This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA finishes the week in style with 10 games on the schedule Friday. There are a lot of options from which to pick for your Yahoo entry as a result, so let's get right down business and examine some players to either target or avoid to hopefully end the night with some extra money in your pocket.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR at DAL ($41): Lillard continues to be the focal point of the Trail Blazers' offense, resulting in at least 44 Yahoo points in six of his last eight games. One of those games came against these same Mavericks last Saturday when Lillard finished with 46.5 Yahoo points. The Mavericks allow the sixth-most Yahoo points per game (45.9) to opposing point guards, making Lillard someone to consider playing again Friday.
Zach LaVine, CHI vs. LAL ($20): LaVine is steadily progressing in his return from a knee injury and could play 26 or 28 minutes Friday, which would mark his season high. He played 24 minutes in each of the last two games, scoring at least 26 Yahoo points both times. The added minutes could be huge considering the Lakers play at the fastest pace (103.2 possessions per game) in the league. His price is going to continue to climb along with his playing time, so take advantage of him being this cheap while you can.
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Guard to Avoid
Eric Gordon, HOU at NO ($26): Gordon has been a valuable member of the Rockets, filling in for Chris Paul and James Harden when they have been injured this year, but both are healthy right now. Gordon is back to coming off the bench as a result, dealing a significant blow to his value. He's scored 25.3 Yahoo points or less in five of his last six games, so it might be best to stay away from using him Friday.
FORWARDS
LeBron James, CLE vs. IND ($57): The Cavaliers are really struggling right now, which has led to a dip in production from James. He's still had some very impressive performances mixed in, but has uncharacteristically scored 38.1 Yahoo points or less in four of his last seven games. The good news is, he gets to face a Pacers team that he has dominated so far this season. In their three previous meetings, James has averaged 29.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 10.0 assists and 2.0 steals per contest. This might be the game to expect a vintage performance from James.
Kyle Anderson, SA vs. PHI ($22): Anderson continues to get significant playing time due to all of the Spurs' injuries. With Kawhi Leonard (quad), Rudy Gay (heel) and Manu Ginobili (thigh) all out Friday, Anderson should again be in line for an increased role. He's scored at least 27.1 Yahoo points in five of his last six games and is a viable option to consider at this reasonable price.
Forward to Avoid
Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. UTA ($20): Ibaka went through a stretch earlier this season where he was a reliable source for value in DFS, but that certainly hasn't been the case of late. He's scored 23.6 Yahoo points or less in seven straight games, playing 24 minutes or less in four of those contests. There are plenty of excellent options from which to choose with so many games on the schedule Friday, so it's best to avoid Ibaka based on his limited upside.
CENTERS
Dwight Howard, CHA vs. ATL ($39): No one has been able to slow down Howard lately, resulting in him scoring at least 43.4 Yahoo points in six straight games. He currently has a 24 percent usage rate, which is his highest since the 2013-14 season. He's always been an excellent rebounder, but the added scoring opportunities have been the source of his increase in value this season. The Hawks allow the fourth-most Yahoo points per game (51.8) to opposing centers, so Howard could be in line for a monster performance.
Enes Kanter, NY at PHO ($21): The Knicks are finally giving Kanter consistent playing time again, resulting in him logging at least 26 minutes in five straight games. It's no coincidence that he scored at least 27.8 Yahoo points in all five of those contests. Playing time has been the key to his value and he could get plenty of it again Friday based on the Suns' size and depth at center. Considering he won't cost a ton, he does have some upside.
Center to Avoid
Marc Gasol, MEM vs. LAC ($32): Gasol is not playing at his best of late, scoring 33.4 Yahoo points or less in five straight games. He doesn't have many weapons around him, as the Grizzlies have been decimated by injuries. Not only are several key players out again for Friday's game, but Gasol has the tough task of facing DeAndre Jordan. It's tough to pay the premium it will cost to get Gasol in your lineup based on his limited upside.
