This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
After a busy 11-game slate Wednesday, the NBA quiets down with only three contests Thursday. The evening won't be short on excitement, though, with LeBron James making his debut for the Lakers. Let's examine some players to target and avoid for your Yahoo entry to hopefully help you end the night with some extra money in your pocket.
GUARDS
Ben Simmons, PHI vs. CHI ($48): Simmons excelled in his season debut Tuesday against the Celtics. Not only did he finish with 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but he was a significant contributor on the defensive end, as well, with four steals and two blocks. To top it off, he logged 43 minutes. The Bulls, who won't have Kris Dunn on Thursday, were one of the worst defensive teams in the league last season and likely won't be any better after the addition of Jabari Parker, potentially setting up Simmons for a monster night.
Zach LaVine, CHI at PHI ($22): LaVine didn't appear in his first game last season until January as he recovered from a torn ACL. Even when he did return, he struggled by shooting 38.3 percent from the field. While he's never been a stellar shooter, it was still out of character for him considering he had shot at least 45.2 percent from the field in both of the previous two seasons. With Lauri Markkanen (elbow) and Dunn both out, and Jabari Parker set to come off the bench, LaVine is going to pace the Bulls offensively and could be a significant steal at this price.
Guard to Avoid
Rajon Rondo, LAL at POR ($33): The Lakers have a messy point guard situation after adding Rondo during the summer. Lonzo Ball has plenty of upside, but he struggled with his shot last year and was brought along slowly in the preseason as he recovered from knee surgery. That being said, he might not be on much of a minutes restriction, if any, Thursday. It might be best to avoid both players while we wait to see how this situation plays out.
FORWARDS
LeBron James, LAL at POR ($59): After playing his entire career in the Eastern Conference, James embarks on his Lakers' career Thursday. He's got a lot on his shoulders because even though the Lakers have talent on their roster, it seems to be a bit oddly constructed. They have very little size up front, so don't be surprised to see James spend some of his time at the five. With his ability to contribute across the board, he's someone to consider for your lineup even at this lofty price.
Josh Richardson, MIA at WAS ($22): The Heat were without James Johnson (illness), Justise Winslow (hamstring), Dion Waiters (ankle) and Wayne Ellington (ankle) in their season opener against the Magic on Wednesday, leading to Richardson logging 38 minutes. He took a whopping 21 shots, finishing the game with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. There is a chance that all four players sit out again Thursday, which would again leave Richardson as one of the Heat's primary offensive weapons.
Forward to Avoid
Michael Beasley, LAL at POR ($23): Although the Lakers are thin at center, they have a lot of depth at small forward and power forward. They still have Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma from last year's squad and added James, Beasley and Lance Stephenson. Significant playing time might be hard to come by for Beasley, leaving him with little upside considering he doesn't provide much outside of points and rebounds, to begin with.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. CHI ($41): Welcome to the NBA, Wendell Carter, Jr. -- now go guard Joel Embiid. The Bulls have decided to start their first-round pick right out of the gate and while he showed some defensive prowess during the preseason, this is no easy task facing Embiid. In his first game of the year against the Celtics, Embiid posted a double-double on his way to 42 Yahoo points. He has an extremely high ceiling in this contest, as well, though there is some blowout potential.
JaVale McGee, LAL at POR ($10): McGee left the Golden State Warriors to sign with the Lakers and will begin the season as their starting center. He's not a great offensive player, but with excellent passers like James, Rondo and Ball on the floor with him, he could get a lot of easy buckets. Look for him to also chip in some blocks as he averaged 0.9 in just 10 minutes per game last season. At the minimum price, he might be worth the risk in tournament play. He'll be going up against a fairly traditional center in Jusuf Nurkic.
Center to Avoid
Dwight Howard, WAS vs. MIA ($34): Howard (back) is questionable entering this game, although he did practice for the third straight day Wednesday. That seems like an encouraging sign for his chances of playing in this contest, but he might not see his normal allotment of minutes even if he does take the floor. With the uncertainty surrounding his health, this might not be the night to pay up to get him into your entry.
