This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There will be no shortage of action in the NBA on Wednesday with 11 games on the schedule. Since there are so many options to sift through, let's get right to it and highlight some players who could take advantage of favorable matchups. Also, let's discuss a few players who could struggle to provide value.
GUARDS
LaMelo Ball, CHA at ATL ($22): It took him a few games to get into a groove, but Ball has already acclimated himself well to the NBA. Across the last four games, he's averaged 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.3 steals across 29 minutes a night. The Hornets like to use a lot of small lineups, which has also contributed to them playing at the eighth-fastest pace in the league. If he sees similar playing time in this matchup, and it would seem likely that he will, he could provide excellent value.
Shake Milton, PHI vs. WAS ($11): A night packed with games like this means there are also a ton of stars available in DFS. In order to fit some of them into your lineup, you'll need to take a chance on a player or two who is near the minimum salary. Arguably one of the more appealing options at any position is Milton, who has scored at least 24.4 Yahoo points in four of seven games. That included scoring 33.7 Yahoo points against these same Wizards in the first game of the season. The Wizards have played at the third-fastest pace and allowed the second-most points per game, so don't be surprised if Milton goes off in their rematch, as well.
Guard to Avoid
Devonte' Graham, CHA at ATL ($21): Graham is about as cold as it gets out of the gate, shooting 27.1 percent from the field. It's highly unlikely that continues throughout the season, but he wasn't efficient last season, either, shooting 38.2 percent. Another concerning trend is that he's played 29 minutes or fewer in three of the last four games after averaging 35 minutes a game last season. The Hornets don't need to rely on him as much now with Ball and Gordon Hayward in the fold, so he could continue to see fewer minutes.
FORWARDS
Aaron Gordon, ORL vs. CLE ($24): Gordon might not be a flashy option, but that doesn't mean he should be overlooked. These two teams just met Monday and Gordon thrived with 39.7 Yahoo points across 28 minutes. He was limited by a hamstring issue earlier in the season, but he's logged 28 minutes in back-to-back games, which is encouraging for him moving forward. Across the four games this season that he has logged at least 26 minutes, he's scored at least 30.3 Yahoo points each time.
Harrison Barnes, SAC vs. CHI ($22): The Kings don't have much depth, which has left Barnes with a ton of playing time. He's taken advantage by scoring at least 30.2 Yahoo points in five of seven games. His heavy dosage of minutes could be key in this matchup against the Bulls since both of these teams rank inside the top-10 in the league in pace of play.
Forward to Avoid
Rui Hachimura, WAS at PHI ($20): During his rookie campaign, Hachimura didn't really contribute much outside of points and rebounds considering he averaged 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks. His averages of 13.5 points and 6.1 rebounds weren't exactly fantasy gold, either. His upside is limited, so it doesn't make much sense to take a chance on him during a slate with so many other viable options.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. CLE ($38): Like Gordon, Vucevic also thrived against the Cavaliers on Monday when he scored 50.6 Yahoo points. As the leader of the Magic's offense, Vucevic has scored at least 35.5 Yahoo points in every game this season and has scored at least 47.6 Yahoo points four times. Coming off of back-to-back seasons with averages of at least 19.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists, Vucevic is one of the safer center options on the board.
Clint Capela, ATL vs. CHA ($26): After easing Capela back from injury, there seem to be no limitations on him now since he has logged at least 30 minutes in three straight games. The result has been three straight double-doubles. The Hornets have very little size up front, which has contributed to them allowing the fourth-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers. Look for Capela to take advantage.
Center to Avoid
Tristan Thompson, BOS at MIA ($19): Playing time has been an issue for Thompson with his new team. He hasn't logged more than 27 minutes in a game and is averaging 24 minutes a night, overall. The result has been him scoring 26.5 Yahoo points or fewer in each game. Until we start to see him play more, it's difficult to justify his current salary.
