This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA schedule is packed Wednesday with 20 teams in action. With so many games to examine, let's get right down to business and look at players you want to target and avoid to hopefully end the night with a winning Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
John Wall, WAS at ATL ($39): Wall scored 50 Yahoo points Monday against the Celtics, a team that is allowing the fewest Yahoo points per game (38.3) to opposing point guards. Not only was it Wall's first time scoring at least 20 points in a game since returning from a knee injury, but it also marked his fourth double-double in the last five games. He gets a much easier opponent in the Hawks on Wednesday, making him a viable option for your entry at this reasonable price.
Jordan Clarkson, LAL vs. MEM ($18): Clarkson started Monday for the injured Lonzo Ball (shoulder), scoring 45.7 Yahoo points in 35 minutes. With Ball out again Wednesday, expect Clarkson to again have an increased role. He has played well when given extended playing time, averaging 32.1 Yahoo points in the 12 games that he has played at least 25 minutes this season. The Lakers play at the fastest pace (104.3) in the league, so Clarkson should strongly be considered at this price.
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Guard to Avoid
Darren Collison, IND vs. DAL ($19): Collison was terrible Tuesday against the Pistons, scoring a paltry 6.2 Yahoo points. He played only 18 minutes in the blowout loss, the third time he has played 24 minutes or less in his last four games. He's scored 17.2 Yahoo points or less in four of his last nine games, so it might be best to choose someone with more consistent production based on the bevy of options Wednesday.
FORWARDS
Kyle Kuzma, LAL vs. MEM ($32): Kuzma has seen a ton of playing time with Brook Lopez (ankle) out of action, averaging almost 40 minutes over his last five games. He's taken full advantage of the increased minutes, scoring at least 30.9 Yahoo points in all five contests. With at least 47.6 Yahoo points in three of those games, he's also shown tremendous upside. His price is going to continue to increase if he keeps this up, but he's still cheap enough Wednesday to provide value.
Trey Lyles, DEN at MIN ($13): Lyles continues to be a steady contributor off the bench for the Nuggets, scoring at least 21.2 Yahoo points in eight of his last nine games. He played at least 25 minutes in all eight of those games and has clearly surpassed Kenneth Faried on the Nuggets depth chart. While his upside isn't extremely high, he has been producing enough to be worth playing at this cheap price.
Forward to Avoid
Thaddeus Young, IND vs. DAL ($24): Young is slumping badly right now, scoring 20.1 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last five games. He's barely been involved offensively, attempting six shots or fewer in five straight contests. Considering Lyles is playing better right now and costs $11 less, it might be wise to avoid Young until he shows signs of improvement.
CENTERS
DeMarcus Cousins, NO vs. BKN ($55): Cousins is one of the more consistent, expensive options in DFS, scoring at least 40 Yahoo points in all but two games this season. His 33.8% usage rate is third-highest in the league, which gives him a tremendously high floor. Wednesday brings a great matchup against the Nets, who allow the third-most Yahoo points per game (53.4) to opposing centers. There are a lot of elite players in action Wednesday, but Cousins might be in line for one of the best nights of them all.
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at OKC ($16): Valanciunas is one of the hardest players to gauge in DFS because he just doesn't get consistent playing time. If he gets big minutes, he normally produces, scoring at least 28.6 Yahoo points in all seven games that he played at least 25 minutes in this season. The Raptors will likely need his size to battle with Steven Adams on Wednesday, who averages 33 minutes per contest. If you want to take a chance on a cheap center in tournament play, Valanciunas is someone to consider.
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Center to Avoid
Dwight Howard, CHA vs. BOS ($31): Howard has had some explosive games this season, but has scored 25.5 Yahoo points or less in three of his last four games. He has to face the Celtics on Wednesday, a team allowing the eighth-fewest Yahoo points per game (48.1) to opposing centers. He struggled with only six points and 11 rebounds against them earlier this season, so Wednesday might not be the day to pay up for his services.
