This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It's time to wake up from your turkey coma as the NBA is back in action Friday with 10 games on the schedule. Let's dive into the slate and see which players you should either start or avoid for your Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
Dennis Schroder, ATL vs. NY ($34): After a brief rough patch, Schroder has got things rolling again as he has scored at least 33.1 Yahoo points in three straight games. He's clearly the main man in Atlanta as he has a 29.4 percent usage rate, good for 14th best in the NBA. The Knicks allow the third-most Yahoo points per game (47) to opposing point guards, making Schroder an excellent option Friday.
Courtney Lee, NY at ATL ($13): While he may not get a lot of publicity, Lee has been a big part of the Knicks success this season. He's currently averaging career-bests in rebounds (4.1), assists (3.1), steals (1.5) and three-pointers (1.6) per game, while his 11.2 points per game would be the third-highest of his career. Friday brings a great matchup against a Hawks team that allows the most Yahoo points per game (42.8) to opposing shooting guards. There is an opportunity for excellent value here.
Guard to Avoid
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Stephen Curry, GS vs. CHI ($50): There is no debate that Curry can put up elite numbers on any given night. The problem Friday is that he is playing one of the worst teams in the league in the Bulls. This game could become a blowout quickly, leaving Curry with limited minutes. At this price, it might be best to avoid that risk.
FORWARDS
Anthony Davis, NO at PHO ($58): The only risk there ever really is with Davis is whether he's going to get hurt in a game. When he plays, he's a monster, as he has scored at least 50.2 Yahoo points in a game 12 times this season. The Suns are terrible defensively, but are especially bad against opposing power forwards, as they have allowed the most Yahoo points per game (50.5) to the position this season. This has the makings of a big game from Davis.
Tim Hardaway Jr., NY at ATL ($28): Hardaway has thrived since joining the Knicks and has the second-highest usage rate (22.8 percent) on the team. He can score in bunches when he's hot, as he's already had five games with at least 26 points this season. The Hawks allow the fifth-most Yahoo points per game (41.7) to opposing shooting guards, leaving Hardaway as a great option for your entry.
Forward to Avoid
Draymond Green, GS vs. CHI ($38): Green has provided solid, but unspectacular, production of late, as he has averaged 35.2 Yahoo points over his last five games. He has only topped 40 Yahoo points in four games this season, which is not enough production at this price. Throw in the potential for a blowout, and Green is another Warrior you want to shy away from playing.
CENTERS
Hassan Whiteside, MIA at MIN ($39): Whiteside missed some games earlier this season due to injury, but he's still managed to score at least 43.4 Yahoo points in six games this season. Not only is he a walking double-double, but he has grabbed at least 20 rebounds in a game three times already. The Timberwolves allow the seventh-most Yahoo points per game (52) to opposing centers and just gave up a 25-point, 20-rebound game to Dwight Howard earlier this week. Whiteside has fantastic upside in this contest.
Steven Adams, OKC vs. DET ($21): Adams posted his first double-double since returning from injury Wednesday against the Warriors. The key is he played 37 minutes in the game, which is no surprise considering the lack of talent on the Thunder's bench. The Thunder are going to need him to log heavy minutes against Andre Drummond Friday, leaving him with plenty of value at this price.
Center to Avoid
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. MEM ($47): Jokic's all-around skills can make him a threat for a big performance on most nights, but he hasn't had many of them; he's only averaging 39.7 Yahoo points per game this season. That's not enough production at this price. Throw in the fact that the Grizzlies allow the fifth-fewest Yahoo points per game (45.8) to opposing centers, and Jokic is too risky to put in your lineup.
