This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We have a busy night ahead of us Wednesday in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule. That leaves us with no shortage of options in DFS. Let's try to narrow down the field by highlighting some of the top players to consider, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Bradley Beal, WAS vs. SAC ($43): We have two key stats set to collide here, which could leave Beal with a huge stat line when the evening is all said and done. First, the Kings have the worst defensive rating in the league. Second, Beal has a 35.1 percent usage rate, which is the second-highest mark in the league. Look for him to shine in what should be a high-scoring affair on both sides.
Tomas Satoransky, CHI vs. SA ($11): Satoransky has started both of the last two games for the Bulls, logging 26 and 31 minutes, respectively. He hasn't let his new role go to waste, scoring at least 32.9 Yahoo points both times. There's no reason to think he will be removed from the starting five anytime soon, so this might be one of the last few opportunities that you'll have to add him to your entry at near the minimum salary.
Guard to Avoid
T.J. McConnell, IND vs. BKN ($17): McConnell has been an extremely valuable member of the second unit for the Pacers, averaging 6.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.9 steals. He's been forced to average a career-high 25 minutes per game because of their depleted depth chart. However, with Caris LeVert now healthy, McConnell has logged 23 and 19 minutes, respectively, over the last two games. With his scoring upside already limited, any decrease in playing time can really hurt his fantasy appeal.
FORWARDS
Norman Powell, TOR at DET ($32): The Raptors will play shorthanded again Wednesday with OG Anunoby out, Fred VanVleet doubtful and Pascal Siakam questionable as they recover from a stint in the league's health and safety protocols. Powell has been a monster in their absences, scoring at least 38.1 Yahoo points in five of the last six games. He's done most of his damage in the scoring column, averaging 28.2 points and 18 shot attempts per game during that stretch.
Nemanja Bjelica, SAC at WAS ($10): The Kings suffered a tough blow Monday when Marvin Bagley suffered a fractured left hand against the Hornets. The Kings could decide to go small in his absence, moving Harrison Barnes to power forward and inserting Tyrese Haliburton into the starting five. Bagley being out could also open up added playing time for Bjelica off the bench. His opportunities have been limited, but he has averaged 12.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists across seven games in which he has played at least 20 minutes.
Forward to Avoid
Dillon Brooks, MEM vs. MIA ($18): Brooks' role on the Grizzlies is to score, and he's mostly done that by averaging 15.8 points per game. However, he does little in other areas, evident by his averages of 2.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Playing a scoring-dependent player in DFS against a Heat team that has the fourth-best defensive rating in the league could be a recipe for disaster.
CENTERS
Richaun Holmes, SAC at WAS ($28): Holmes has been on fire lately, averaging 15.5 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks across his last 10 games. He'll be needed on the boards even more now with Bagley out, especially if the Kings decide to deploy more small lineups. That could lead him to a productive evening against the Wizards, who have allowed the fourth-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers.
Robert Williams, BOS at CLE ($16): Tristan Thompson was placed in the health and safety protocols Tuesday, forcing him to miss the Celtics game against the Jazz. Williams didn't start, but he plated 22 minutes off the bench, producing 14 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. With the expectation that Thompson is also out Wednesday, Williams is an extremely appealing option given his excellent per-minute production.
Center to Avoid
Cody Zeller, CHA at DEN ($16): Zeller doesn't provide much upside. He's scored 26.8 Yahoo points or fewer in six straight games and he's topped 30 Yahoo points only four times all season. With Williams providing significantly more upside if Thompson is out, and also having the same salary, it's difficult to make an argument for adding Zeller to your lineups.
