This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA brings a packed slate with nine games Wednesday. That leaves us with a lot of options to wade through on Yahoo, so let's get right to it and discuss some of the better players to target, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Trae Young, ATL at MIN ($48): This has the makings of a high-scoring affair between two teams who play very little defense. That could mean big things for Young, who has scored at least 45.1 Yahoo points in five of his last seven games. When he faced the Timberwolves earlier this season, he scored 50.7 Yahoo points.
Jarrett Culver, MIN vs. ATL ($10): Big news came out late Tuesday night that the Timberwolves were involved in a four-team trade with the Hawks, Rockets and Nuggets. They did receive some intriguing young players in the deal, but traded away Robert Covington and Shabazz Napier. With Napier gone and their new additions not eligible to play in this game, Culver could receive significant playing time. That makes him an ideal tournament play option at the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
Lou Williams, LAC vs. MIA ($25): For the first time in a while, the Clippers have a healthy depth chart. That could be why we have seen Williams take a step back lately. Across their last five games, he's averaged 16.4 points and 4.8 assists across just 27 minutes a night. The Heat can be a tough defensively and limited Williams to 26.9 Yahoo points when these two teams met a couple of weeks ago, so this might not be the night to roll with Williams in your entry.
FORWARDS
Kristaps Porzingis, DAL vs. MEM ($36): Porzingis' price is on the rise, but it's still low considering his upside. With Luka Doncic (ankle) out, Porzingis has scored exactly 54.4 Yahoo points in back-to-back games. This is another opportunity for him to thrive since the Grizzlies are tied for the fifth-most points allowed per game in the league.
Caris LeVert, BKN vs. GS ($20): LeVert has been limited to 24 games because of injury and generally hasn't played well even when he has been on the floor. Part of that was because of a decreased role with Kyrie Irving (knee) in the fold. However, with Irving out for at least a week, LeVert stepped into the starting lineup Monday against the Suns. He made the most of his opportunity, posting 29 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals. With added shot attempts likely coming his way again Wednesday, he could provide excellent value against a Warriors team that has the eighth-worst defensive rating.
Forward to Avoid
Aaron Gordon, ORL at BOS ($23): The Magic really need Gordon to step up his production considering all of their injuries, but his stat lines have been all over the map lately. He has scored at least 37.5 Yahoo points in back-to-back games, but he's scored 25.7 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last eight contests, overall. That included when he produced only 12 points and four rebounds against the Celtics two weeks ago. With the Celtics sporting one of the best defenses in the league, Gordon could be in line for another uphill battle.
CENTERS
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. ATL ($45): This was already a great spot for Towns to have a big night since the Hawks have allowed the most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers. However, with Covington and Napier now gone and the Timberwolves dealing with a limited depth chart, he's going to get all of the scoring opportunities that he can handle. While he's pricey, he's also arguably the most attractive option at any position for this slate.
Nerlens Noel, OKC vs. CLE ($16): Will we see the Cavaliers make a trade Wednesday? Even if they stand pat, this is a favorable spot for Noel since the Cavaliers have allowed the seventh-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers. While he still might be with the team, Tristan Thompson (quadriceps) might not take the floor. He's listed as questionable after sitting out Monday against the Knicks. His absence would only further benefit Noel.
Center to Avoid
Steven Adams, OKC vs. CLE ($19): Another one of the reasons why Noel is such a compelling option is because of the limited playing time that Adams has seen lately. He's recently battled an ankle injury, which is probably why he's logged 26 minutes or fewer in four straight games. That left him to score 25.1 Yahoo points or fewer in each contest. This game has significant blowout potential, as well, so don't be surprised if he spends added time on the bench late if the Thunder race out to an early lead.
