This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday brings a busy night in the NBA with nine games on the schedule. The evening is highlighted by the Pelicans taking on the Spurs and the Cavaliers facing the Trail Blazers. Not only are there a lot of elite players in action, but there are some viable options across the price scale for your Yahoo entry. He are some players to both target and avoid to hopefully end the night with some extra money in your pocket.
GUARDS
Nicolas Batum, CHA at ATL ($30): Batum got off to a terrible start this season and battled an elbow injury early on. He's healthy now and firing on all cylinders, scoring at least 31.8 Yahoo points in eight of his last nine games. He's even scored at least 54.9 Yahoo points in back-to-back contests. He doesn't always score a lot of points, but he still provide a high floor based on his ability to contribute across the board. Both the Hornets and the Hawks are in the top ten in the league in pace of play, which should leave Batum with plenty of opportunities to be productive Thursday.
Donovan Mitchell, UTA vs. PHO ($27): Mitchell has earned a significant role in his rookie reason, resulting in a 28.5% usage rate that ranks inside the top 25 in the league. He has dominated the Suns in three previous meetings this year, averaging 22 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.7 three-pointers. The Suns play at the second-fastest pace (102.8 possessions per game) and allow the most points per game (113.7) in the league, so don't expect them to be able to slow down Mitchell in this game either.
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Guard to Avoid
Devin Booker, PHO at UTA ($37): Booker jammed his hand during practice Wednesday, but is not yet listed on the injury report for Thursday. Even though he is expected to play, this is not an ideal matchup against a Jazz team that allows the fewest Yahoo points per game (35.7) to opposing shooting guards. Booker's 31.4% usage rate gives him a high floor most nights, but he might not have a high enough ceiling Thursday to be worth this price.
FORWARDS
Anthony Davis, NO at SA ($58): Davis is putting up monster numbers, scoring at least 70.3 Yahoo points in three of his last four games. The one time he didn't was when he was limited to 23 minutes due to injury in a game against the Kings, but he still managed to score 42.5 Yahoo points in that contest. He has put the Pelicans on his back with DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) out and is someone to consider for your entry regardless of opponent whenever he plays.
Noah Vonleh, CHI at MEM ($10): Vonleh started Tuesday with Lauri Markkanen (back) sidelined, scoring 21.4 Yahoo points in 27 minutes against the Clippers. Markkanen will not play Thursday either, which should lead to an expanded role for Vonleh once again. He gets to face a Grizzlies team that is struggling mightily right now, making him an intriguing option in tournament play at the minimum price.
Forward to Avoid
Will Barton, DEN vs. DET ($23): Barton has been a very important player for the Nuggets this season, but they are finally healthy with Paul Millsap back in the fold. Barton has started to see his role in the offense and his playing time decrease, resulting in him scoring 21.2 Yahoo points or fewer in three of his last four games. He still has the potential to explode offensively off the bench, but on a night with so many other quality options, he might not be worth the risk.
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CENTERS
DeAndre Jordan, LAC at HOU ($35): Jordan is one of the most dominant rebounders in the league, grabbing at least 15 boards in seven straight games. He has put together some fine offensive performances of late as well, scoring at least 17 points in four of his last six contests. The Clippers play at the sixth-fastest pace (101.3) in the league, leaving him with added opportunities to contribute in both categories. He's had success against the Rockets in their previous two meetings this season as well, averaging 9.5 points, 18 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
Myles Turner, IND vs. TOR ($24): Turner is coming on strong down the stretch, scoring at least 33.2 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. The Pacers will be shorthanded up front with Domantas Sabonis (ankle) out Thursday, which should leave even more playing time for Turner. The Raptors have allowed the fifth-most Yahoo points per game (55.4) to opposing centers in their last nine games, making Turner someone to consider for your entry Thursday.
Center to Avoid
Andre Drummond, DET at DEN ($41): This is more about his price and the other options available Thursday than anything else. Drummond has not played poorly, scoring at least 41.2 Yahoo points in three of his last five games. However, he's topped 50 Yahoo points only two times in his last 12 contests. With Jordan, Rudy Gobert ($35) and Dwight Howard ($33) all capable of putting up similar numbers Thursday at cheaper prices, this might not be the night to pay up for Drummond.
