This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA brings an exciting night Saturday with nine games on the schedule. Some of the best matchups include the Pelicans taking on the Jazz and the Lakers facing the Spurs. Let's try to add even more fun to the evening with a winning entry on Yahoo.
GUARDS
DeMar DeRozan, SA vs. LAL ($33): DeRozan has quickly adjusted well to joining the Spurs, averaging 26.5 points per game with a 31.3 percent usage rate. With all of their injuries at point guard, DeRozan has even taken on more of a role as a facilitator, averaging a career-high 7.8 assists per game. The Lakers have allowed the most points per game (124.6) in the league and DeRozan recorded 63.6 Yahoo points against them Monday, so look for him to have another big performance in their rematch.
Cory Joseph, IND at CLE ($10): Joseph has been one of the key reserves for the Pacers, scoring at least 22.1 Yahoo points in four of five games this season. He's actually averaging more minutes per contest (24) than starting point guard Darren Collison (23), who is struggling to start the year. Joseph could be in line for even more playing time Saturday with Tyreke Evans suspended for a violation of team rules. With how poorly the Cavaliers are defensively, this could be a great opportunity to take advantage of by playing Joseph at the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
C.J. McCollum, POR at MIA ($26): McCollum is averaging 20 points per game, but he's shooting just 39.1 percent from the field. There's no question that he's a great offensive player, but he doesn't really provide a lot of contributions in other areas. As a result, he's scored 29.4 Yahoo points or fewer in all four contests this year. At this price, it might not be wise to get him into your lineup.
FORWARDS
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA vs. LAL ($39): The Spurs relied heavily on Aldridge to lead them last year with Kawhi Leonard out for the majority of the season. He didn't disappoint, averaging 23.1 points with a 29.1 percent usage rate. It's no surprise his usage rate is down this year due to the addition of DeRozan, but it's still at 27 percent. He also excelled when these teams met Monday, scoring 61.5 Yahoo points. The Lakers don't have a lot of size up front outside of JaVale McGee, leaving Aldridge with excellent upside.
Jae Crowder, UTA at NO ($18): The Jazz are led by the trio of Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Joe Ingles, but don't underestimate the importance of Crowder to the team. He's averaging 31 minutes off the bench, helping him generate 13.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and two three-pointers per contest. The Pelicans play at the fifth-fastest pace (106.3 possessions per game), which should leave Crowder with even more opportunities to provide value Saturday.
Forward to Avoid
Trevor Ariza, PHO at MEM ($19): Ariza came out of the gate hot with 44.1 Yahoo points in the first game of the season. That appeared to be an anomaly for him, though, since he has scored 44.5 Yahoo points across his other three games combined. Playing time isn't a problem, but his usage rate of 16 percent caps his upside. The Grizzlies have allowed the third-fewest points per game (102.3), which won't help Ariza's cause Saturday, either.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at MIL ($31): The Magic drafted promising young big man Mohamed Bamba, but the starting center job is still Vucevic's to lose. He's certainly been stellar to start the season, scoring at least 47.7 Yahoo points in each of his last three games. His 24.7 percent usage rate is second on the team to Evan Fournier (26.7 percent) and he's averaging 10.4 rebounds per contest, leaving him with a very high floor. The Bucks are a tough defensive team, but Vucevic is still someone to consider at this reasonable price.
JaVale McGee, LAL at SA ($22): McGee has been one of the best cheap value plays all season. He's scored at least 32.1 Yahoo points in all five games despite being priced at no higher than $16 for any of them. Although he's more expensive Saturday, he still won't break your budget. Add his rebounds and blocks to all of the easy looks he gets from playing with LeBron James, Lonzo Ball and Rajon Rondo and McGee is a very attractive option to consider.
Center to Avoid
Pau Gasol, SA vs. LAL ($17): Gasol's playing time has been on a steady decline in the later stages of his career and has bottomed out at just 18 minutes per game this season. That doesn't leave him with many opportunities to contribute, which is the main reason why he's failed to score more than 21.4 Yahoo points in any of his four games. With all the small lineups the Lakers like to use, don't count on Gasol to see a bump in minutes for this contest.
