This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Saturday's slate was one of my best of the season. I tend to do better when there are fewer games because it's easier to key in on rosters and rotations. That's not necessarily the case here, with seven contests starting at 6 p.m. EST. That's the perfect amount for DFS purposes, and it should be fun to break down. With that in mind, let's go ahead and get started.
Guards
Stephen Curry, GSW vs. HOU ($49)
Curry was one of the top MVP candidates last season and looks like the early frontrunner this year averaging 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.3 steals. That's some of the best stat-stuffing we've ever seen from Chef Curry, and it's led to him scoring at least 53 Yahoo points in half of his appearances. We believe that's a strong possibility here, with Houston ranked second in pace and 28th in total defense. In his three matchups with the Rockets last season, Curry cooked them to the tune of 44 fantasy points per game.
Reggie Jackson, LAC vs. CHA ($21)
Jackson is one of the league's most inconsistent players, but he's hot now averaging 24.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists over his last two outings. That's the stud we saw at times during last year's postseason. It's about time Jackson started playing better with no one on this roster helping Paul George. That leaves plenty of usage on the table, which is apparent when you see he's logged at least 36 minutes in three straight while attempting at least 15 shots in all but one game this year. All of that is terrible news for the Hornets, getting stung for 140 points in their most recent outing and carrying a three-game losing streak.
Guard to Avoid
Evan Fournier, NYK vs. CLE ($20)
Fournier was the king of New York through the first week of the season, but he's recently been more of a jester. Since that 58-point outburst on opening night, he hasn't surpassed 30 Yahoo points in any game. Fournier hit an even bigger wall averaging 16 Y! points across his last three while playing fewer than 30 minutes in all. That court time is concerning because he's losing minutes and touches to Julius Randle, Kemba Walker, Derrick Rose and RJ Barrett. That makes it hard to believe Fournier is still $20, especially with Cleveland ranked 10th in total defense.
Forwards
Thaddeus Young, SAS at OKC ($16)
Thaddeus has always been a fantasy stud when given the opportunity, and he's finally getting his chance with the Spurs. They're currently missing Jakob Poeltl, which has forced Young into a Sixth Man role. He's thrived in this spot producing at least 30 Y! points in three of his last four. That's all you can ask for from a $16 player, and we love that his minutes have climbed in each of those three games. It got up to 26 during the most recent win, with Thad dropping a season-high 36 fantasy points. If he gets that minute total again, he should dominate a 25th-ranked Oklahoma City defense.
Joe Ingles, UTA at ORL ($14)
Utah is playing the second half of a back-to-back set, and it has rest written all over it. Mike Conley and Donovan Mitchell have dealt with minor injuries and it seems likely one or both will sit. If that's the case, Ingles will be in the starting lineup and essentially play point guard for the Jazz. He posted fewer than 20 Y! points per game in a reserve role last season but posted a 26-point average as a starter. Ingles' usage, minutes, attempts, and assists skyrocketed when he started last year, and it makes him an easy choice at just $14. Orlando is far from concerning entering 27th in defensive efficiency ratings.
Forward to Avoid
Miles Bridges, CHA at LAC ($34)
This may sound crazy, but I don't believe in this Bridges breakout. While I do think Miles has taken a significant step forward, there's no way he's a $34 player. He wasn't even at $20 last season when he averaged 21 Yahoo points per game. Bridges has benefited with LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, and P.J. Washington all struggling, but that can't happen all year. Those three will eventually figure it out, and Gordon Hayward will also take some usage away. That concerns us here because Bridges likely will face Paul George, one of the NBA's best defensive wings.
Centers
Myles Turner, IND at SAC ($28)
Much like Jackson, Turner is a streaky player. He's also in the midst of one of his hot runs scoring at least 26 Y! points in six straight en route to a 38-point average. That's obviously a spectacular total from a sub-$30 player, and it makes no sense why he hasn't seen the salary increase he deserves. The matchup with the Kings is simply the icing on the cake as they ranked last in total defense last year. Not to mention they're surrendering the third-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season.
Drew Eubanks, SAS at OKC ($10)
There's always one minimum value on Yahoo that's worth a shot, and Eubanks is that player for today. He's going to start at center for the aforementioned Poeltl and has been solid in this role since last season. In fact, Eubanks is averaging 21 Y! points across 20 minutes a night in his two starts this year. That's no surprise when you see he's averaged 24 fantasy points in the 17 outings he played at least 18 minutes last season. Eubanks actually played 24 minutes or fewer in all but one of those, showing just how much upside he offers when given a chance. OKC has struggled with opposing centers allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to them this campaign.
Center to Avoid
Mason Plumlee, CHA at LAC ($19)
Mr. Mason has been a favorite of mine for years, but he goes into these ugly stretches where he's essentially invisible. Over his last five outings, Plumlee is providing 3.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 22 minutes. Those averages are comparable to some of the centers in my rec league, and it's becoming clear he's becoming less popular in this rotation. The reason that's even more concerning here is this matchup, with the Clippers playing a lot of small-ball. That means Plumlee could have his minutes limited even further, especially with LA ranked third in defensive efficiency ratings.
