This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There are nine games in the NBA on Friday, leaving you with a lot of options to sift through for your Yahoo entry. While it can sometimes be a daunting task on a busy night, don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some players to both target and avoid to hopefully help end your night with a winning lineup.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, OKC vs. NO ($60): Westbrook was dominant in a loss to the Nuggets on Thursday, finishing with 68.3 Yahoo points. That marked the fourth time in the last five games that he has scored at least 62.2 Yahoo points. Friday brings a great matchup against the Pelicans who not only play at the fifth-fastest pace (101.6 possessions per game), but also allow the second-most points per game (110.7) in the league.
De'Aaron Fox, SAC vs. GS ($18): With the youth movement in full swing for the Kings, Fox has played at least 27 minutes in 13 of his last 14 games. The added playing time has helped to increase his floor in DFS, resulting in Fox scoring at least 24.6 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. He should get plenty of playing time and opportunities to produce Friday considering the Warriors play at the second-fastest pace (102.4) in the league. At this reasonable price, he has the potential to provide excellent value.
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Guard to Avoid
Dennis Schroder, ATL at BOS ($28): Schroder (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Friday's game, but that's not the only reason why you may want to avoid him for your entry. Even if he does play, he'll have to face a Celtics' team that allows the fewest Yahoo points per game (38.44) to opposing point guards. There are a lot of great options at point guard with so many games on the schedule, making Schroder too risky at this price.
FORWARDS
Paul George, OKC vs. NO ($37): George has been very productive lately, scoring at least 40.3 Yahoo points in five of his last seven games. With the Thunder seriously lacking depth, George gets plenty of chances to produce by averaging 36 minutes per game. His 25.1 percent usage rate is second-highest on team, so look for him to have a productive performance against a bad Pelicans defense.
Thaddeus Young, IND at CHA ($22): Young is not having a strong season, but he's played well recently by scoring at least 31.8 Yahoo points in four of his last six games. He's only averaging 12.1 points per game this season, but he helps make up for his reduced scoring on the defensive end, recording at least two steals in seven of his last eight games. The Pacers just played the Hornets on Monday, and Young finished with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. The price is right to take a chance on him again in their second meeting.
Forward to Avoid
Jayson Tatum, BOS vs. ATL ($23): Tatum has been excellent for the Celtics this season, but it hasn't translated into much value in DFS. With 20.1 Yahoo points or less in three of his last five games, Tatum has a difficult time even providing a reasonable floor to work with. He doesn't cost a ton Friday, but there are so many other quality options that this might not be the time to take a chance on Tatum having a breakout game.
CENTERS
Anthony Davis, NO at OKC ($56): Davis has stepped up with DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) injured, scoring at least 59.4 Yahoo points in both games since Cousins was lost for the season. Davis played at least 36 minutes in both contests, and even though the Pelicans did add some depth by trading for Nikola Mirotic on Thursday, Davis is going to play a ton down the stretch. He crushed the Thunder for 57.5 Yahoo points in their first meeting this season, leaving him primed for another valuable stat line Friday.
Enes Kanter, NY at MIL ($23): Kanter finally is seeing steady playing time again, logging at least 26 minutes in eight straight games. He normally produces when given enough minutes, evident by the fact that he scored at least 30.8 Yahoo points in six of those eight contests. The Bucks allow the fifth-most Yahoo points per game (51.3) to opposing centers, making Kanter a viable option to consider for your entry.
Center to Avoid
Jusuf Nurkic, POR at TOR ($24): Nurkic is dealing with a quad injury, but is listed as probable for Friday. He can provide value when he's playing well, which he has shown by scoring at least 43.5 Yahoo points in three of the last seven games. The problem is that when he's bad, he can be really bad. In two of the other four games, he scored 17.7 Yahoo points or less. Kanter provides a more reliable option and costs one dollar less, so Friday could be a night to avoid Nurkic.
