This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
After a quiet couple of days, the NBA finally gets things rolling with nine games on the schedule Wednesday. There are a ton of great options across the price scale on Yahoo, as a result. Let's dive right in and examine some players to target and avoid on your way to creating what will hopefully be a winning entry.
GUARDS
Bradley Beal, WAS vs. ATL ($39): With John Wall (heel) out for the season, there is a clear path for Beal to be a dominant force for the Wizards. His usage rate is already at 27.3 percent for the year, overall, so look for him to post monster offensive numbers from here on out. Not only that, but Beal has also averaged 7.4 assists across the last five games that Wall has missed. The Hawks play at the fastest pace (105.6 possessions per game) in the league, which could lead to even more opportunities for Beal to thrive Wednesday.
Tomas Satoransky, WAS vs. ATL ($15): Another beneficiary of Wall's absence is Satoransky, who is now the starting point guard. The Wizards don't have quality depth behind him, either, so expect Satoransky to receive all the playing time that he can handle. Across the last five games that Wall has missed, Satoransky averaged 30.3 Yahoo points, making him a great target at this cheap price.
Guard to Avoid
Reggie Jackson, DET at MEM ($19): The Pistons were destroyed by the Bucks on Tuesday, which resulted in Jackson playing just 22 minutes. With only 20.5 Yahoo points in that game, Jackson has now scored 27.8 Yahoo points or fewer in six straight contests. Considering the Grizzlies play at the slowest pace (95.8) and allow the second-fewest points per game (102.3), this is not the night to roll with Jackson in DFS.
FORWARDS
T.J. Warren, PHO vs. PHI ($25): Warren continues to be one of the offensive leaders for the Suns with his 23.5 percent usage rate that ranks third-highest on the team. He's also shooting 50.1 percent from the field, which is extremely impressive considering he is attempting a career-high 4.4 three-pointers per game. To put that into perspective, he's never averaged more than 1.5 three-point attempts per game in a season for his career. With at least 32.2 Yahoo points in nine of his last 11 games, Warren makes for an excellent mid-tier option against a Sixers team that is thin at power forward and will be playing the second game of a back-to-back set.
DeMarre Carroll, BKN vs. NO ($10): Injuries are starting to mount for the Nets. Allen Crabbe (knee) will remain out Wednesday and now he'll be joined on the sidelines by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip). Even if he doesn't start, their injuries should open up plenty of playing time for Carroll. Over four games in which Carroll has played at least 30 minutes this season, he's averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, two assists and one steal. The Pelicans also play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.3), leaving Carroll with an excellent opportunity to out produce his price point.
Forward to Avoid
Gordon Hayward, BOS vs. MIN ($16): Hayward only logged 22 minutes against the Spurs on Monday and has now played 28 minutes or fewer in five straight games. It's no surprise that he didn't score more than 25.7 Yahoo points in any of those contests. His price is starting to fall, but it's still too high based on his low upside.
CENTERS
Anthony Davis, NO at BKN ($58): The Pelicans waiting until just before tip-off to list Davis (illness) as out Monday ruined plenty of New Year's Eve parties for people who play DFS. He's listed as probable for this contest, so at least he has a promising chance of making a return. It was extremely frustrating to see him scratched so late, which may have soured some people on playing him in this matchup against the Nets. Don't be one of those people. The Nets allow the third-most Yahoo points per game (52.3) to opposing centers. If it makes you feel better, put him into your utility slot so you can swap him out if he's another late scratch. That way, you could quickly pivot to someone like Russell Westbrook ($52) or Paul George ($49).
Willy Hernangomez, CHA vs. DAL ($10): Few people set the DFS community on fire like Boban Marjanovic. When he starts, he immediately becomes a popular cheap option in tournament play. Despite averaging just 11 minutes per game, Marjanovic is averaging 7.1 points and 4.3 rebounds. When Hernangomez starts, it should be met with the same level of excitement. He's only averaging 13 minutes a game, but has produced averages of 7.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per contest. With Cody Zeller (hand) out, Hernangomez should start this game, leaving him as a great option to consider for your entry.
Center to Avoid
Al Horford, BOS vs. MIN ($20): Horford laid another egg Monday, scoring 19.1 Yahoo points. He only logged 25 minutes in that contest and has topped 30 minutes in a game only one time since returning from a knee injury. It's hard to get excited about him at this price, especially with the upside that Hernangomez carries at a significantly cheaper price.
