This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There's no shortage of action in the NBA on Wednesday with nine game on the schedule. The evening will be highlighted by two excellent matchups between the Celtics and Sixers and the Raptors and Thunder. We also have a lot of options to sift through on Yahoo, so let's dive right in and discuss some players to target and avoid while creating your entry.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR vs. DAL ($42): The loss of C.J. McCollum (knee) puts even more of the scoring burden on the shoulders of Lillard. He came through with a monster performance against a tough Pacers defense Monday, scoring 60.9 Yahoo points in 40 minutes. Not only did he score 30 points in that game, but he also dished out 15 assists. He's going to dominate the ball handling responsibilities moving forward, so take advantage of him at this price while you still can.
D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. NO ($16): Targeting players on the Magic might be a sound strategy for this slate. The Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (103.9 possessions per game) and are tied for the third-most points allowed per game (116.1) in the league. Augustin has stepped up his production during the Magic's playoff push, scoring at least 27.7 Yahoo points in three straight games. Look for him to keep things rolling based on this matchup.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, BOS at PHI ($24): Rozier's price remaining this high is a bit puzzling. He's scored fewer than 10 points in eight of his last 12 games and has logged 23 minutes or fewer nine times during that stretch. As long as Kyrie Irving is healthy, Rozier's upside will remain limited. Spend elsewhere.
FORWARDS
Aaron Gordon, ORL vs. NO ($28): Gordon has been an extremely consistent source for production, scoring at least 30.1 Yahoo points in nine of his last 10 games. He's been more involved offensively, averaging 15.7 shot attempts during that stretch compared to 13.6 per game for the season. Add in his ability to contribute on the boards and with assists and Gordon is a great target at this reasonable price against the porous Pelicans' defense.
Jabari Parker, WAS at CHI ($21): This will be revenge game number two for Parker against the team that dealt him at the trade deadline. He took it to the Bulls the last time they met, scoring 40 Yahoo points across 35 minutes. Not only has Parker scored at least 30.1 Yahoo points in five of his last six games, but two of those contests came against good defensive teams in the Grizzlies and Jazz. The Bulls have allowed an average of 117.7 points over their last nine games, so don't expect them to be the team to slow down Parker.
Forward to Avoid
Damyean Dotson, NY vs. UTA ($21): The Knicks are so frustrating. After playing well and logging at least 29 minutes in nine straight games, Dotson played only 18 minutes against the Raptors on Monday. The Knicks were blown out in that game, but this matchup against the Jazz also has significant blowout potential. With so many other quality options on a nine-game slate, deploying Dotson isn't a risk worth taking.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. NO ($46): Continuing to attack this matchup against the Pelicans, Vucevic could be well worth the price of admission. He scored 62.5 Yahoo points in a stellar matchup against the Hawks on Sunday and is one of the safest center options when you combine his 27.8 percent usage rate with his ability to dominate the glass and produce above-average assist totals. The last time these two teams met, Vucevic thrived with 25 points, 17 rebounds and three assists across just 27 minutes.
Bobby Portis, WAS at CHI ($19): Playing the revenge narrative is not always a sound strategy, but Portis is going to be fired up for this game. He played extremely well the first time he faced his former team by scoring 34.4 Yahoo points in 29 minutes. He's hit a bit of a rough patch lately, which has helped make him a more affordable option. If you want to save some money at center, Portis is worth a look in tournament play.
Center to Avoid
Hassan Whiteside, MIA at SA ($17): Since moving to a reserve role, Whiteside has averaged just 17 minutes over eight games. He's an excellent rebounder and can at least approach a double-double despite receiving limited minutes, but the lack of playing time really puts a damper on his upside. The Heat and the Spurs are both in the bottom-10 in the league in pace of play, which should lead to even fewer opportunities for Whiteside. Taking a chance on Portis for just two dollars more might be a better strategy.
