This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday brings a busy night in the NBA with nine games on the schedule. With so many options to examine for your Yahoo entry, let's get right down to business and look at some players to target and avoid to hopefully craft a winning lineup.
GUARDS
Ben Simmons, PHI vs. CHI ($34): Simmons was an elite DFS option earlier this year, but he's hit a rough patch by scoring less than 30 Yahoo points in seven of his last 13 games. He's only averaging 30 minutes per game in January, five fewer minutes than any of the previous three months. However, he could return to his earlier form Wednesday with T.J. McConnell (personal) and Jerryd Bayless (wrist) out against the Bulls. Simmons could not only see added playing time, but also more ball-handling responsibilities. At this price, he carries significant upside.
Dejounte Murray, SA at MEM ($12): Murray has taken over the starting point guard job for the Spurs, a move that makes a lot of sense based on the stage of Tony Parker's career. Murray has looked comfortable in the job so far, scoring at least 30.4 Yahoo points in both of the last two games. He's not going to be priced this low for long if he keeps this up, so take advantage of this opportunity while you still can.
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Guard to Avoid
Eric Gordon, HOU at DAL ($26): Gordon has moved back to the bench now that James Harden in healthy, dealing a significant blow to his value. He's scored 20.4 Yahoo points or fewer in each of his last two games and has only a 23.3% usage rate off the bench, compared to 28.3% as a starter. Based on his limited upside, it might be best to avoid him Wednesday.
FORWARDS
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA at MEM ($41): Aldridge has done an excellent job leading the Spurs' offense this season with Kawhi Leonard (quad) playing in just nine games. Not only is Aldridge's 28.7% usage rate the third-highest of his career, but it also ranks inside the top-20 in the league. He's scored at least 45.8 Yahoo points in four of his last five games and should have a high floor again Wednesday.
Kyle Anderson, SA at MEM ($20): While Aldridge is leading the Spurs' offense, Anderson has replaced Leonard in the starting lineup. He's played well lately, scoring at least 35.7 Yahoo points in three straight games. He played at least 30 minutes in all three of those contests and has now scored at least 28.7 Yahoo points in eight of the last nine games that he has logged at least 30 minutes. With significant playing time likely on tap again Wednesday, Anderson is worth consideration at this reasonable price.
Forward to Avoid
Jayson Tatum, BOS at LAC ($25): Tatum is slumping right now, scoring 26.5 Yahoo points or less in eight of his last nine games. The main reason for his struggles is that he's ice-cold from the field, shooting 39.8% in his last eight games. He doesn't have a very high ceiling to begin with, so it might be a good idea to stay away from using him Wednesday with so many other worthy options on a busy night.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. CHI ($49): Embiid provides a high floor in DFS due to his 33.2% usage rate that ranks third-highest in the league. He's scored at least 45.3 Yahoo in three of his last four games and is healthy right now, playing in eight straight games. Wednesday brings an excellent matchup against the Bulls who don't have a lot of size up front outside of Robin Lopez and allow the eighth-most Yahoo points per game (49.6) to opposing centers.
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. TOR ($14): Dedmon's numbers aren't flashy, but he's scored at least 20.3 Yahoo points in six straight games. He's come off the bench in all seven games since returning from a leg injury, but he could be regaining his starting role in short order. Even if he comes off the bench again Wednesday, he can still be productive enough to consider for your entry if you're looking to save money at center.
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Center to Avoid
Marc Gasol, MEM vs. SA ($32): Gasol has had some disappointing performances lately, scoring 29.5 Yahoo points or less in five of his last nine games. Wednesday brings a tough matchup against the Spurs, who allow the seventh-fewest Yahoo points per game (46.9) to opposing centers. There are a lot of great centers to choose from on the slate, so it might be best to avoid Gasol based on his recent inconsistencies.
