This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA follows up an eventful trade deadline with seven games Friday. The Sixers will play their first since acquiring James Harden when they host the Thunder, though it's uncertain if he will play. Given the deal was just made and the fact he's been battling a hamstring injury could have him sitting out against one of the league's worst teams. After acquiring Caris LeVert a few days earlier, the Cavs will now face the Pacers on the court. One of the more exciting matchups features the Celtics and their improved defense taking on Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. Let's get down to business and highlight some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Zach LaVine, CHI vs. MIN ($34): If LaVine's back is still bothering him, he hasn't shown it. Since missing two games with the injury, he's averaged 45 Yahoo points on 37 minutes. With the Bulls missing so many players because of injury, LaVine should continue to offer a high floor.
Lonnie Walker IV, SA at ATL ($10): The Spurs were busy at the deadline acquiring draft picks to help with their rebuild. One impact player they dealt was Derrick White, who landed with the Celtics. White was averaging 14.4 points and 5.6 assists across 30 minutes per game, so his absence should open added playing time and shot attempts for Walker. At the minimum salary, he could be well worth the risk in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Caris LeVert, CLE at IND ($30): LeVert made his debut with the Cavs on Wednesday and posted 11 points, two assists and one steal across 28 minutes off the bench. It'll be interesting to see if he enters the starting lineup tonight or if Cleveland wants to keep him in a sixth-man role. With that in mind and at this salary, it might be best to wait to deploy LeVert in DFS again until his role is clarified.
FORWARDS
John Collins, ATL vs. SA ($27): Collins has seen his offensive production increase with him scoring at least 20 points in five of the last seven games. What's interesting is that in the five he's produced at least 20, he saw no more than 27 minutes three times. That's encouraging because this game predicts some blowout potential. With the Spurs playing at the fifth-fastest pace in the league, Collins could provide value even if he doesn't log substantial court time.
Devin Vassell, SA at ATL ($19): Vassell figures to be another Spurs player who will benefit from the departure of White. Frankly, he's probably the main reason why the club felt comfortable in moving White. Across eight games in which Vassell has played at least 30 minutes, he's averaged 15.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals.
Forward to Avoid
Al Horford, BOS vs. DEN ($20): The Celtics don't look to Horford for much offense, which has left him with a 16.1 percent usage rate. However, he's contributed 7.5 rebounds per game, which represents his highest mark since 2013-14. The problem is this isn't a matchup for Horford to excel on the glass given the Nuggets have averaged the fewest rebounds allowed in the league.
CENTERS
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at CHI ($40): Towns continues to be one of the most appealing center options for DFS with 45.0 Yahoo points per game. Even as the talent has improved around him, he still boasts a 27.3 percent usage rate. This could be an excellent matchup for KAT to thrive on the offensive end given the Bulls have the league's 11th-worst defensive rating, a number that is falling fast without Lonzo Ball (knee) and Alex Caruso (wrist).
Zach Collins, SA at ATL ($10): The Spurs also unloaded some of their frontcourt depth at the deadline with Thaddeus Young and Drew Eubanks going to the Raptors. While Young wasn't playing much, moving on from both of them could leave Collins with around 20 minutes a night. He's shown promise despite receives 18 minutes or fewer in both of his games since returning from injury while producing 26.9 and 18.9 Yahoo points.
Center to Avoid
Clint Capela, ATL vs. SA ($21): Capela's contract made it impossible for the Hawks to trade him at the deadline. With the way Onyeka Okongwu has been playing, they might have considered moving Capela had they been eligible to do so. Since Okongwu has been cutting into Capela's playing time,he's posted no more than 24.6 Yahoo points in seven of his last 10 games.
