This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Friday brings eight games, including an exciting matchup between the Warriors and Celtics in Boston. The Lakers will also be in action as they try to snag a win on the road against the Timberwolves. COVID-19 will again play a significant role as not only are the Lakers dealing with an outbreak, but so are the Bucks and Kings. Sacramento will have a tough task playing shorthanded against a Grizzlies team that's won nine of their last 10. Let's dig into the matchups and highlight some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Jrue Holiday, MIL at NO ($34): With Giannis Antetokounmpo (COVID-19) and Khris Middleton (knee) out against the Pacers on Wednesday, Holiday stepped up to lead the Bucks to a victory. Not only did he score 26 points on 12-for-18 shooting from the field, but he also dished out 14 assists. The Bucks should get Middleton back tonight being listed as probable, but this is still a great spot for Holiday to be productive especially when you factor in the Pelicans enter with the league's sixth-worst defensive rating.
Austin Reaves, LAL at MIN ($10): The Lakers currently have four players in the health and safety protocols, including guards Russell Westbrook and Avery Bradley. Reaves logged 32 minutes when the Lakers were shorthanded Wednesday while producing 28.4 Yahoo points. There's no reason to think he won't see around 30 minutes tonight.
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BetMGM Massachusetts is offering a generous welcome bonus to new players who redeem the BetMGM Massachusetts bonus code. This bonus previously offered $200 in bonus bets before the launch of online sports betting in Massachusetts, but since its launch, it provides a first bet offer worth up to $1,000.
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Guard to Avoid
Dennis Schroder, BOS vs. GS ($21): As of early Friday, the Celtics are in pretty good shape on the health front. However, that could all change quickly with Jabari Parker entering the protocols Thursday evening. If Parker's their only absence, Schroder could be in for a disappointing stat line. He's played well as a fill-in starter, but has only averaged 12.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists across 10 contests off the bench.
FORWARDS
LeBron James, LAL at MIN ($47): This will mark the first time Westbrook has missed a game all season. Not only has he been on the floor for every one, but has averaged 36 minutes as one of the Lakers' primary facilitators. James should have the ball in his hands more tonight, giving him the possibility for added points and assists.
Norman Powell, POR vs. CHA ($23): The Trail Blazers desperately need someone to take some of the scoring pressure off of Damian Lillard with CJ McCollum (chest) out. Powell has done his best to step up his production by averaging 26.6 points and 2.4 three-pointers across the last five appearances. Another robust scoring output could be on the horizon against the Hornets, who have played at the third-fastest pace and recorded the NBA's worst defensive rating.
Massachusetts residents can now engage in online sports betting as of early March, providing them with the ability to place bets on their mobile devices. One of the benefits of signing up for a new account is the availability of welcome bonuses, which can help jump-start your online wagering experience.
If you're a new player, you can immediately take advantage of a variety of Massachusetts sports betting promos offered by six different sportsbooks, which can result in thousands of dollars in welcome offers.
For example, BetMGM Massachusetts provides new players with a generous welcome bonus when they redeem the BetMGM Massachusetts bonus code. This offer previously gave sports bettors $200 in bonus bets before the launch of online sports betting in Massachusetts, and now provides them with a first bet offer worth up to $1,000 since its launch.
Bettors in Massachusetts can also take advantage of the Caesars Sportsbook Massachusetts promo code and receive a first bet on Caesars worth up to $1,500. This is currently the best offer available for sports bettors in the Bay State, as Caesars Massachusetts seeks to establish itself in New England with a bang.
Forward to Avoid
Al Horford, BOS vs. GS ($26): Horford has been quiet of late scoring 27.9 Yahoo points or fewer in four straight games. He's averaging 30 minutes during his second stint with the Celtics, but his 17.6 percent usage rate has limited him to an average of only 12.2 points. Scoring could be even more difficult for Horford to come in this battle with the top-defensive-ranked Warriors.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, NO vs. MIL ($33): How in the world are the Bucks going to slow down Valanciunas? Not only is Giannis out, but Bobby Portis is also in the health and safety protocols. That will leave Valanciunas to battle with DeMarcus Cousins and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Advantage, Jonas.
Tristan Thompson, SAC vs. MEM ($10): The Kings might be in as bad of shape at the center spot as the Bucks. Richaun Holmes (eye) has missed four straight and could make tonight the fifth. Alex Len was placed in the protocols Thursday to join Marvin Bagley III. If Holmes is indeed out again, Thompson could blow by 20 minutes in this matchup. Across six appearances where he's logged at least 20 minutes this year, he's averaged 11.7 points and 6.2 rebounds. A double-double could be coming.
Center to Avoid
Mason Plumlee, CHA at POR ($17): The Hornets were one of the first clubs to deal with a COVID outbreak, so they're finally starting to get some people back. Plumlee made his return Wednesday against the Spurs, but only logged 23 minutes. P.J. Washington played well in his absence, so he could continue to eat into Plumlee's playing time.
