This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday brings eight games in the NBA with many of the teams in action battling for playoff positioning. It should lead to an exciting evening that you can also hopefully punctuate with a winning entry on Yahoo. Here are some players to either target or avoid as you work your way through all of the options.
GUARDS
Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. LAC ($28): Bledsoe has provided consistent production, scoring at least 31.7 Yahoo points in eight of his last ten games. He has a 26.5% usage rate since joining the Bucks, which is second-highest on the team only behind Giannis Antetokounmpo (31.5%). The Clippers play at the sixth-fastest pace (101.3 possessions per game) in the league, so expect Bledsoe to have plenty of opportunities to provide value again Wednesday.
Jeremy Lamb, CHA at BKN ($14): Lamb started in play of Nicolas Batum (Achilles) on Monday, finishing with 32.1 Yahoo points in 30 minutes. Expect him to start again Wednesday with Batum listed as doubtful. Lamb has thrived as a starter this season, averaging 15.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 three-pointers in 15 games. The Nets also allow the third-most points per game (110.4) in the league, setting up Lamb to potentially provide excellent value at this price.
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Guard to Avoid
Spencer Dinwiddie, BKN vs. CHA ($19): Dinwiddie has seen a reduced role with D'Angelo Russell now healthy, scoring 28 Yahoo points or fewer in seven straight games. He's even lost his starting job, coming off the bench in each of the last three games. With his limited upside Wednesday, it makes a lot of sense to avoid Dinwiddie.
FORWARDS
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN vs. CHA ($22): Hollis-Jefferson is coming on strong down the stretch, scoring at least 33.4 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. He's worked his way back into the starting lineup as well, a role he excelled in earlier this season before going down with an injury. Both the Nets and the Hornets are in the top nine in the league in pace of play, making Hollis-Jefferson a viable option for your entry with his added playing time.
James Johnson, MIA vs. NY ($18): The loss of Hassan Whiteside (hip) has opened up minutes for a few players in the Heat's frontcourt, including Johnson. He has logged at least 33 minutes in two of the last three games and scored at least 39.9 Yahoo points in all three contests. He is averaging 12.5 points per game in March, marking his highest average of any month this season. The Knicks have allowed an average of 113.9 points in their last ten games, leaving Johnson with the potential for increased scoring in this matchup.
Forward to Avoid
Tobias Harris, LAC at MIL ($30): Harris was battling an illness heading into Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves, but managed to play 25 minutes. He didn't play well though, scoring just 17.7 Yahoo points. He's now scored 28.6 Yahoo points or fewer in three of his last five contests and could still be battling the effects of his illness against a tough Bucks defense Wednesday. This might not be the night to pay up for his services.
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CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN at CHI ($41): Jokic has the ability to stuff the stat sheet across the board, giving him both a high floor and a high ceiling in DFS. He's exploded again lately, scoring at least 51.3 Yahoo points in five of his last seven games. He gets a great matchup Wednesday against a struggling Bulls team that has allowed the third-most Yahoo points per game (58.1) to opposing centers in their last 12 games. Don't hesitate to add Jokic to your lineup.
Kelly Olynyk, MIA vs. NY ($18): Olynyk has stepped up with Whiteside out the previous five games, scoring at least 31.1 Yahoo points four times. He has also played well against the Knicks this season, averaging 14 points, 7.5 rebounds, three assists and 1.5 three-pointers in their previous two meetings. With an expanded role likely in the cards Wednesday, Olynyk is an excellent budget-friendly center to consider.
Center to Avoid
Enes Kanter, NY at MIA ($25): Kanter is slumping right now, scoring 26.5 Yahoo points or fewer in four straight games. Playing time has been a problem as he didn't top 24 minutes in any of those four contests. He doesn't have enough upside with limited minutes to warrant taking a chance on at this price, especially with Olynyk priced so much lower.
