This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Plenty of action to enjoy in the NBA with nine games on the schedule. A battle of two storied franchises will take place when the Celtics host the Lakers. The Bulls will continue their West Coast trip and will look to bounce back from a loss when they take on the Nuggets. Without OG Anunoby (hip) - who is expected to be out for a while - the Raptors travel to Sacramento to face the Kings. Let's highlight some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Fred VanVleet, TOR at SAC ($30): With Anunoby out, the Raptors have a big offensive hole considering he averaged 20.1 points per game. In their first outing without him Thursday, VanVleet scored 24 points on 17 shot attempts and eight free-throw attempts. Another valuable stat line could be coming against a Kings team that's played at the eighth-fastest pace in the league.
Tim Hardaway Jr., DAL at PHO ($19): Luka Doncic (ankle) appears set to miss his second straight contest and enters with a doubtful designation. Hardaway attempted a season-high 23 shots with Doncic out against these same Suns on Wednesday and produced 22 points en route to 35.4 Yahoo points. While his contributions in rebounds and assists will likely be muted, an increased usage rate could make his salary a bargain.
Guard to Avoid
Eric Bledsoe, LAC at NO ($20): Bledsoe was basically non-existent Thursday against the Grizzlies after scoring four points on two shot attempts over 25 minutes. For the season, he's only averaged 25.9 Yahoo points per game. Hardaway likely has a much larger role for the Mavericks than Bledsoe does for the Clippers and his salary is a dollar less, so there's no need to roll the dice with the latter.
FORWARDS
Kristaps Porzingis, DAL at PHO ($34): Porzingis also produced a big performance with Doncic out by dropping 49.1 Yahoo points. He logged 32 minutes and attempted 20 shots, both above his season averages. Those trends could continue in this matchup.
Pat Connaughton, MIL vs. OKC ($13): The return of Khris Middleton pushed Connaughton to the bench against the Lakers on Wednesday, though he still scored 26.8 Yahoo points. This game has significant blowout potential, so Connaughton could play enough to consider taking a chance on him in tournament play even in a reserve role.
Forward to Avoid
Aaron Gordon, DEN vs. CHI ($21): For the fifth time this season, Gordon posted single-digits being held to nine points by the Sixers on Thursday. His usage rate is only 18.2 percent, which is really disappointing when you consider Michael Porter Jr. (back) is out and Jamal Murray (knee) hasn't played all season. Add in a matchup against a Bulls side with the seventh-best defensive rating and this could be another quiet night for Gordon.
CENTERS
Mo Bamba, ORL at BKN ($27): After never averaging more than 16 minutes per game over the first three seasons of his career, Bamba is logging 31 minutes as a starter this campaign. He's parlayed that playing time into well-rounded averages of 11.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 2.2 blocks and 1.5 three-pointers. Bamba racked up 33.8 Yahoo points the last time these teams met and has dropped at least 31.4 Yahoo points in six straight.
Khem Birch, TOR at SAC ($10): Precious Achiuwa (shoulder) has missed three consecutive contests and his status is in doubt for tonight. Birch managed 24 minutes Thursday with him and Anunoby out and produced 24.1 Yahoo points. If Achiuwa is out again, Birch is a viable target. And if Achiuwa does play, he could be the better option at $14.
Center to Avoid
Anthony Davis, LAL at BOS ($50): This isn't the easiest of matchups given how well the Celtics have rebounded after a slow start. In fact, they are now ranked 11th in defensive rating. Davis still offers a high floor, but Nikola Jokic ($54) represents the superior option if you're looking for a top-tier center. He's scored at least 50.9 Yahoo points in eight of his last nine games and could dominate a Bulls team that has been rolling with small lineups and starting Tony Bradley at center.
