson.
