This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA bounces back from a quiet Tuesday with 11 games on the schedule Wednesday. There are a ton of exciting matchups, including the Raptors facing the Warriors and the Thunder taking on the Pelicans. Let's try to add even more fun to the evening with a winning entry on Yahoo. Here are some players to target and avoid as you work your way through the options.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, OKC at NO ($52): Westbrook squeaked out another triple-double against the Jazz on Monday, scoring 12 points to go along with 11 rebounds and 10 assists. That marked his fifth triple-double in his last seven games, leaving him with a tremendously high floor. Considering the Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (104 possessions per game) in the league, Westbrook should have ample opportunities to stuff the stat sheet again Wednesday.
Kent Bazemore, ATL at DAL ($19): The Hawks will be without Taurean Prince (ankle) and Jeremy Lin (back) for this game, which leaves a significant hole in their offense considering both players have a usage rate inside the top-four on the team. Bazemore should get plenty of playing time as a result of their absences, which leaves him with significantly higher upside. Across 10 games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes, he is averaging 17.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.5 steals.
Guard to Avoid
Trae Young, ATL at DAL ($22): Even with the Hawks missing a couple of their top offensive options, it's hard to get excited about Young with the way he is shooting the ball. His field goal percentage is down to 37.3 percent, which has helped limit him to 15.4 points per game despite his 28.4 percent usage rate. Add in his average of four turnovers per game and Young has scored 23.9 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last nine games.
FORWARDS
John Collins, ATL at DAL ($31): Collins absolutely destroyed the Nuggets on Saturday for 53.9 Yahoo points. He finished with 30 points and 12 rebounds, marking his fourth straight double-double. His usage rate of 22.7 percent is up almost five percent compared to last season, so expect him to get plenty of shots again Wednesday with all of the injuries that the Hawks are dealing with. His price is climbing, but it's still reasonable enough to warrant considering him for your entry.
Kelly Olynyk, MIA at UTA ($11):Hassan Whiteside (personal) is set to miss his fourth consecutive game Wednesday. Bam Adebayo has been starting and thriving during his absence, but Olynyk has also played well with at least 24.3 Yahoo points in each of the previous three games. Adebayo's price has increased significantly, so while Olynyk might not have as high of an upside, he's still a viable option at almost the minimum price.
Forward to Avoid
Khris Middleton, MIL at IND ($25): Middleton is normally an efficient scorer, but he's shooting a career-low 42.9 percent from the field this season. That mark is especially odd since he is shooting 40.7 percent from behind the arc. This is a tough matchup against a Pacers team that has allowed the fewest points per game (101.4) in the league, so with so many other options during a packed slate, this might not be the time to take a chance on Middleton breaking out of his slump.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. BKN ($51): Embiid has expressed his concerns about his production since the addition of Jimmy Butler (groin), but that likely won't be an issue Wednesday with Butler listed as doubtful. That should set Embiid up with all the shots that he can handle, which is big considering the Nets allow the third-most Yahoo points per game (54.2) to opposing centers. The last time these two teams met, Embiid scored 54.4 Yahoo points.
Larry Nance Jr., CLE vs. NY ($15): The Cavaliers just can't catch a break. Injuries continue to pile up for them, the latest of which will sideline Tristan Thompson (foot) for at least two weeks. They were already playing shorthanded up front without Kevin Love (toe), so they don't have many healthy bodies left. Nance has had trouble earning consistent playing time, but that likely won't be an issue moving forward. His numbers don't jump off the page, but he has averaged 7.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, two assists and 1.2 blocks across six games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes.
Center to Avoid
Marc Gasol, MEM vs. POR ($30): Gasol might not be completely healthy right now. He's continued to play through an ankle injury, but has scored 27.7 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last five games. The Blazers allow sixth-fewest Yahoo points per game (43.7) to opposing centers, so it's hard to justify paying this much for Gasol when you also factor in his recent struggles.
