This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Get ready for an action packed night in the NBA as there are 12 games on the schedule Friday. With so many players to choose from, you can create a nice mix between elite talent and cheap value plays for your Yahoo entry. Consider the players below that will hopefully make you a winner when the evening comes to an end.
GUARDS
John Wall, WAS vs. CLE ($49): Wall continues to lead the Wizards by averaging 21.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 9.7 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks and 1.4 three-pointers per game this season. The Cavaliers are struggling right now, especially against opposing point guards. Indiana Pacers point guard Darren Collison just lit them up for 25 points, five rebounds and eight assists Wednesday. Expect Wall to put up monster numbers.
Kris Dunn, CHI at ORL ($13): The Bulls have struggled to find quality point guards outside of Rajon Rondo the last two years, leaving them severely limited this season with Rondo out of the picture. Dunn is expected to be the point guard of the future but missed the beginning of the season due to a finger injury. He's played well in two games since he returned, as he scored at least 25.3 Yahoo points in both contests. Look for him to provide plenty of value at this price Friday.
Guard to Avoid
Derrick Rose, CLE at WAS ($20): Rose is not off to a great start with the Cavaliers, as he has dealt with injuries and a general lack of production. He's only averaging 15.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, while also struggling mightily on the defensive end. There are plenty of cheaper options Friday who likely will out produce Rose.
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FORWARDS
Ben Simmons, PHI vs. IND ($43): There are few options safer than Simmons on a nightly basis, as his ability to produce across the board gives him a very high floor. He's currently averaging 44.2 Yahoo points per game this season and has scored at least 50.1 Yahoo points in two of the last three games. Don't expect the Pacers to slow him down Friday.
Taurean Prince, ATL vs. HOU ($19): Prince got off to an inconsistent start this season, but he has settled in of late as he has scored at least 30.5 Yahoo points in each of his last three games. Not only is he one of the better offensive weapons on the Hawks roster, but he also is averaging 1.5 steals per game. The Hawks are going to need a lot of production from him on both ends of the floor to try and keep pace with the Rockets, so don't be surprised if he out produces his price point in this game.
Forward to Avoid
Serge Ibaka, TOR at UTA ($24): Ibaka hasn't provided much production as he's averaging only 22.7 Yahoo points per game. He doesn't block nearly as many shots anymore and is only averaging 4.7 rebounds per game, significantly limiting his value. Stay away from playing him against the Jazz.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. IND ($36): Embiid is coming off of his best game of the season Wednesday against the Hawks. He scored 21 points to go along with 12 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocks. There is no question that when Embiid is healthy, he is a dominant fantasy option. With Myles Turner (concussion) listed as doubtful for this game, the Pacers are going to struggle to contain Embiid.
Alex Len, PHO at NY ($11): While Len is only averaging 22 minutes per game this season, he's been productive as he has scored at least 20.2 Yahoo points in four straight games. The Knicks have a surplus of centers, so Len might get a few more minutes than normal in this contest. At almost the minimum price, Len has intriguing upside.
Center to Avoid
Al Horford, BOS at OKC ($29): Horford has had a couple of poor performances of late, as he has scored 28.3 Yahoo points or less in two of his last three games. Friday brings a tough matchup against one of the better defensive centers in the league in Steven Adams. At this price, Horford is too much of a risk to have in your lineup.
