This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Friday's NBA schedule is jam-packed with 11 games, giving you plenty of options to wade through for your Yahoo entry. Let's get right down to business and look at some players to both target and avoid as you craft your lineup.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR at ORL ($46): Lillard has been dealing with a sore ankle of late but is expected to play Friday. He's averaging a career-high 37 minutes per game, which is key considering he has posted a 30.4 percent usage rate. This is an excellent matchup for Lillard, as the Magic allow the most Yahoo points per game (48.6) to opposing point guards, making him someone you should strongly consider.
Gary Harris, DEN vs. NO ($23): Harris is coming off his best game of the season when he scored 52.6 Yahoo points Wednesday against the Celtics. He scored 36 points and hit three three-pointers against one of the best defensive teams in the league, which is significant. Friday brings a much easier opponent in the Pelicans, who allow the second-most points per game (111.5) in the league. This is a very reasonable price for Harris considering his upside.
Guard to Avoid
Ricky Rubio, UTA at BOS ($20): Rubio has been ice cold lately, averaging 20.1 Yahoo points over his last six games. After never having averaged less than 7.3 assists per game is six seasons with the Timberwolves, he is averaging only 4.9 assists per game in his first season with the Jazz. The Celtics allow the fewest Yahoo points per game (38.6) to opposing point guards, so stay away from Rubio Friday.
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FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. CHI ($58): The Bulls have won four games in a row and look like a much more competent team, but that doesn't mean they have anyone capable of slowing down Giannis. His 33.5 percent usage rate is fifth-best in the league as he continues to be one of the most valuable players in DFS on a nightly basis. With at least 52.7 Yahoo points in seven of his last eight games, look for him to keep things rolling Friday.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at TOR ($24): Hollis-Jefferson is playing at his best right now, scoring at least 31.3 Yahoo points in five straight games. Not only is he averaging 18.4 points per game over that stretch, but he also has at least one block in each contest. He's averaging a career-high 10.5 shot attempts per game and is shooting 49.8 percent from the field, which is certainly a recipe for success. Expect him to help carry the load offensively again in this game.
Forward to Avoid
Derrick Favors, UTA at BOS ($26): Favors did a great job filling in for Rudy Gobert when he was injured, but has returned to a limited role now that Gobert is healthy. Averaging only 20.4 Yahoo points in the five games since Gobert came back, Favors played less than 30 minutes in all but one of those games. His upside is very limited, making him someone you might want to avoid at this price.
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET at IND ($47): Drummond continues to dominate on the glass, averaging a career-high 15.3 rebounds per game. While his offensive game isn't great, he gets a chance to score on easy put-backs because he is averaging 5.0 offensive rebounds per game. The Pacers struggle to defend opposing centers, allowing the most Yahoo points per game (56.8) to the position. Drummond scored at least 43.5 Yahoo points in both of his previous two meetings against them this season, making him a great option for your entry.
Marcin Gortat, WAS vs. LAC ($20): Gortat will be facing DeAndre Jordan and the Clippers for the second time in his last four games, and he scored 23.6 Yahoo points in their first meeting. He played 24 minutes in that first game and just missed a double-double. Gortat's upside isn't that high as he's not going to score much, but he can still provide value at this price based on the role he should have trying to keep pace with Jordan.
Center to Avoid
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. NO ($45): Jokic (ankle) was available to play Wednesday against the Celtics, but ultimately did not enter the game as the Nuggets decided to take a cautious approach to his return. He appears primed to play Friday, but he might log only limited minutes considering he hasn't played in more than two weeks. Add that to the fact that he has to battle with DeMarcus Cousins and this is not the night to pay up for his services.
