This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Friday brings seven NBA games with a couple of the teams in action dealing with key injuries. That should open up opportunities for other players to provide added value in DFS. Here are some options to target and avoid as you create your Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
Zach LaVine, CHI at CHA ($29): LaVine thrived against these same Hornets on Wednesday, scoring 41.3 Yahoo points. He's now scored at least 38.1 Yahoo points in all four games this season. With Lauri Markkanen (elbow) sidelined, LaVine is the unquestioned top scoring option for the Bulls, posting a 33.2 percent usage rate. His 57.1 percent field goal percentage isn't likely to hold up, but it's probably safe to say he's not going to shoot 38.3 percent again like he did last year, either.
Cameron Payne, CHI at CHA ($11): The Bulls are down another key part of their starting five in Kris Dunn (knee), opening up a starting role for Payne. Playing time has been key for Payne's production through four games. In two games in which he's logged 22 minutes or fewer, he finished with 10.7 Yahoo points or fewer in both contests. He's played at least 28 minutes in his other two games, scoring at least 25.6 Yahoo points both times. Don't expect him to drain seven three-pointers again like he did Wednesday, but he's still someone to target in tournament play at near the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
Lou Williams, LAC at HOU ($24): With the Clippers healthy, Williams isn't playing as big of a role this season as he did last year. His 29.6 percent usage rate is right on par with his mark from last year, but he's averaging seven fewer minutes per contest. The end result has been 25 Yahoo points or fewer in all four of his games. With his limited upside, it might be best to keep him out of your lineup.
FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at MIN ($53): Giannis demolished the Sixers on Wednesday, scoring a whopping 78.6 Yahoo points. He's stuffed the stat sheet across the board through four games, averaging 28.5 points, 16.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists, one steal and 1.8 blocks per contest. Anthony Davis ($58) also has a tremendously high ceiling, but with his higher price tag and the potential for a lopsided win over the Nets at home, Giannis might be the player to pay up for Wednesday.
Jabari Parker, CHI at CHA ($19): The Bulls laundry list of injuries grew another player when it was learned Thursday that Bobby Portis (knee) will be out four to six weeks. Portis was averaging 10.5 points and 10 rebounds across 28 minutes per game, so his loss is a significant one. Parker figures to see the biggest jump in playing time due to his absence. He's already averaging 14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 three-pointers across 26 minutes per contest, so the added opportunities could give him plenty of upside at this price.
Forward to Avoid
Harrison Barnes, DAL at TOR ($21): Barnes (hamstring) has yet to play in a game this season, but he appears set to make his debut Friday. The Mavericks leaned on him for scoring last season, leading to him averaging 18.9 points with a 25.2 percent usage rate. He may be eased back into action, and this has the potential to be a lopsided score against a far superior Raptors squad, so waiting another game before considering Barnes for your entry might not be a bad strategy. There's also the question as to how his production will be impacted by the additions of Luka Doncic and DeAndre Jordan.
CENTERS
Clint Capela, HOU vs. LAC ($27): The good news for the Rockets is that they will get Chris Paul back from his suspension on Friday. The bad news is that they will be without James Harden (hamstring). Paul missed the Rockets game against the Clippers on Sunday, which helped Capela score a season-high 23 points on his way to 45.7 Yahoo points. Look for him to be one of the key players charged with helping make up for the loss of Harden in their rematch.
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at HOU ($12): With the small lineups and the pace at which the Rockets like to play, this game is better suited for Harrell's skillset than that of Marcin Gortat or Boban Marjanovic. Harrell logged 24 minutes when these teams last met, finishing with a double-double on his way to 43.5 Yahoo points. If you want to go really cheap at center, Harrell is a viable option.
Center to Avoid
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. MIL ($37): Towns hasn't been bad to start the year, scoring at least 33.1 Yahoo points in four of five games. However, he's only topped 38 Yahoo points once. With Jimmy Butler still on the team, Towns' usage rate is going to continue to be limited. There is a chance the Butler trade saga will be coming to an end sooner rather than later, but Towns is someone to avoid at this lofty price until that time.
