This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Despite the large 10-game slate, only one of the four worst defenses over the last 10 games is in action. As a result, the Nets are not just the worst defense, but there are fewer options for daily gamers to prey on. The Nets play the Lakers, another very bad defense. Look for that game to be a fast-paced score-a-thon.
Another game of note is the Jazz hosting the Thunder. The Jazz have a well-earned reputation as a league-leading defense, but their offense has gone widely underappreciated. Over the last 10 games, the Jazz are scoring more points per possession than the Warriors averaged during the 2015-16 season when they were first in the league. The Jazz play at the second-slowest pace in the league, while the Thunder run at one of the fastest.
Finally, the Cavaliers play in Memphis for the second night of a home-and-home set. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are all expected to rest Wednesday, increasing the value of every active Cavalier.
GUARDS
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. SAC ($20): I am a long-time Gordon skeptic, but even I have to recognize the run he's on, scoring at least 24 fantasy points in nine straight games, including at least 16 points in each. Excluding the two games just before Thanksgiving, Gordon has at least 18 fantasy points in every game and at least two threes in all but one. The Kings are actually a tougher-than-average fantasy opponent, but they are weakened at the wing, with Rudy Gay and Ben McLemore dealing with a hip and quad injuries, respectively, and Matt Barnes has been in and out of the lineup due to legal trouble.
Cory Joseph, TOR at PHI ($10): For a minimum salary player, Joseph has a lot of upside. He almost always plays at least 19 minutes, and he has reached at least 20 fantasy points eight times in the last 17 games, including four times in the last seven. The 76ers are improving, but they still rank as a relatively favorable opponent. If the Raptors really are contenders in the East – and they believe they are – then they should win big and open up extra minutes for Joseph and the second unit.
Other suggestions: Kyle Lowry, TOR at PHI ($38); Josh Richardson, MIA vs. IND ($14); Ty Lawson, SAC at HOU ($10); Nik Stauskas, PHI vs. TOR ($10)
Guard to Avoid
Reggie Jackson, DET at DAL ($26): Facing off against the wayward Mavericks is enticing, but Jackson is not yet back to 100 percent after missing the first month of the season with a knee injury. He is shooting only 35.4 percent since his return, and averaging only 12.2 points per game. Once he's fully healthy, this salary will probably look like a bargain, but he's not there yet.
FORWARDS
Paul George, IND at MIA ($39): The expensive forward market is deceptive Wednesday, as most of the players who cost more than $20 are averaging a deficit over their past four games. The best high-priced forwards are resting on the Cavaliers' bench. After that, George, Gordon Hayward and Kawhi Leonard are roughly equivalent, at least in terms of recent production. George has the most favorable opponent, so he gets the edge, as the Heat are below average at rebounding and among the bottom five in defensive efficiency.
Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL vs. DET ($10): After averaging 12.0 points, 2.0 threes and 7.0 rebounds per game over his past three, Finney-Smith will likely be featured in a lot of daily gamers' lineups. However, there is no need to be contrarian on a minimum salary player – if he hits, you are better off sharing the profit and the flexibility it lends. He is the starting power forward for Mavericks and looks poised to hold that role as long as Dirk Nowitzki (Achilles) is out.
Other suggestions: Gordon Hayward, UTA vs. OKC ($41); Bojan Bogdanovic, BKN vs. LAL ($13); Kelly Olynyk, BOS at SA ($10)
Forward to Avoid
Blake Griffin, LAC at ORL ($41): The Magic defense has been up and down this season. Over the last 10 days they've been average, but earlier they had reached as high as the top five. Bismack Biyombo is healthy after dealing with a shoulder injury over the weekend. Nikola Vucevic missed Tuesday's game with a back injury, but his absence Wednesday may actually be bad for Griffin. Vucevic is not a strong defender, and his absence means more minutes for Biyombo, Serge Ibaka and Aaron Gordon, all of whom are better defenders. In his last six games, Griffin has three 20-10 double-doubles, but he also has three games of fewer than 16 points with single-digit rebounds.
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET at DAL ($33): Without Andrew Bogut (knee), the Mavericks don't really have a proper center. Salah Mejri is starting in his absence, and he is simply not up to the challenge of taking on one of the best centers in the league. Drummond has scored at least 30 fantasy points in seven straight games, including four with at least 40.
Bismack Biyombo, ORL vs. LAC ($14): As mentioned above, Vucevic missed Tuesday's game, and while his official status Wednesday is not yet announced, it seems unlikely he will play. In his absence, Biyombo should see an increase in minutes, and in two appearances without Vucevic, Biyombo has averaged 33.5 minutes and 27.5 fantasy points per game.
Other suggestions: Al Horford, BOS at SA ($31); Jahlil Okafor, PHI vs. TOR ($16); Salah Mejri, DAL vs. DET ($10); Lucas Nogueira, TOR at PHI ($10)
Center to Avoid
Nerlens Noel, PHI vs TOR ($22): Often times a player who just returned from injury can be a good source of value. But the 76ers have too many big men, and they are being hyper-cautious with the health of their players. After hurting his ankle during his season debut Sunday, there is a chance Noel doesn't even play Wednesday, but even if he does, it is highly likely that he will be under strict limitations.
