This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday is going to be a wild night in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule. With so many teams set to take the floor, there are a bevy of options to choose from across the price scale on Yahoo. Let's highlight some to target and avoid while you create what will hopefully be a winning entry.
GUARDS
Ben Simmons, PHI at CHI ($39): Things aren't trending in a positive direction for Joel Embiid (knee) to take the floor in this game. Simmons has stepped up in his absence and has scored at least 48.4 Yahoo points in four of his last five games. He had three triple-doubles during that stretch and has averaged 11.2 rebounds a night since Embiid went down. Look for him to provide another all-around stellar stat line in this matchup against the Bulls.
Derrick White, SA at ATL ($20): White has hit his stride lately, scoring at least 29.3 Yahoo points in four straight games. He logged 36 minutes against the Nuggets on Monday and scored a 41.3 Yahoo points. That's the most he's played in a game since returning from a heel injury. Even though his scoring numbers aren't great, his ability to contribute rebounds, assists and defensive stats leaves him with a high floor. It doesn't get much better than the matchup that he'll receive Wednesday since the Hawks play at the second-fastest pace (104.3 possessions per game) in the league.
Guard to Avoid
Derrick Rose, MIN at DET ($19): Rose is an important player off the bench for the Timberwolves who has played extremely well when filling in for injured players. However, with their backcourt healthy right now, Rose has been held to 25.8 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last five games. White has a significantly higher upside at just a dollar more, so it might be best to stay away from Rose.
FORWARDS
DeMar DeRozan, SA at ATL ($37): Stacking players on the Spurs against the Hawks could be a sound strategy. One of the options with the highest upside in this game is DeRozan, who leads the team with his 28.5 percent usage rate. Not only do the Hawks play at a fast pace, but they also allow the most points per game (119) by a significant margin. DeRozan won't break your budget at this price either, making him an extremely appealing option.
Luke Kennard, DET vs. MIN ($12): Kennard has been on a scoring hot streak with at least 17 points in four of his last five games. He hit a whopping 19 three-pointers during those four contests and his ability to shoot from behind the arc will be key for the Pistons as they fight to make the playoffs. The Timberwolves have allowed an average of 121 points across their last 10 games, so don't be surprised if Kennard has another offensive explosion.
Forward to Avoid
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. MIA ($21): Batum's 13.3 percent usage rate has resulted in him averaging just 9.8 points per game, which would be his lowest mark since the 2014-15 season. His assists are down over two per game from last season, as well, which severely limits his upside. This is a tough matchup against the Heat, who are tied for the third-fewest points allowed per game (106.6) in the league. Since he doesn't come at much of a discount, it's hard to get excited about Batum on a night with so many quality options.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA at NO ($34): These two teams just played each other Monday and Gobert dominated with 19 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks. With Anthony Davis continuing to log limited minutes, Gobert has a significant advantage in the middle. It also helps that the Pelicans play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.5), so doesn't hesitate to deploy him in your entry.
Robin Lopez, CHI vs. PHI ($14): On the surface, this looks like a slam dunk matchup for Lopez. He comes into this game having scored at least 31.2 Yahoo points in four of his last five games and is locked in as the Bulls starting center. With Embiid and Boban Marjanovic (knee) both likely out, Lopez could have a field day against their depleted frontcourt. The only concern here is if the Bulls decide to play small to match the Sixers' limited size up front. If they do that, Lopez might not receive his usual allotment of playing time. With that being said, his upside at this price still makes him worth the risk in tournament play.
Center to Avoid
Bam Adebayo, MIA at CHA ($20): Adebayo is this expensive because of the recent run of success he had when Hassan Whiteside was out. However, he only played 20 minutes and scored 18.7 Yahoo points in Whiteside's return Monday. Expect him to continue to receive limited playing time Wednesday, making him someone to avoid at this price.
