This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA closes out the week with eight games on the schedule Friday. While most of the matchups aren't overly exciting, there will still be several games with playoff implications. We also have another opportunity to cash in on Yahoo, so here are some players to target and avoid while creating your lineup.
GUARDS
Bradley Beal, WAS vs. CHA ($48): It's hard to find a more consistent option than Beal. He's thrived since taking over as the main option for the Wizards and has scored at least 44.4 Yahoo points in 15 straight games. He's also had plenty of success against the Hornets this year, averaging 26.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 3.7 steals across three previous meetings. Don't expect them to slow him down this time around, either.
Ish Smith, DET vs. LAL ($10): Pistons' starting point guard Reggie Jackson injured his ankle Wednesday against the Heat and is listed as questionable for Friday. If he can't play, that should open up a starting role for Smith, who has already scored at least 21.8 Yahoo points in five of his last seven games. The Lakers play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.7 possessions per game) in the league, so any added playing time could leave Smith with a significant boost in production.
Guard to Avoid
J.J. Redick, PHI vs. SAC ($19): Ben Simmons is dealing with an illness, but he's listed as probable for this contest. As long as he plays, that means the big four will all be set to take the floor for the Sixers, which would limit Redick's scoring upside. He's already scored 21.8 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last seven games, making it hard to justify paying this much to get him into your lineup.
FORWARDS
Kyle Kuzma, LAL at DET ($24): After another loss Thursday, the Lakers find themselves seven games back in the loss column for the eighth seed in the Western Conference. They've already started to reduce LeBron James' playing time, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him sit out this second game of a back-to-back set. If he doesn't play, that would leave Kuzma as the Lakers' main scoring threat. Even if James does take the floor, the Lakers up-tempo style of play still makes Kuzma an appealing option.
Marvin Williams, CHA at WAS ($17): Williams looks ready to go against the Wizards after sitting out Monday with an illness. He's had plenty of time to recover, so expect him to see his normal allotment of playing time. He's had plenty of success against the Wizards this season, averaging 20 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks over their first three meetings. The Wizards don't have a ton of size up front and they play at the eighth-fastest pace (102.6), leaving Williams as someone to target at this price.
Forward to Avoid
Marvin Bagley, SAC at PHI ($31): After missing five games with a knee injury, Bagley made his return to the floor Thursday against the Celtics. He only played 19 minutes but he was productive with 14 points and six rebounds. The Kings are fading in the playoff chase, and Bagley is one of their key building blocks, so it doesn't make a lot of sense to push him to play a lot of minutes in the second leg of a back-to-back set Friday. Considering his expensive price tag, keep Bagley out of your entry.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. SAC ($50): Embiid has shown no signs of rust since missing eight games with a knee injury, scoring 51.4 and 56.3 Yahoo points, respectively, over two games since his return. He logged 34 minutes against the Cavaliers on Tuesday, so he's safe to deploy as normal going forward. This is a stellar matchup for him considering the Kings play at the fastest pace (104.6) and allow the seventh-most Yahoo points per game (41.8) to opposing centers.
Ivica Zubac, LAC vs. CHI ($12): The addition of Zubac at the trade deadline isn't one to overlook for the Clippers. Even though Montrezl Harrell plays the bulk of the minutes at center, Zubac has done a great job settling down the position in the starting five. In fact, he's scored at least 27.1 Yahoo points in five of his last seven games. The Bulls allow the second-most Yahoo points per game (46.6) to opposing centers, making Zubac a great option in tournament play at near the minimum price.
Center to Avoid
Hassan Whiteside, MIA vs. MIL ($21): Whiteside hasn't exactly struggled since moving to the second unit, posting three double-doubles across five games. However, he's only averaged 19 minutes a game during that stretch, which does put somewhat of a damper on his upside. The Bucks allow the fourth-fewest Yahoo points per game (36.7) to opposing centers, so it might not be worth paying this much for Whiteside on a night with so many great options at the position.
