This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There are eight games on the NBA schedule Friday, highlighted by the Boston Celtics against the San Antonio Spurs. With other elite squads like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors also in action, there are plenty of big names from which to choose for your Yahoo entry. Let's examine players across the price scale to see which ones you want to target or avoid.
GUARDS
Kemba Walker, CHA vs. CHI ($38): The Hornets get the worst team in the league Friday, as the Bulls enter with an ugly 3-20 record. Walker is hot right now, scoring at least 43.7 Yahoo points in both of his last two games. Walker crushed the Bulls for 60.7 Yahoo points earlier this season, which is no surprise considering they allow the seventh-most Yahoo points per game (45.7) to opposing point guards. All the signs are there for Walker to have another big night.
Gary Harris, DEN at ORL ($21): Harris continues to take on a more prominent role with the Nuggets as he has a career-high 18.7 percent usage rate this season. Not only is he an excellent scorer, but he also provides value defensively by averaging 2.0 steals per game. The Magic allow the third-most Yahoo points per game (42.5) to opposing shooting guards, making Harris an excellent option for your entry.
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Guard to Avoid
Tyreke Evans, MEM vs. TOR ($30): Evans has the opportunity to put up big numbers now that he's starting in place of the injured Mike Conley (Achilles). While he's cashed in a few games, he's been average most nights as he has scored 29.1 Yahoo points or less in five of his last seven games. The Raptors allow the fifth-fewest Yahoo points per game (40) to opposing shooting guards, making Evans a risky play at this price.
FORWARDS
Kevin Durant, GS at DET ($50): Durant was excellent in his last game Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets as he posted a triple-double on his way to 66.2 Yahoo points. With Stephen Curry (ankle) and Draymond Green (shoulder) both out for that game, Durant was tasked with the role of playmaker on offense. Green is listed as probable for Friday, but Curry will be out once again. Expect another valuable stat line from Durant.
Jonathon Simmons, ORL vs. DEN ($17): Simmons is logging heavy minutes for the Magic, playing at least 38 minutes in three of his last four games. His lack of assists limits his ceiling, but he can score enough to provide value at this price. More shots should be available for Simmons with Evan Fournier (ankle) already ruled out for this game, so consider him at this discounted price.
Forward to Avoid
Lauri Markkanen, CHI at CHA ($27): Markkanen is one of the lone bright spots on the Bulls, but his production has fallen off of late. To make matters worse for his value, Nikola Mirotic (face) is expected to make his season debut Friday. Markkanen isn't going to lose his starting role just yet, but he could see fewer minutes with the Bulls finally gaining some depth up front. At this price, you might want to consider avoiding him Friday.
CENTERS
DeMarcus Cousins, NO vs. SAC ($59): Cousins absolutely demolished the Nuggets Wednesday when he scored 40 points to go along with 22 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. He logged 40 minutes in that game, with Anthony Davis (groin) out of action, and thrived taking center stage. Davis is questionable for Friday's contest, so Cousins would get a boost in value again if he's unable to take the floor. Even if Davis does play, look for Cousins to be extra motivated to shine against his former Kings squad.
Robin Lopez, CHI at CHA ($19): Overall, the return of Mirotic is likely to deal a blow to Lopez's value as well. That might not be the case though Friday, as the Bulls will need Lopez to battle with Dwight Howard. Mirotic and Bobby Portis don't have the size and strength to hang with Howard, so Lopez could get extended minutes. While his upside isn't great, Lopez can provide value at this price considering which other cheap centers are available on the slate.
Center to Avoid
John Henson, MIL vs. DAL ($13): Normally Henson presents a decent cheap option for your entry as he has scored at least 22.2 Yahoo points in six of his last seven games. This is not an ideal matchup against the Mavericks though, as they like to go small at center. Henson was limited to only 9.4 Yahoo points in 20 minutes when these two teams met earlier this season, so while he is normally an intriguing cheap play, that may not be the case Friday.
