This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Get ready for plenty of action with 11 games. There are some underwhelming contests, including the Thunder hosting the Kings. But there are also several marquee matchups, including Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls Hornets hosting the Knicks and the Celtics taking on the Bucks. In the West, the Grizzlies and Suns will square off. However, arguably the best battle features the 10-1 Warriors hosting the 8-3 Bulls. Let's try to add to the excitement by winning some cash on Yahoo.
GUARDS
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC vs. SAC ($33): The Kings are a trainwreck again with their defensive rating ranking within the bottom-10 and coming off a game where they allowed 136 points to the rebuilding Spurs. SGA does it all for the Thunder and has followed up his 27.8 percent usage rate last season with a 27.6 percent mark this year. That's helped him post at least 40.1 Yahoo points in five of the last six games.
Will Barton, DEN vs. ATL ($25): A limited depth chart for the Nuggets has forced them to rely more heavily on Barton of late. He hasn't let them down by scoring at least 37.4 Yahoo points in four straight outings. While Nikola Jokic will return from his suspension tonight, Michael Porter Jr. (back) remains out. That should leave Barton to continue in his expanded role.
Guard to Avoid
Marcus Smart, BOS vs. MIL ($20): Smart plays a lot of minutes, but that doesn't always translate into valuable stat lines. With his usage rate at only 14.7 percent, he's only averaged 25.9 Yahoo points. There are a lot of viable guard options in this salary range, which makes Smart's limited upside unappealing.
FORWARDS
Jaren Jackson Jr., MEM vs. PHO ($24): The Suns' interior defense should be compromised in this game with Deandre Ayton (leg) listed as doubtful. The Grizzlies could have their own issues up front with Steven Adams (ankle) questionable. If he doesn't play, we could see more of Jackson at the five. He's already scored at least 32.8 Yahoo points in four consecutive contests, so any added playing time could be huge.
Thaddeus Young, SA vs. DAL ($18): Jakob Poeltl is still in the league's health and safety protocols, so Young should continue with his expanded bench role. He's produced at least 28.1 Yahoo points in each of the last four games, including 40.0 Yahoo points versus the Kings on Wednesday. While playing time could again be an issue once Poeltl eventually returns, that's of no concern tonight.
Forward to Avoid
Josh Hart, NO vs. BKN ($20): Injuries have derailed the Pelicans' season from the onset. If there's a glimmer of hope, it's that Brandon Ingram (hip) practiced Thursday after having missed six straight. If he returns, Hart could see a decline in minutes. Even if that doesn't happen, he may not be a great option given a 22.4 Yahoo-point average.
CENTERS
Richaun Holmes, SAC vs. OKC ($24): In a move that makes little sense, Holmes has seen his playing time significantly decrease compared to last season. He's still averaging 13.9 points and 10.7 rebounds. Holmes only logged 19 minutes against the Spurs, but still managed to record six points and 12 rebounds. If he plays more in this matchup, he could dominate as the Thunder have allowed the fourth-most rebounds per game.
Isaiah Stewart, DET at CLE ($16): Stewart is off to a disappointing start, part of which can be attributed to only averaging 23 minutes a night. The Pistons may be forced to play him more now with Kelly Olynyk (knee) expected to miss at least six weeks. This isn't a great matchup, but the potential for added minutes makes Stewart worth considering at such a low salary.
Center to Avoid
Alperen Sengun, HOU vs. POR ($14): Sengun's salary isn't overly expensive, which can be attributed to him averaging 22.0 Yahoo points in a limited role off the bench. There are plenty of other appealing centers in this salary range, including Stewart and Frank Kaminsky ($16). While there might be slates where taking a chance on Sengun makes sense, this isn't one of them.
