This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Things quiet down a bit in the NBA with only six games on the schedule Wednesday. There are a couple of matchups with playoff seeding implications, though, which should add some excitement to the night. There is also money to be won on Yahoo, so let's discuss some players to consider for your entries, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, WAS at ATL ($60): Despite his hefty salary, it's difficult to fade Westbrook. He's scored at least 71.5 Yahoo points in five of his last six games, which included a matchup against these same Hawks on Monday. Bradley Beal (hamstring) will also be out again, making Westbrook the clear focal point of the Wizards' offense.
Evan Fournier, BOS at CLE ($18): The Celtics are coming off of two straight losses to the Heat, but at least Fournier played well, scoring at least 44.8 Yahoo points in both contests. He's taken on a more prominent role with Jaylen Brown (wrist) out, averaging 21.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals across the last five games. With the expectation that Kemba Walker sits out this second game of a back-to-back set, the Celtics could ask for even more production from Fournier.
Guard to Avoid
Eric Bledsoe, NO at DAL ($20): Bledsoe has been more involved in the Pelicans' offense lately, averaging 15.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists across the last six games. He averaged 34 minutes per contest during that stretch and should continue to play a lot with the Pelicans dealing with multiple injuries. However, with Fournier having at least a similar upside as Bledsoe, it might be best to roll with him instead given his cheaper salary.
FORWARDS
Kenyon Martin Jr., HOU at LAL ($24): The Rockets have stepped up their tanking efforts lately, resting most of their key players. That has helped Martin play at least 39 minutes in four straight games. He responded by scoring at least 39.8 Yahoo points in each contest. While facing the Lakers is no easy task, his high minutes floor still makes Martin an appealing option.
James Johnson, NO at DAL ($14): It looks like we've seen the last of Zion Williamson (finger) and Brandon Ingram (ankle) this season. Johnson has started each of the last three games with Williamson out, averaging 13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals. With back-to-back games of at least 31.9 Yahoo points, Johnson could be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Norman Powell, POR at UTA ($20): Powell is coming off a big offensive showing against the Rockets on Monday in which he scored 28 points across 35 minutes. The downside with Powell is that he usually doesn't provide much outside of the scoring column, averaging 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. His reliance on scoring could be a problem for this matchup versus a Jazz team that has the third-best defensive rating in the league.
CENTERS
Clint Capela, ATL vs. WAS ($34): Capela dominated the Hawks when these two teams played Monday, grabbing 22 rebounds on his way to 48.9 Yahoo points. The Wizards have played at the fasted pace in the league and they don't exactly have a lot of great center options, which has contributed to them allowing the seventh-most rebounds per game. Look for Capela to dominate the glass in their rematch, as well.
Willy Hernangomez, NO at DAL ($17): Steven Adams has been battling a toe injury, which has opened up more playing time for Hernangomez. He's cashed in by averaging 11.1 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals over his last eight games. Adams is listed as questionable for this contest, so if he sits again, Hernangomez could at least threaten to record a double-double.
Center to Avoid
Enes Kanter, POR at UTA ($18): Jusuf Nurkic seems to be rounding into form as the playoffs approach. Over the last 11 games, he's averaged 15.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 blocks. During that same stretch, Kanter has mediocre averages of 8.0 points and 8.6 rebounds. The key is that he only averaged 17 minutes per game during that stretch, which is a trend that will likely continue for this matchup.
