This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
After only three games Tuesday, the NBA will be rocking Wednesday with 11 games on the schedule. The evening will be highlighted by the Blazers facing the Celtics and the Kings hosting the Bucks. Let's dive into the entire slate and examine some players to target and avoid while creating your Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
Elfrid Payton, NO at LAL ($20): Payton just faced the Lakers on Saturday and cashed in his 36 minutes for 37.5 Yahoo points. He followed that up with 36.8 Yahoo points over 30 minutes against the Sixers on Monday. His playing time looks safe for the time being and he really benefits from the Pelicans playing at the fifth-fastest pace (103.3 possessions per game) in the league. With the Lakers playing at the fourth-fastest pace, look for Payton to be productive once again in their rematch.
Delon Wright, MEM vs. CHI ($10): Wright continues to be a key member of the Grizzlies' bench, logging at least 26 minutes in each of his last five games. His offensive upside isn't great, but his all-around production helped him score at least 24.2 Yahoo points four times during that stretch. That included when he scored 30.9 Yahoo points against the Bulls in Chicago. At the minimum price, he makes for a great option in tournament play for their rematch in Memphis.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. POR ($25): Tuesday's lopsided loss against the Raptors was about as embarrassing as it gets for the Celtics. They've now lost five of their last six games, which included defeats at the hands of the Bulls and Clippers. With their backcourt healthy, Rozier has scored 22.3 Yahoo points or fewer in four straight contests. This is the kind of price you pay for him when he's starting because Kyrie Irving is out, not one you pay when he's coming off of the bench.
FORWARDS
Lauri Markkanen, CHI at MEM ($41): The Bulls have to be ecstatic with the way Markkanen is closing out the season. He has at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in seven of his last eight games and has scored at least 40.3 Yahoo points in 10 of his last 12 contests. He just scored 42 Yahoo points against the Grizzlies two weeks ago and has another opportunity to thrive against their frontcourt since they will be without Jaren Jackson Jr. (thigh) and potentially Ivan Rabb (heel), who is listed as doubtful.
Cheick Diallo, NO at LAL ($16): Diallo came back down to Earth a bit in his last game against the Sixers, scoring 22 Yahoo points across 17 minutes. He had scored at least 36 Yahoo points in both of his previous two games, one of which came against the Lakers. With both teams playing at a fast pace and the Lakers allowing an average of 122.4 points over their last 10 games, Diallo could provide significant returns at this price.
Forward to Avoid
Taj Gibson, MIN at ATL ($16): Gibson has lost his starting job to Dario Saric, but he still had a couple of productive games lately with Karl-Anthony Towns and Gorgui Dieng sidelined. However, with Towns back in action Monday against the Kings, Gibson scored 17.9 Yahoo points in just 17 minutes. He doesn't receive enough playing time to warrant considering on a night with so many other viable options.
CENTERS
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at ATL ($49): Towns recently sat out two games while in the concussion protocol, but he roared back Monday with 68.7 Yahoo points against the Kings. He gets another awesome matchup Wednesday since the Hawks play at the fastest pace (104.5) and allow the most points per game (118.2) in the league. Don't hesitate to pay up to get him into your entry.
Joakim Noah, MEM vs. CHI ($15): Noah has resurrected his career with the Grizzlies. He's started to receive more playing time lately, which has propelled him to score at least 35.4 Yahoo points in four of his last six games. If Rabb does indeed sit this one out, there should be enough minutes for both Noah and Jonas Valanciunas to provide value against a Bulls team that is severely lacking depth at center.
Center to Avoid
Anthony Davis, NO at LAL ($47): Despite playing only 21 minutes Monday against the Sixers, Davis still chipped in 42.4 Yahoo points. However, he's logged 24 minutes or fewer in four straight contests, which is going to put a cap on his upside. There is a smorgasbord of great center options Wednesday, so don't pay up to put Davis and his minute's limit into your lineup.
