This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday will be a busy night in the NBA with 20 teams in action. With a lot of teams dealing with injuries to star players, some of the marquee matchups on the slate have lost a little luster. Let's bring that excitement back to the evening by hopefully winning some money. Here are some players you want to both consider and avoid when crafting your Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
Victor Oladipo, IND vs. CHI ($43): The Pacers' return for Paul George has proven to be significant so far, as Oladipo has been spectacular. His 29.9% usage rate ranks among the top-15 in the NBA, which is even more significant for his value when you consider the Pacers play at the ninth-fastest pace (101.3) in the league. He dominated the Bulls for 45.2 Yahoo points in their first meeting this year and should put up big numbers again Wednesday.
Shaun Livingston, GS at CHA ($10):Stephen Curry (ankle) is going to be out at least two weeks, leaving a big hole at point guard for the Warriors to fill. Not only is Curry out, but Patrick McCaw (nose) has also been ruled out for Wednesday's game. Livingston hasn't played much this season, but he did score 29.4 Yahoo points in the one game in which he played 20 minutes. He should get extended run Wednesday, making him an excellent value option.
[Join the free NBA Yahoo Cup. $25K in total prizes with weekly winners]
Guard to Avoid
Goran Dragic, MIA at SA ($25): Dragic has struggled lately with 18.4 Yahoo points or fewer in three of his last four games. Two of those were in favorable matchups against the Knicks and Cavaliers, which makes his production even more concerning. Wednesday brings a horrible matchup against the Spurs considering they allow the fewest Yahoo points per game (37.4) to opposing point guards.
FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. DET ($59): Simply put, Giannis is a machine. He has scored at least 52.8 Yahoo points in four straight games and has scored at least 50 Yahoo points in 16 games this season. With a high floor like that, it makes you feel better paying up at this price. He has already played the Pistons twice this season, averaging 49 Yahoo points over those games. Look for another impressive performance Wednesday.
Dante Cunningham, NO vs. DEN ($10): Cunningham has started the last two games with Anthony Davis (groin) injured, scoring at least 25.4 Yahoo points in both games. He scored at least eight points and grabbed at least nine rebounds in both games, showing he can be a threat for a double-double. With Davis not expected to play Wednesday and the Nuggets also dealing with injuries to their frontcourt, it might be worth it to take a chance on Cunningham at this cheap price.
Forward to Avoid
Tobias Harris, DET at MIL ($28): Harris is having an excellent season for the surprisingly successful Pistons as his 22.2% usage rate is his highest since the 2014-15 season. That being said, this is not a good matchup against a long and athletic Bucks defense. The Bucks already limited him to 21.7 Yahoo points or less in both previous meetings this season, so it might be best to stay away from him Wednesday.
CENTERS
DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs. MIN ($30): With Blake Griffin (knee) out of action, Jordan is pretty much the last man standing in what is now a thin Clippers frontcourt. Jordan has been excellent in the three games since Griffin was injured, averaging 13.0 points, 15.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per contest. The Timberwolves allow the ninth-most Yahoo points per game (45) to opposing centers, leaving Jordan with an opportunity to be a valuable part of your entry.
Bam Adebayo, MIA at SA ($12): Speaking of teams missing a star up front, the Heat are dealing with the absence of one of their best players in Hassan Whiteside (knee). Adebayo has seen more playing time as a result, scoring at least 20 Yahoo points in two of three games since Whiteside went down. He's sharing minutes with Kelly Olynyk, but this might be a more ideal matchup for Adebayo against a big Spurs frontcourt. There is an opportunity for value here.
[Join a Yahoo Daily Fantasy Basketball contest or league today]
Center to Avoid
Myles Turner, IND vs. CHI ($28): Turner doesn't provide that much upside as he has scored more than 30 Yahoo points in a game only seven times this season. He only scored 27.8 Yahoo points in a blowout win against the Bulls earlier this season. The potential is there for another lopsided game considering how terrible the Bulls are, making Turner a risky play at this price considering his already low ceiling.
