This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday brings plenty of action in the NBA with nine games on the schedule. The highlight of the night figures to be the Sixers hosting the Heat. The packed slate also leaves us with plenty of options to choose from on Yahoo, so here are some players to target, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Norman Powell, TOR at DET ($20): Powell was expected to serve in a reserve role this season, but he's been forced to start more often than not due to injuries. He's started each of the last four games with Fred VanVleet (knee) out and should start again versus the Pistons with VanVleet expected to remain sidelined. He scored at least 31.3 Yahoo points in three of those four contests, potentially making him an excellent bargain Wednesday.
Jalen Brunson, DAL vs. BOS ($15): Initial reports have been positive regarding Luka Doncic's ankle injury, but he won't suit up for this game. Brunson replaced him in the starting lineup Monday against the Bucks and scored 35.3 Yahoo points across 32 minutes. He's now scored at least 34.4 Yahoo points in back-to-back games and is an excellent option despite having to face the defensive-minded Celtics.
Guard to Avoid
Josh Richardson, PHI vs. MIA ($16): Richardson has not played well since returning from a hamstring injury, scoring 15.8 Yahoo points or fewer in three of four games. He's reportedly been playing through a right wrist injury, which may be contributing to his struggles. This is not a great matchup and there are plenty of other viable options considering the packed slate, so taking a chance on Richardson doesn't seem ideal.
FORWARDS
Davis Bertans, WAS vs. CHI ($24): Bertans is basically the last man standing in the Wizards' frontcourt. The team was already missing Thomas Bryant (foot) and Mortiz Wagner (ankle), but now they will also be without Rui Hachimura (groin) for at least the next five games. That basically leaves Bertans, Ian Mahinmi and Admiral Schofield up front. Bertans is going to get all of the playing time and shots that he can handle, leaving him with a relatively high floor.
Derrick Jones Jr., MIA at PHI ($12): The Heat's deep roster doesn't always afford Jones with a lot of playing time, but they need him right now with Goran Dragic (groin) and Justise Winslow (back) out. He's averaged 29 minutes a night across the last six games with both players out, which helped him score at least 25.3 Yahoo points four times. Although his upside isn't off the charts, he's is still a viable tournament option at near the minimum price.
Forward to Avoid
Al Horford, PHI vs. MIA ($26): Joel Embiid is expected to return from a one-game absence because of an illness, so the Sixers won't need to rely as heavily on Horford up front. He's been a great addition to the team, but his upside isn't all that high with his average of 33.3 Yahoo points per game. Since he isn't overly cheap, it might be best to save the two dollars and roll with Bertans, who has a similar floor and arguably a higher upside based on the lack of healthy options around him.
CENTERS
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. NO ($48): You'll need to monitor for updates with Towns since he is listed as questionable. He doesn't have a specific ailment, but coach Ryan Saunders said he is "banged up." Towns has been a very durable player throughout his career and this is a great matchup against a Pelicans team that just played Tuesday and has allowed the second-most points per game in the league. If Towns is cleared, he's someone to pay up for. If he's not, then Gorgui Dieng ($10) should start, making him one of the better value plays on the slate.
Cody Zeller, CHA at CLE ($15): The Hornets have decided to go big with P.J. Washington (finger) out, starting Zeller at power forward alongside Bismack Biyombo at center. The initial returns couldn't have been much better with Zeller scoring at least 38.8 Yahoo points in back-to-back games. With no shortage of playing time likely in the cards here, he has the potential to far exceed his price point.
Center to Avoid
Andre Drummond, DET vs. TOR ($47): Drummond has missed the last two games while battling an allergic reaction to avocados, but all indications are that he will return for this game. If Towns plays, it's difficult to justify rostering Drummond over him. Towns has the far superior matchup considering Drummond will be facing a tough Raptors defense that has allowed the second-fewest Yahoo points per game to opposing centers.
