This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA brings plenty of action with nine games on Friday. There are a few exciting matchups, including the Jazz hosting the Mavericks. The 76ers will also retake the floor when they travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves, who will be playing the second game of a back-to-back set. Another team on consecutive nights will be the Suns, who will take on a Pelicans side that's even more dangerous after they acquired CJ McCollum. A couple underwhelming matchups - such as the Magic-Rockets - are also in play. 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
Devin Booker, PHO vs. NO ($38): The Suns face a favorable matchup against the Pelicans, who rank inside the bottom-10 in defensive rating. During their last meeting, Booker dominated with 33 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Add in his increased ball handling responsibilities with Chris Paul (thumb) out and he could be primed for another juicy stat line.
Ish Smith, WAS vs. SA ($10): The Spurs are usually a fantasy-friendly opponent given they play at the league's fourth-fastest pace. Even though Smith hasn't been starting for the Wizards, he's scored at least 21.4 Yahoo points in three of the last four games. When you combine his favorable matchup with minimum salary, he offers a chance to provide value.
Guard to Avoid
Malcolm Brogdon, IND vs. OKC ($29): Brogdon has only appeared in two games since Christmas, but is on track to make his return against the Thunder. The Pacers are a vastly different looking team since he last took the floor after their trades of Domantas Sabonis and Caris LeVert. They don't need to push Brogdon during his first game back since they also have Tyrese Haliburton in the fold, so expect him to be on a minutes restriction.
FORWARDS
Wendell Carter Jr., ORL vs. HOU ($28): Carter showed flashes of promise during his tenure with the Bulls, but was generally inconsistent and had problems staying healthy. Things have turned in Orlando with him averaging 14.0 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists. A part of Carter's success has been avoiding injury while also averaging 29 minutes. He could pick up plenty of opportunities to stuff the stat sheet with the Rockets playing at the NBA's fastest pace.
Oshae Brissett, IND vs. OKC ($16): The Pacers are set to get reinforcements up front with Goga Bitadze (foot) and Isaiah Jackson (ankle) both listed as probable. However, Brissett may have locked down a significant role for the immediate future after providing 15.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 blocks over the last five games. At this reasonable salary, he could be worth the risk in tournament play against a Thunder team lacking talent up front.
Forward to Avoid
Tobias Harris, PHI at MIN ($28): The big news for the Sixers is that James Harden (hamstring) is expected to make his debut. While his addition will help them as a team, it could hurt Harris' individual production. He's been the main supporting option behind Joel Embiid, but now will clearly the third fiddle playing alongside two skilled offensive players who are used to posting monster usage rates. It might be best to take a wait-and-see approach with Harris to determine how he meshes with Harden.
CENTERS
Pascal Siakam, TOR at CHA ($41): The Hornets are not a strong team on the glass. In fact, they've allowed the second-most rebounds per game. Combine that with the eighth-worst defensive rating and Siakam stands out as one of the top center options. He's faced them two times this season producing 52.8 and 48.2 Yahoo points.
Montrezl Harrell, CHA vs. TOR ($17): Harrell has made an immediate impact with the Hornets with at least 30.4 Yahoo points in each of the last three games. What's just as encouraging is that his playing time has increased since coming over. If you want to fade Siakam at his hefty salary, Harrell should at least be on your radar.
Center to Avoid
Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. MIA ($25): This isn't a good matchup for Robinson since he'll have to face Bam Adebayo. As their anchor in the middle, Adebayo is a big reason why the Heat boast the sixth-best defensive rating. Robinson only posted 22.5 Yahoo points the last time these teams met, and it wouldn't be a surprise to also see him struggle in the rematch.
