This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Friday brings a packed slate with nine games. That being said, there aren't exactly a lot of exciting matchups. The one that stands out is between the Knicks and Bucks. There are some potentially lopsided affairs, including the Nets taking on the Pistons and the Warriors facing the injury-riddled Pelicans. As far as individual storylines go, will Damian Lillard finally be able to break out of his shooting slump against the Pacers? Through eight contests, he's only shooting 23.4 percent from behind the arc. Let's discuss some players to target while crafting your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Dejounte Murray, SA at ORL ($37): Prior to last season, Murray had never averaged at least 30 minutes per game during his career. When that finally happened, he showed he can stuff the stat sheet in multiple areas. Murray's playing time has increased even more this season with 34 minutes a night. He's made his added opportunities count by averaging 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 2.0 steals.
Patrick Beverley, MIN vs. LAC ($13): These teams just played each other Wednesday that the Clippers won by 11. Beverley started in place of the injured D'Angelo Russell (ankle), which helped him score 34.0 Yahoo points over 31 minutes. Russell has already been ruled out for their rematch, so Beverley could be well worth the risk at this reasonable salary.
Guard to Avoid
Andrew Wiggins, GS vs. NO ($25): There hasn't been a lot to like about Wiggins' production this season. He's produced 26.3 Yahoo points or fewer in five of seven games, thanks to him only averaging 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Even his scoring numbers have been on the decline with his usage rate sitting at 22.8 percent and his playing time being reduced to 30 minutes compared to 33 last year.
FORWARDS
Miles Bridges, CHA at SAC ($33): Few players in the league are off to as hot of a start as Bridges. Through nine outings, he's averaged 24.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.9 three-pointers. Bridges' usage rate checks in at 25.3 percent, which is eight points higher than last season. He's also averaged 36 minutes per game with the Hornets dealing with injuries. Given how well Bridges has played, it's safe to say he's earned an opportunity to continue logging the extra court time.
Thaddeus Young, SA at ORL ($14): The Spurs' frontcourt is shorthanded with Jakob Poeltl in the league's health and safety protocols. He's been an important part of their team having started and averaging 30 minutes. Although Young still didn't start with Poeltl out Wednesday against the Mavs, he saw a season-high 22 minutes off the bench and dropped 29.7 Yahoo points. With Poeltl set to miss multiple games, Young should see more opportunities tonight.
Forward to Avoid
Kyle Anderson, MEM at WAS ($18): The Grizzlies have done an excellent job of developing their draft picks, leaving them with one of the league's deepest rosters. While that's good news for their chances of making a run at a playoff spot, it also means some players are going to be forced to log limited minutes. So far, Anderson appears to be one of those players. After averaging 27 minutes per game last season, he's only averaged 22 this season. That's left Anderson to only average 21.9 Yahoo points.
CENTERS
Jarrett Allen, CLE at TOR ($26): Lauri Markkanen and Kevin Love are both in the health and safety protocols, which means a deep Cavs' front court is suddenly depleted. With both out Wednesday against the Blazers, Allen registered a season-high 40 minutes and finished with a monster stat line by recording 24 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him at least approach 35 minutes tonight.
Ivica Zubac, LAC at MIN ($14): The Clippers have been comfortable rolling with small lineups this season, which left Zubac with 22 minutes or fewer in four of their first six contests. However, they needed his size against Karl-Anthony Towns on Wednesday and that helped him post 25.2 Yahoo points over 34 minutes. Similar playing time could be on tap for Zubac in their rematch.
Center to Avoid
Steven Adams, MEM at WAS ($19): Adams started off the campaign on a high note by scoring at least 33.3 Yahoo points in each of his first three appearances. However, he hasn't topped 30 YP since and has scored fewer than 25 four times. There are a bevy of viable center options for this slate, so it might be best to stay away from Adams given his recent shortcomings.
