This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday has the makings of a fairly quiet night in the NBA with only seven games on the schedule. As per usual, we have injuries and players resting to navigate while creating our Yahoo entries. Here are some players to consider targeting, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
LaMelo Ball, CHA vs, CHI ($34): After being sidelined for over a month, Ball hasn't skipped a beat since making his return. He's scored at least 35.4 Yahoo points in all three games and has logged at least 30 minutes in both of his last two contests. With Gordon Hayward (foot), Devonte' Graham (knee) and Miles Bridges (COVID-19) all out, expect the Hornets to continue to rely heavily on their star rookie in a matchup against a Bulls team that is floundering down the stretch.
Frank Jackson, DET vs. MEM ($12): With the tanking Pistons resting most of their key players, Jackson has found himself in a prominent role down the stretch. In fact, he's averaged 16.3 points and 27 minutes across the last 11 games. Among the usual starters that the Pistons have been resting, Josh Jackson (tooth) will be out for this matchup, which could mean even more playing time and shot attempts for Jackson.
Guard to Avoid
Coby White, CHI at CHA ($20): White has stepped up with Zach LaVine (COVID-19) out, scoring at least 29 Yahoo points in seven of the last nine games. However, LaVine is expected to return for this matchup, which should push White back to the bench. He's struggled in that role, averaging 9.7 points and 2.8 assists across 15 games.
FORWARDS
Domantas Sabonis, IND vs. ATL ($46): The Pacers might be in turmoil right now with their poor play and coaching staff issues, but at least Sabonis is rolling. He's scored at least 46.6 Yahoo points in all three games since returning from a back injury. Don't expect him to let up with the Pacers dealing with injuries and trying to hold onto a playoff spot at the same time.
Juan Toscano-Anderson, GS vs. OKC ($13): This is an opportunity for the Warriors to help their playoff chances against a vastly inferior foe who is tanking hard down the stretch. Toscano-Anderson has already worked his way into more minutes lately, which has helped him score at least 28.0 Yahoo points in two of his last three games. His minutes are likely safe, regardless of the score of the game, making him someone to at least consider in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Gabriel Deck, OKC at GS ($20): Don't feel bad if you don't know who Deck is. He's a 26-year-old rookie who has only played in four games. He didn't score more than 27.1 Yahoo points in any of those four games, logging fewer than 20 minutes three times. This salary is perplexing given his current role.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, MEM at DET ($31): Wednesday brought a rare off night for Valanciunas, who played only 20 minutes before fouling out against the Timberwolves. Prior to that, he had three straight double-doubles in which he had at least 15 rebounds in each contest. Look for him to bounce back in a big way against the Pistons, who will once again be resting Mason Plumlee.
P.J. Washington, CHA vs. CHI ($23): After sitting out Tuesday for personal reasons, Washington is expected to make his return for this game. The Hornets could certainly use him given their limited depth chart. He's played well down the stretch, averaging 19.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks across his last nine games. He averaged 33 minutes per game during that stretch, which is something that should continue moving forward.
Center to Avoid
Ivica Zubac, LAC vs. LAL ($17): The Lakers are a tough matchup for opposing centers considering they have allowed the fourth-fewest Yahoo points per game to the position. Zubac has already put forth some underwhelming stat lines of late, scoring 26.1 Yahoo points or fewer in eight of his last nine games. While his salary might look appealing, he's still probably someone to avoid based on this matchup.
