This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA brings plenty of action Wednesday with 11 games on the schedule. Two teams currently on hot streaks will face each other when the Cavaliers host the Rockets. Both of those teams have won eight of their last 10 games.
The Mavericks will have a tough task on their hands, having to face the Lakers without Luka Doncic (ankle). Two teams that are dealing with key injuries will take the floor when the Sixers host the Heat.
Let's dig into the matchups and highlight some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Dejounte Murray, SA vs. CHA ($42): Murray has had a rough couple of games from the field, shooting 8-for-22 over his last two games. Still, he had a triple-double against the Pelicans on Sunday and is averaging 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 2.0 steals for the season. With both of these teams ranked inside the top-seven in the league in pace of play, Murray should receive plenty of opportunities to stuff the stat sheet.
Grayson Allen, MIL vs. IND ($12): The Bucks are one of several teams that is currently dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donte DiVincenzo and Wesley Matthews were all placed in the health and safety protocols Tuesday, dealing a significant blow to their depth. To make matters potentially worse, Khris Middleton (knee) is listed as questionable. Expect Allen to receive both added playing time and shot attempts in this contest.
Guard to Avoid
Mike Conley Jr., UTA vs. LAC ($20): In an effort to keep Conley healthy for the long haul, the Jazz have limited him to an average of 28 minutes per game. That would be his lowest mark since his rookie season. He's only averaged 27.0 Yahoo points per game, so on a night with so many other appealing options, it might be best to avoid Conley and his limited upside.
FORWARDS
Josh Hart, NO at OKC ($19): Hart is an excellent rebounder for his size. He's hauled in at least 10 rebounds in three of his last four games and is averaging 6.8 rebounds per game for the season. The Thunder have allowed the fourth-most rebounds per game in the league, so Hart's prowess on the boards could leave him with a valuable stat line.
Pat Connaughton, MIL vs. IND ($16): The injury that has kept DiVincenzo out all season has propelled Connaughton to average a career high 29 minutes per game. While his numbers don't jump off the page, he's played well with averages of 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals. He could blow by 30 minutes in this game, especially if Middleton can't play.
Forward to Avoid
Harrison Barnes, SAC vs. WAS ($20): Barnes has been cold since returning from a five-game absence, shooting 30.8 percent from the field over the last four games. Given that he shot 49.7 percent from the field last season, he'll probably turn things around sooner rather than later. With that being said, it might be better to wait to deploy him in DFS until he shows signs of coming out of his slump, especially given the myriad of options for this slate.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. MIN ($56): Jokic is doing everything that he can to keep the Nuggets afloat. They've had key injuries and COVID cases to deal with, which has often left Jokic to take on even more responsibilities. He hasn't disappointed and is even averaging 28.2 points, 14.4 rebounds, 10.6 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games. While his salary will eat up a significant portion of your budget, he might still be worth it.
Jakob Poeltl, SA vs. CHA ($24): The Hornets don't have a ton of size up front, which has contributed to them allowing the second-most rebounds per game in the league. Enter Poeltl, who is averaging 9.1 rebounds per game. That's helped him score at least 30.2 Yahoo points in nine of his last 10 games.
Center to Avoid
Steven Adams, MEM at POR ($18): Adams has been quiet lately, scoring 21.3 Yahoo points or fewer in four straight games. He's recently been bothered by an ankle injury, which may have contributed to him playing 21 minutes or fewer in both of the last two games. Given his limited upside, even when he's healthy, it's difficult to make a case for taking a chance on him.
