This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA will bring plenty of action to the table Wednesday with nine games on the schedule. The Wizards, Magic, Nuggets and Nets will all be playing the second game of a back-to-back set, so be on the lookout for possible rest situations. One of the more intriguing matchups earlier in the evening will feature the Celtics hosting the Hornets in a battle between two teams with playoff aspirations in the East. Later on out West, we'll see a marquee matchup take place between the Nuggets and Jazz. The Lakers will also be in action, but they will likely be without LeBron James (knee) when they host the Trail Blazers. Let's discuss some players to target for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, LAL vs. POR ($35): When the Lakers added Westbrook, he didn't exactly present an ideal fit with James. However, since he does a lot of the same things that James does, he could potentially keep them afloat whenever James is unable to play. With James out the last three games, Westbrook scored at least 45.4 Yahoo points twice. Another excellent performance could be coming against a Trail Blazers team that has the second-worst defensive rating in the league.
Lamar Stevens, CLE at HOU ($11): Simply put, the Cavaliers are running out of healthy guards. Already down Collin Sexton (knee) and Ricky Rubio (knee) for the season, Darius Garland is now battling a back injury. He sat out Monday against the Pelicans, which helped Stevens score 32.8 Yahoo points across 23 minutes. Garland has already been ruled out for this game, making Stevens an intriguing option.
Guard to Avoid
Will Barton, DEN at UTA ($23): Barton has the potential to go off any given night, evident by the fact that he has scored at least 45.0 Yahoo points in two of his last six games. However, he scored 29.1 Yahoo points or fewer three times during that stretch. Given this less-than-ideal situation of playing the second game of a back-to-back set, it might be wise to avoid Barton.
FORWARDS
Kyle Kuzma, WAS at PHI ($32): The Wizards are going to need added scoring from Kuzma with Bradley Beal (wrist) out for at least a week. With Beal sidelined Tuesday against the Bucks, Kuzma scored 25 points on his way to 51.2 Yahoo points. During a three-game stretch that Beal missed in January, Kuzma averaged 21.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
Isaiah Jackson, IND vs. ORL ($18): The Pacers are extremely depleted up front With Myles Turner (foot), Domantas Sabonis (COVID-19) and Goga Bitadze (foot) all currently out. That left Jackson to start Monday against the Clippers, and he dominated with 47.0 Yahoo points. No reinforcements will likely be coming Wednesday, which means Jackson's salary could make him a bargain.
Forward to Avoid
Jae'Sean Tate, HOU vs. CLE ($22): Tate has been pretty quiet lately, scoring 26.3 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last six games. Part of the problem is that he logged at least 30 minutes just one time during that stretch. Jackson has a cheaper salary, and a potentially larger role with the Pacers, so there's no need to take a chance on Tate here.
CENTERS
Robert Williams, BOS vs. CHA ($28): Williams has the potential to be a nightmare matchup for the Hornets, who have allowed the second-most rebounds per game in the league. These two teams have already met twice this season, but Williams didn't play in their most recent meeting. The first time he did, though, and he torched them with 12 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Montrezl Harrell, WAS at PHI ($15): The Wizards center situation has been a mess with Thomas Bryant back in the fold. His return has led to Harrell and Daniel Gafford seeing reduced roles, with Gafford being the one most severely impacted. However, Bryant suffered a sprained ankle Tuesday that will likely keep him out for this game, so Harrell is once again relevant, especially at this salary.
Center to Avoid
Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. MEM ($18): The Grizzlies have a lot of talent up front, which has helped them allow the 10th-fewest rebounds per game in the league. That's even more impressive when you consider that they have played at the ninth-fastest pace. Given Robinson's inconsistencies, a tough matchup like this makes him risky.
