This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday brings a fairly limited slate in the NBA consisting of just six games. However, the night won't be short on star power with the Lakers, Clippers, Bucks and Nets among the teams in action. Let's discuss some players at various salary points to consider for your Yahoo lineup, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Dillon Brooks, MEM at BOS ($22): There are a lot of Grizzlies on this list, and for good reason. Seven players have been ruled out for this contest, including their two stars Ja Morant (ankle) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee). Brooks has already been one of their offensive leaders prior to the Morant injury, which has enabled him to score at least 33.8 Yahoo points in two of three games this season. At this reasonable salary, he's an extremely appealing option given that he'll likely be their primary offensive threat in this game.
Tyus Jones, MEM at BOS ($10): Not only is Morant sidelined, but so is De'Anthony Melton (COVID-19). That means Jones should start at point guard and he could play a significant number of minutes. He logged 35 minutes in the game that Morant was injured Monday against the Nets, which propelled him to record nine points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Guard to Avoid
LaMelo Ball, CHA at DAL ($19): Ball might be the future of the Hornets' franchise, but he's not exactly in an ideal situation to start out his rookie season. With Devonte' Graham and Terry Rozier in the fold at guard, Ball has been relegated to coming off of the bench. As a result, he didn't play more than 20 minutes in any of his three games. Until he starts to play more, he's too risky at this salary.
FORWARDS
Gordon Hayward, CHA at DAL ($33): Despite a brief scare when Hayward fractured his pinky in the preseason, he hasn't missed a game yet. The Hornets have leaned on him heavily out of the gate, which has resulted in Hayward recording averages of 22.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, seven assists and 1.7 steals across 35 minutes a night. He's locked into heavy minutes, which makes him one of the safer mid-tier options on this slate.
Kyle Anderson, MEM at BOS ($17): Back to the Grizzlies. Anderson saw a sharp decline in playing time last season, averaging just 20 minutes a night. However, he's averaging 34 minutes a game this season, which has helped him score at least 36.9 Yahoo points in back-to-back contests. Their limited depth chart should afford Anderson with plenty of minutes Wednesday, so he could end up being a significant bargain.
Forward to Avoid
Carmelo Anthony, POR at LAC ($20): Anthony will return for this matchup after having to sit out Monday because of the league's health and safety protocols. He was quiet in the two games that he has played, scoring 21.8 and 15.2 Yahoo points, respectively. Now serving a limited role off the bench for the Blazers, Anthony's salary is too high based on his likely outcome.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, MEM at BOS ($29): Ok, this is it for players on the Grizzlies. Valanciunas is off to a stellar start, recording a double-double in each of their first three games. On top of that, he has a total of three steals and six blocks. Add in the Grizzlies' limited options for this game and Valanciunas is arguably the most appealing center for this slate.
Enes Kanter, POR at LAC ($10): Kanter never seemed to fit in well with the Celtics, who really could have used an offensive spark at center last season. Now back with the Blazers, it appears that Kanter is back in his comfort zone. He's played limited minutes off the bench, but that hasn't stopped him from averaging 12 points and 10.3 rebounds. At the minimum salary, he could be well worth the risk.
Center to Avoid
Clint Capela, ATL at BKN ($24): After being acquired by the Hawks last season, Capela finally made his debut with the team Monday against the Pistons. Since he has been out for so long, the Hawks decided to ease him back into action by playing him only 20 minutes. It's difficult to envision a scenario in which they push him to play over 30 minutes so quickly, so expect him to remain limited in this matchup.
