This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA closes out the work week with eight games on the schedule. There are a couple of exciting matchups, including the Suns hosting the Jazz and the Trail Blazers taking on the Nets. As you work your way through the DFS options, here are some players to consider for your lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Darius Garland, CLE vs. WAS ($29): Collin Sexton (concussion) is listed as questionable after missing three straight games. Garland has dominated in his absence by averaging 22.0 points, 9.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.3 three-pointers. Even if Sexton does return for tonight, Garland is still one of the Cavs' top scoring options and makes him an excellent option against a Wizards team playing at the fastest pace in the league.
Bruce Brown, BKN vs. POR ($13): This one will require some monitoring since Brown (knee) has missed the last two contests. However, Nets' coach Steve Nash had said he was optimistic Brown will return tonight. They could use him with Kevin Durant likely to sit out after having played Thursday. If Brown is unable to take the floor, then you could pivot to Landry Shamet ($11) as he could also take on an expanded offensive role.
Guard to Avoid
Evan Fournier, BOS vs. SA ($15): Fournier has been disappointing since being activated from the health and safety protocols by only shooting 16.1 percent from the field across four games. Even though Fournier started and played 32 minutes Wednesday with Kemba Walker (oblique) and Marcus Smart (suspension) out, he only scored 9.8 Yahoo points. Until he comes out of his shooting slump, it might be best to steer clear.
FORWARDS
Anthony Davis, LAL vs. SAC ($31): Davis looks to be back to normal after logging 31 minutes in back-to-back appearances. He scored 26 points against the Wizards on Wednesday while also racking up three steals and two blocks. Davis's rebounding numbers have been down since he returned from injury, part of which can probably be attributed to now playing alongside Andre Drummond. However, this is still a favorable opportunity for him to be productive against a Kings team with the NBA's worst defensive rating.
Buddy Hield, SAC at LAL ($24): The reason to consider Hield is not because he has a favorable matchup. Actually, the Lakers enter with the best defensive rating. However, volume alone makes Hield an appealing play. The Kings are shorthanded with De'Aaron Fox (COVID-19) and Harrison Barnes (groin) out. Over three games since Fox was sidelined, Hield has averaged 19.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks.
Forward to Avoid
Kyle Anderson, MEM vs. ORL ($22): Anderson has gone cold in the scoring department by averaging 9.1 points and shooting 38.8 percent from the field over the last 10 contests. He's even started to see his playing time dwindle by logging 26 minutes or fewer in five straight. Given Anderson's salary doesn't come at much of a discount, it's difficult to justify taking a chance on him when Hield's salary is only two dollars more.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, MEM vs. ORL ($31): Valanciunas has recorded back-to-back subpar stat lines in two lopsided losses for the Grizzlies. The main reason for this downturn was the fact he only logged 23 and 25 minutes, respectively. Playing time might not be an issue for Valanciunas in this game, especially with Jaren Jackson Jr. (rest) out for the first game of the Grizzlies' back-to-back set.
Mo Bamba, ORL at MEM ($14): The Magic finally opened up more playing time for Bamba, who has taken advantage of his new expanded role by scoring at least 27.4 Yahoo points in three of the last four outings. Wendell Carter Jr. has been battling an ankle injury, which may have contributed to him playing 21 or fewer minutes in two of the last three. If he's limited again Friday, Bamba could provide value if you want to fade the top options at center.
Center to Avoid
Wendell Carter Jr., ORL at MEM ($19): The same case for taking a chance on Bamba is why it might be best to avoid Carter. He's had a checkered injury history since being drafted by the Bulls, including recent ankle concerns. If Carter were to aggravate the injury during this game or be limited, he could produce an underwhelming stat line.
