This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We have plenty of action in the NBA with nine games on Saturday, eight of which make up the main slate on Yahoo. Not only will there be a couple of potentially high scoring games between the Rockets and Pelicans and the Warriors and Blazers, but we could also have a defensive lockdown contest between the Celtics and Grizzlies. Let's dive into the matchups and highlight some players to target and avoid as you create your entry.
GUARDS
Bradley Beal, WAS vs. CHA ($35): Beal couldn't carry the Wizards to a win against the Bulls on Friday with John Wall (heel) out, but he didn't exactly struggle with 52.9 Yahoo points. Across four games that Wall has missed this season, Beal has averaged 56.6 Yahoo points. Since Wall is reportedly set to see a specialist for his injury, he might be out again Saturday. If he sits, Beal could provide tremendous upside at this price. Even if Wall does take the floor, Beal is still a viable option considering the Wizards play at the seventh-fastest pace (102.5 possessions per game) in the league.
Monte Morris, DEN at PHO ($13): Morris might not be a flashy option, but he's scored at least 28 Yahoo points in seven of his last eight games. He's continued to come off of the bench despite the myriad of injuries for the Nuggets, but he's averaged 28 minutes on the floor during that eight-game stretch. Saturday brings an excellent matchup against the Suns, who allow the seventh-most points per game (113.7) in the league.
Guard to Avoid
Jaylen Brown, BOS at MEM ($16): It's hard to get excited about Brown on Saturday. The Celtics depth has continued to limit his upside, leaving him to score 24 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last seven games. This is also a very tough matchup against the Grizzlies, who play at the slowest pace (95.8) and allow the second-fewest points per game (101.7).
FORWARDS
John Collins, ATL vs. CLE ($34): Collins continued his dominant ways with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four assists Friday against the Timberwolves. With that performance, he's now scored at least 35.2 Yahoo points in 10 of his last 11 contests. The Cavaliers are a mess up front right now due to injuries, leaving Collins with another excellent opportunity to thrive.
Eric Gordon, HOU at NO ($14):James Harden has been a monster with Chris Paul (hamstring) out, but Gordon has also stepped up in his absence. Known for his ability to score in bunches, Gordon has also dished out at least four assists in each of the last three games. Considering the Pelicans play at the fourth-fastest pace (103.6), Gordon could be in line for another productive evening, especially considering his cheap price.
Forward to Avoid
Kevin Knox, NY at UTA ($20): The Knicks aren't a very fantasy-friendly team since they often change up their rotations. Knox had a hard time establishing himself to start the season, but he's now logged at least 33 minutes in nine straight games. He's been a valuable source for points and rebounds, but since he provides very little in other categories, he scored 27.2 Yahoo points or fewer in four of those nine contests. The Jazz are one of the better defensive teams in the league, so this might be the night to keep him out of your entry.
CENTERS
Anthony Davis, NO vs. HOU ($58): The Pelicans pulled out a close win against the Mavericks on Friday, mainly on the shoulders of Davis, who scored a whopping 85.4 Yahoo points. Adding him to your lineup sure deals a significant blow to your budget, but he also has one of the highest floors in DFS with at least 56.7 Yahoo points in 15 of his last 16 games. When he faced the Rockets earlier this season, he scored 80.2 Yahoo points, so don't expect them to be the team to slow him down.
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. CLE ($15): The Hawks were shorthanded up front Friday with Alex Len (back) and Miles Plumlee (knee) out, which helped Dedmon log 29 minutes. He came through with 34.6 Yahoo points, finishing with his fourth double-double across his last six games. If both players were to sit out again Saturday, Dedmon could be a great tournament play option if you want to save money at center.
Center to Avoid
Enes Kanter, NY at UTA ($22): Kanter was moved to the second unit for Thursday's game against the Bucks and ended up getting ejected, leaving him to score just 16 Yahoo points in 14 minutes. Trying to guard Brook Lopez on the perimeter wasn't exactly a good matchup for Kanter, so the Knicks decided to start Luke Kornet in his place. Playing against Rudy Gobert would seem to be better suited for Kanter's skillset, but it might not be for his production considering Gobert's defensive prowess.
