This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA rebounds from a quiet Thursday to play nine games Friday. The evening will be highlighted by matchups including the Sixers taking on the Rockets and the Warriors battling with the Nuggets for the top spot in the Western Conference standings. We have plenty of options to wade through on Yahoo, so let's highlight some players to target and avoid while crafting your lineup.
GUARDS
Kemba Walker, CHA vs. WAS ($38): The Hornets have suffered a few lopsided losses lately, which has resulted in some muted stat lines from Walker. However, this is a prime spot for him to thrive against a Wizards team that allows the second-most points per game (117) in the league. In two previous meetings against the Wizards this season, Walker scored 62.8 and 47.5 Yahoo points, respectively. Don't expect the Wizards to be able to hold him down this time, either.
D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. DAL ($13): While his numbers haven't been spectacular, Augustin has managed to score at least 25.5 Yahoo points in five of his last seven games. The Mavericks are really struggling down the stretch, especially on the defensive end, since they have allowed an average of 116.4 points across their last 10 games. Even though his upside isn't that high, Augustin could still provide value at this price.
Guard to Avoid
Dennis Schroder, OKC at LAC ($22): Schroder had another quiet performance against the Blazers on Thursday, scoring just 22.8 Yahoo points across 27 minutes. He's now scored 29.5 Yahoo points or fewer in 10 of his last 11 games, three of which came with Paul George on the sidelines. Now that George is healthy, Schroder has returned to a decreased role in the Thunder's offense. At this price, buyer beware.
FORWARDS
Kevin Love, CLE at MIA ($31): Love destroyed the Nets for 51.2 Yahoo points in 31 minutes Wednesday, which is the most playing time he's received in a game since returning from injury. Despite his limited workload, he's still posted a double-double in five of his last six games. With so little talent around him, Love should have a high floor once again Friday.
Luke Kennard, DET at CHI ($12): The Pistons are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, winners of eight of their last 10 games. Kennard has been one of the players who has stepped up during that stretch, scoring at least 26.9 Yahoo points in five of his last six contests. Known for his three-point shooting prowess, Kennard has a chance to thrive against a Bulls team that is tied for the eighth-highest three-point shooting percentage allowed (36.1 percent) in the league.
Forward to Avoid
Draymond Green, GS vs. DEN ($25): The return of DeMarcus Cousins has not been kind to Green's fantasy value. He's been especially unproductive of late, scoring 23.7 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last six games. Even though he can provide value in terms of rebounds, assists and defensive stats, his extremely limited offensive upside doesn't make him a very appealing option on a slate with so many other good players in action.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. DAL ($44): Vucevic had a great matchup Tuesday against a decimated Sixers' frontcourt, but he failed to come through by scoring just 30.4 Yahoo points. That snapped his streak of eight straight games with at least 40.2 Yahoo points. The Mavericks frontcourt is thin on talent after the trade deadline, and with their defensive deficiencies of late already detailed, look for Vucevic to get back to his productive ways.
Robin Lopez, CHI vs. DET ($17): As hot as the Pistons are, don't sleep on the Bulls, who have won six of their last nine games. Lopez is one of the main reasons for their improved play; he's scored at least 30.3 Yahoo points seven times during that nine-game stretch. After barely finding his way onto the floor earlier in the season, he's locked into heavy minutes right now as their starting center. The Bulls will certainly need him to do battle with Andre Drummond, making him a great cheap option to target.
Center to Avoid
Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. CLE ($20): Adebayo has remained in the starting five even with Hassan Whiteside back, which may be the reason why he still has an inflated price tag. However, don't let that fool you. He's only scored 18.7 and 23 Yahoo points, respectively, since Whiteside returned. Lopez has a much higher upside and is three dollars cheaper, so stay far away from Adebayo when creating your entry.
