This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday's six-game slate in the NBA will be highlighted by a matchup between the Warriors and Rockets. It also brings another opportunity to win some cash on Yahoo. Let's dive into the matchups and highlight some players to target and avoid while creating your entry.
GUARDS
Mike Conley, MEM at ATL ($31): The Grizzlies might have one of the worst records in the league, but they've actually won three straight games. Conley has thrived down the stretch, scoring at least 40.9 Yahoo points in six of his last eight games. With Marc Gasol no longer in the fold, he's the clear leader of the team. The stars are aligning for him to produce another meaty stat line Wednesday considering the Hawks play at the second-fastest pace (104.4 possessions per game) and allow the most points per game (118.7) in the league.
Terrence Ross, ORL at WAS ($16): Ross has shown plenty of upside by scoring at least 31.1 Yahoo points in three of his last four games. However, he's a streaky shooter, which can sometimes lead to some duds. Case in point, he's scored 6.6 Yahoo points or fewer in two of his last six contests. That's helped keep his price down, making him a potential bargain against a Wizards team that allows the second-most points per game (117.2).
Guard to Avoid
Trae Young, ATL vs. MEM ($36): Young has produced some tremendous stat lines lately, but he's also scored 29 Yahoo points or fewer in three of his last five games. He's very reliant on his offensive contributions to provide value, which could be troublesome against the Grizzlies, who allow the fewest points per game (103.7). With Conley playing so well and priced five dollars cheaper, it's hard to justify deploying Young for this matchup.
FORWARDS
Paul George, OKC vs. BKN ($48): George's tremendously high floor was on full display in his last game Monday against the Jazz. He only attempted eight shots from the field, but still found his way to the free-throw line 12 times on his way to 14 points. He also chipped in 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block, turning an off night offensively into 40.2 Yahoo points. Expect him to be one of the safest options at any position again Wednesday, especially when you consider he scored 72 Yahoo points the last time these two teams met.
Mikal Bridges, PHO vs. UTA ($13): As far as matchups go, this isn't exactly a great one against a tough Jazz defense. However, Bridges is not known for his offensive game. He's been able to score at least 21.4 Yahoo points in seven of his last eight games in large part because of his ability to rack up steals. He has a high minutes floor whether he starts or comes off the bench, making him an intriguing cheap option in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Caris LeVert, BKN at OKC ($18): The Nets have bounced back from a three-game losing streak to win each of their last four games. They are mostly healthy with Spencer Dinwiddie back in the fold, which provides a significant boost in their quest to finish as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, his return somewhat limits the upside of LeVert, who has scored 28.4 Yahoo points or fewer in eight of his last 10 games. His price won't destroy your budget, but there are better options out there.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at WAS ($44): The Magic find themselves one game back of the final playoff spot in the East, so at least there are no rest or minute restriction concerns for anyone on their roster. That's been great news for Vucevic, who has scored at least 50.1 Yahoo points in six of his last nine games. Combine his 27.8 percent usage rate with the Wizards' porous defense and he has the potential to thrive once again.
Jonas Valanciunas, MEM at ATL ($24): Valanciunas showed during his tenure with the Raptors that he can be productive when given enough playing time. The problem is, he was only averaging 19 minutes a game before being dealt to the Grizzlies. While he's still not playing a ton, his boost to 26 minutes a night has enabled him to average 18.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks across 10 games with the team. The Hawks have allowed the sixth-most Yahoo points per game (56.5) to opposing centers over their last 10 contests, making Valanciunas extremely appealing at this reasonable price.
Center to Avoid
Deandre Ayton, PHO vs. UTA ($26): Ayton has been a consistent source of production for the Suns during his rookie campaign and has scored at least 30.3 Yahoo points in nine of his last 10 games. Unfortunately for him, he draws Rudy Gobert in this contest. Valanciunas and even Steven Adams ($23) have much better matchups at cheaper prices, so this is not the night to add Ayton to your lineup.
