This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There are eight games in the NBA on Wednesday with injuries and resting players continuing to be a common theme throughout the league. While that can sometimes be frustrating, it can also lead to some unique opportunities in DFS. Here are some players to target and avoid to hopefully create a winning Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
Kemba Walker, CHA vs. CLE ($36): Walker is doing his best to keep the Hornets in the playoff hunt, scoring at least 36.1 Yahoo points in seven of his last eight games. He scored at least 22 points in each of those seven games and has also contributed on the defensive end with at least two steals in three of his last five contests. The Cavaliers continue to struggle defensively, allowing an average of 112.5 points in their last 10 games. Walker could be in line for another strong offensive performance.
Shabazz Napier, POR at MEM ($10): Damian Lillard will not play Wednesday due to the birth of his child, likely pushing Napier into the starting lineup. Napier has thrived as a starter this season, averaging 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.9 three-pointers in eight games. Throw in the fact that he gets to face a struggling Grizzlies team and Napier presents a golden opportunity for value at the minimum price.
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Guard to Avoid
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. CLE ($27): Batum returned from injury Monday against the Knicks, but was limited to just 24 minutes. He only scored 21.6 Yahoo points as a result. He's still battling his sore Achilles and might be on a minutes restriction again Wednesday, making him too much of a risk at this price.
FORWARDS
Julius Randle, LAL vs. DAL ($34): The Lakers are continuing to play shorthanded with Brandon Ingram (groin) and Isaiah Thomas (hip) out, leaving a huge role in the offense for Randle. He hasn't disappointed, scoring at least 31.7 Yahoo points in eight straight contests. He has dominated the Mavericks this season, averaging 22.3 points, 12 rebounds and 6.3 assists in their previous three meetings. He's one of the most expensive options at forward Wednesday, but he also has significant upside.
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at MEM ($22): Lillard and C.J. McCollum are the big names in Portland, but Aminu is also an important part of their success. He's been hot down the stretch, scoring at least 34.4 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. He may not be a great offensive option, but he grabbed at least eight rebounds and recorded at least two steals in all five of those contests. If you don't want to pay up for Randle, Aminu can also provide value at a more budget-friendly price.
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Forward to Avoid
Dirk Nowitzki, DAL at LAL ($14): Nowitzki has been battling tendinitis in his left knee, but managed to play Tuesday against the Kings. The Mavericks have nothing left to play for at this point, so it makes little sense to push Nowitzki to play in the second night of a back-to-back if he's having any issues Wednesday. Even if he does play, he doesn't have much upside, scoring 25.6 Yahoo points or fewer in 10 straight games.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. BKN ($30): Vucevic has had some bad games lately, scoring 23.5 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last eight games. However, Wednesday brings an excellent matchup against the Nets, who allow the most Yahoo points per game (55.7) to opposing centers. He averaged 26.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in his first two games against the Nets this season, so it makes a lot of sense to roll with him in your lineup for their third meeting.
Nerlens Noel, DAL at LAL ($13): Noel did not play Tuesday in the first game of the Mavericks back-to-back set, which has been a common theme since his return from injury. Expect him to return to the lineup Wednesday with Salah Mejri possibly getting the night off. Noel has provided value when he plays, scoring at least 25.3 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. If he does indeed return, he could be worth the risk in tournament play.
Centers to Avoid
Jusuf Nurkic, POR at MEM ($25): Nurkic is playing well right now, scoring at least 41.9 Yahoo points in four of his last five games. He could also be more involved in the offense Wednesday with Lillard sitting out. However, he has really struggled against the Grizzlies this season, averaging eight points and six rebounds in their first two meetings. Marc Gasol is an excellent defender, so as long as he plays Wednesday, it might be best to avoid Nurkic.
