This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There are eight games in the NBA on Wednesday, but none of them really stand out as marquee matchups. Luckily, there is Yahoo DFS to add some excitement to the evening. Consider targeting and avoiding the players below to hopefully create a winning lineup.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR vs. CHI ($40): Lillard has it rolling offensively right now, averaging 28.7 points and 4.4 three-pointers in his last seven games. He is averaging 37 minutes per game this season and his 29.7% usage rate is inside the top-20 in the league, so he has plenty of opportunities to be productive. The Bulls are struggling at point guard right now with Kris Dunn (concussion) injured, leaving Lillard as an excellent option to consider for your entry.
Dwyane Wade, CLE vs. MIA ($14): Wade played well Tuesday against the Pistons, scoring 36.1 Yahoo points in 28 minutes. He scored 18 points in the game, which is his highest total since the beginning of December. With Kevin Love (hand) injured, Wade could become more involved offensively moving forward. Wade scored 17 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists in his first game against the Heat this season and could be worth the risk at this cheap price.
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Guard to Avoid
Zach LaVine, CHI at POR ($21): LaVine is still on a minutes restriction in his return from a knee injury and hasn't played more than 26 minutes in any game this season. He's had a hard time finding his rhythm lately, shooting just 17.8% from the field in his last two games. His upside isn't great to begin with based on his limited playing time, but with his shot off as well, it might be a good idea to stay away from him Wednesday.
FORWARDS
LeBron James, CLE vs. MIA ($57): James already has the ninth-highest usage rate (30.8%) in the league, but could have an even bigger role with Love now sidelined. Love had the third-highest usage rate (25.4%) on the team and was averaging 17.9 points per game, so his absence will create a huge hole in the Cavaliers' offense. It doesn't take much convincing to consider using James any given night, but he could be in line for a particularly productive contest Wednesday.
Bobby Portis, CHI at POR ($13): The Bulls will not only be without Lauri Markkanen (personal) on Wednesday, but Nikola Mirotic (leg) is also listed as questionable. Considering the Bulls had a trade in place to send Mirotic to the Pelicans that fell through Tuesday, it wouldn't make much sense for them to risk any further injury. Even if Mirotic does play, the absence of Markkanen alone will free up added minutes for Portis. Portis has a career-high 25.9% usage rate this season, so he could out produce his price point with the added playing time.
Forward to Avoid
Domantas Sabonis, IND vs. MEM ($23): It is expected that Myles Turner will return to the starting lineup Wednesday, which would bump Sabonis back to the bench. Sabonis is averaging five fewer minutes per game this season as a member of the second unit, dealing a significant blow to his value. The Grizzlies also allow the fewest Yahoo points per game (44.2) to opposing centers, leaving Sabonis as too risky of an option Wednesday.
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CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI at BKN ($47): Embiid sat out the second leg of a back-to-back set Monday, but he will return to the court well rested for Wednesday. He gets an excellent matchup against the Nets who allow the most Yahoo points per game (53.9) to opposing centers and were just torched by Enes Kanter of the Knicks for 20 points and 20 rebounds Tuesday. Embiid has tremendous upside in this game.
Channing Frye, CLE vs. MIA ($10): Frye played 21 minutes Tuesday as a result of Love getting injured and scored 32.2 Yahoo points. While Love's minutes will likely be split between Frye, Jeff Green and Jae Crowder, Frye had some big games filling in for Love when he was injured last year as well. If you want to take a chance on a really cheap center in tournament player, Frye could be your man.
Center to Avoid
Bismack Biyombo, ORL vs. LAL ($25): Biyombo's production has tailed off lately, scoring 25.7 Yahoo points or less in five straight games. One of the main reasons for that is a reduction in playing time, logging 21 minutes or less in three of his last four contests. Khem Birch has found his way into the rotation and played well, which is one of the reasons that Biyombo isn't playing as much. With such a limited upside, this is too high of a price to pay for Biyombo on a night with so many other quality options.
