This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Friday brings a packed slate of games in the NBA with 20 teams in action. That leaves us a bevy of options to wade through in DFS. Let's try to narrow down the field by highlighting some players to consider targeting, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Devin Booker, PHO vs. MIN ($31): The Timberwolves pulled off an upset over the Suns on Thursday, but Booker played well in the defeat scoring 46.8 Yahoo points. He displayed similar success the previous time these teams played with 57.5 Yahoo points in a blowout win. With the Timberwolves sporting the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league, Booker could be in line for another valuable performance.
Jordan Poole, GS at MEM ($12): This game could get ugly for the Warriors. James Wiseman and Eric Paschall are out while in the health and safety protocols and Stephen Curry (lower body) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (foot) are listed as doubtful. Poole has already taken on an expanded role lately, averaging 19 points and 3.4 three-pointers over the last five games. With all the minutes and shot attempts provided, he could end up being a bargain.
Guard to Avoid
Dennis Smith Jr., DET at HOU ($18): After missing two games while in the health and safety protocols, Smith was eligible to play Wednesday against the Raptors. However, he never took the floor. Delon Wright is healthy, which means Smith no longer has a starting role. Even if he does play in this game, he would likely only see limited minutes off the bench.
FORWARDS
Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. SAC ($36): Brown has scored at least 50.5 Yahoo points in back-to-back games as he continues to be one of the leaders of the Celtics' offense. Not only does he carry a 30.1 percent usage rate, but he's shooting a career-high 48.9 percent from the field. That could be a deadly combination against the Kings, who enter with the league's worst defensive rating.
Mikal Bridges, PHO vs. MIN ($17): Like Booker, Bridges played well in Thursday's defeat with 40 Yahoo points across 34 minutes. He was 6-for-10 from the field, including 4-for-7 from behind the arc. Bridges is shooting 53.2 percent from the field overall and is averaging 32 minutes per contest, making him an appealing option against a poor defensive side.
Forward to Avoid
OG Anunoby, TOR vs. UTA ($22): After missing six straight games while in the health and safety protocols, Anunoby is finally expected to make his return for this game. The problem is, he hasn't played much lately. He also previously dealt with an injury and has missed 17 of the team's last 23 matchups. Expect Anunoby to be eased back into action in what should be a tough battle against one of the league's best defensive units.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. CHI ($56): The Bulls have trouble slowing down opposing centers. Case in point, Moses Brown demolished them for 20 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks earlier this week. Enter Jokic, who scored 77.3 Yahoo points when these teams met earlier this month. He will do a number on your budget, but is someone to still consider building your lineup around.
Kevon Looney, GS at MEM ($10): With the Warriors missing so many players up front, Looney could see added playing time. When Wiseman and Paschall were out Wednesday, he scored 22.2 Yahoo points across 23 minutes versus the Rockets. This isn't exactly a great matchup against a good defensive team. But if you need someone at the minimum salary to take a chance on in tournament play, Looney should be on your radar.
Center to Avoid
Wendell Carter Jr., CHI at DEN ($18): Carter has lost his starting job to Thaddeus Young and has played 23 minutes or fewer in each of his last five games. During that stretch, he scored 24.8 Yahoo points or fewer four times. On a night with so many other viable options, there's no need to take a chance on Carter.
