This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Get ready for a busy Friday night in the NBA as there are eight games on the schedule. There are a lot of bad teams in action, but there are plenty of great options to choose from for your Yahoo entry. Let's look at the best players to help you bring home some money.
GUARDS
C.J. McCollum, POR vs. BKN ($31): McCollum exploded for 36 points in his last game against a tough Memphis Grizzlies' defense. Known for his offensive prowess, McCollum also is averaging a career high 4.4 rebounds per game. The Nets are allowing the most points per game (116.2) in the NBA, so look for a big performance from McCollum Friday.
Lou Williams, LAC at OKC ($14): The Clippers are going to be short-handed Friday, as both Patrick Beverley (knee) and Danilo Gallinari (hip) already have been ruled out, while Austin Rivers (ankle) is questionable. With a lot of extra minutes available, Williams should see a boost in playing time. He's averaging 14.8 points and 3.3 assists in only 23 minutes per game, so he has the potential to far exceed this price point with added minutes.
Guard to Avoid
Goran Dragic, MIA at UTA ($29): Dragic continues to be one of the best players on the Heat as he is averaging 20.2 points, 4.4 rebounds. 4.7 assists and 1.7 three-pointers per game. He's been a bit inconsistent of late though, as he has scored 28.6 Yahoo points or less in two of his last four games. This is a tough matchup against a Utah Jazz team that allows only 39.3 Yahoo points per game to opposing point guards, so Dragic may not be worth this price.
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FORWARDS
Blake Griffin, LAC at OKC ($45): Simply put, the Thunder don't have anyone capable of slowing down Griffin. Other than center Steven Adams, the Thunder are lacking size on their front line. Griffin enters this game averaging 40.8 Yahoo points per game and has the potential to put up a monster performance.
Luke Babbitt, ATL at DET ($10): The Hawks already have ruled out Ersan Ilyasova (knee) for this game, and Mike Muscala (ankle) is listed as doubtful, so Babbitt likely will see more minutes again Friday. He has played at least 25 minutes in each of the last four games, scoring at least 23.0 Yahoo points twice. At the minimum price, he presents a nice cost-saving option.
Forward to Avoid
Lauri Markkanen, CHI vs. IND ($25): Markkanen (quadriceps) appears to be in line to play Friday, but he hasn't been productive of late, as he has scored 26.3 Yahoo points or less in two of his last three games. The return of Bobby Portis may eat into Markkanen's minutes some, so he's not worth the risk at this price.
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET vs. ATL ($39): Drummond is having a great season, as he is averaging 14.0 points, 15.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. He has scored at least 43.0 Yahoo points in seven of his last eight games and looks primed to take advantage of a thin Hawks frontcourt.
Aron Baynes, BOS vs. CHA ($10): Baynes started in place of Al Horford (concussion) Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers and scored 33.1 Yahoo points in only 23 minutes. Horford is going to be out again Friday, making Baynes a great value play at the minimum price.
Center to Avoid
Robin Lopez, CHI vs. IND ($19): Most of the expensive centers have good matchups Friday. Lopez has a tough assignment against Myles Turner and the Pacers, and also might see decreased playing time with Portis back in the fold. This is the night to shy away from using him.
