This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA bounces back from a quiet Thursday night with nine games on the schedule Friday. With the Warriors, Celtics, Raptors and Pelicans all in action, there are plenty of elite options from which to choose for your Yahoo entry. Let's examine some players to target and avoid as you craft your lineup.
GUARDS
Dennis Schroder, OKC at LAC ($27): Russell Westbrook (knee) is listed as out for this game as of Friday morning, but check back before game time just to make sure nothing changes. Schroder excelled in his absence Wednesday against the Warriors, scoring 21 points to go along with nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block. As the secondary scoring option to Paul George, Schroder had a 28.7 percent usage rate. If Westbrook is indeed out, Schroder could be a bargain at this price.
Elfrid Payton, NO vs. SAC ($15): Talk about a way to make an impressive debut with your new team. In a decisive win over the Rockets on Wednesday, Payton posted a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and one steal. He logged 37 minutes in that game and should see significant playing time this season with little quality depth behind him at point guard. With excellent scoring options like Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Nikola Mirotic and Julius Randle playing around him, Payton has the potential to provide plenty of well-rounded stat lines. It also helps that the Pelicans played at the fastest pace (101.6 possessions per game) in the league last year.
Guard to Avoid
Lou Williams, LAC vs. OKC ($27): Williams had by far the best season of his career last year, averaging 22.6 points, 5.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.4 three-pointers per game. The key to his success was averaging 33 minutes per contest and posting a 29.8 percent usage rate due to all of the Clippers injuries. They added depth at guard over the summer and are healthy to start the year, so don't expect Williams to be as involved. That came true in their first game against the Nuggets when he scored 14 points to go along with five assists in just 24 minutes. Going with Schroder over Williams might be a better choice since they are the same price, but Schroder has a clearer path to a significant role.
FORWARDS
Paul George, OKC at LAC ($37): It was no surprise that George led the offensive charge for the Thunder on Wednesday with Westbrook out, finishing the game with 27 points and four three-pointers on 23 shot attempts. He wasn't just a great source for scoring, either. He also chipped in five assists and four steals. His usage rate should be through the roof again Friday if Westbrook doesn't take the floor.
Tim Hardaway Jr., NY at BKN ($18): The Knicks had high hopes for Hardaway last season after bringing him in on a big contract, but he was limited to just 57 games due to injury. With Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out to start the season, the Knicks are going to rely heavily on Hardaway to score points. He did just that in their opener against the Hawks, finishing with 31 points on 22 shot attempts. The Nets played at the sixth-fastest pace (99.7) last season, so expect Hardaway to get plenty of shots in this contest.
Forward to Avoid
Marvin Bagley, SAC at NO ($21): The Kings were one of the more frustrating teams in fantasy last year in terms of consistent rotations. It was a bit comforting to see five players log at least 30 minutes in their opener, four of whom were starters. The problem for Bagley is that he seems ticketed for a reduced role to start his career, playing only 12 minutes in that contest. He's not overly cheap, so it might be best to stay away from him until we see more on how the Kings' rotations are going to play out.
CENTERS
Anthony Davis, NO vs. SAC ($58): Davis destroyed the Rockets on Wednesday with 32 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and three blocks. He played 39 minutes in that contest and has averaged at least 35 minutes per game in each of the last five seasons. With his ability to contribute across the board, he has one of the highest ceilings of any player in the league. After the Kings allowed 123 points to the Jazz on Wednesday, look for Davis and the Pelicans to roll in this one.
Jarrett Allen, BKN vs. NY ($12): Allen only averaged 20 minutes per game across his rookie season, but he showed promise by recording 8.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest. Ticketed for an expanded role this year, Allen started off the season on a high note with 17 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks over 30 minutes in their opener against Andre Drummond and the Pistons. At near the minimum price, he could end up being one of the better value plays for the evening.
Center to Avoid
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. BOS ($21): Valanciunas only averaged 22 minutes a game last year, which was the fewest of his career. The Raptors have already said he will be in and out of the starting lineup this season based on matchups, which doesn't exactly make him a reassuring option. The Celtics don't have a ton of size at center, and Valanciunas struggled against them last year, averaging 6.3 points and 6.5 rebounds across four games during the regular season. There isn't enough upside here to take a chance on him at this price.
