This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There isn't a ton of NBA action on Friday with just seven games on the schedule. The evening is still filled with top-tier talent in DFS, though, with the Warriors, Celtics and Pelicans among the teams set to take the floor. Let's examine some players across the price scale to target and avoid on your way to hopefully building a winning entry on Yahoo.
GUARDS
Jrue Holiday, NO at POR ($35): The Pelicans pulled off a sweep of the Blazers in the playoffs last year, and Holiday was one of the main reasons for their success. He was excellent defensively and averaged 27.8 points, four rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.3 steals in the series. The Pelicans made some key additions during the summer, but Holiday again shined in his first game against the Blazers this season, scoring 17 points to go along with two rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. He's scored at least 37.8 Yahoo points in 15 of his last 16 games, so expect him to have a high floor once again Friday.
Kyle Korver, UTA vs. CLE ($10): The Jazz remain without their top three point guards, which has opened up significant playing time in the backcourt. Korver has been one of the players to receive a boost in minutes, enabling him to score at least 20.9 Yahoo points in four of his last five games. This matchup plays right into Korver's wheelhouse since the Cavaliers allow the fifth-highest three-point percentage (36.8 percent) in the league.
Guard to Avoid
Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. MEM ($20): Kyrie Irving made his return to the lineup Wednesday against the Raptors after sitting out the previous game against the Nets. Brown thrived against the Nets by scoring 38.2 Yahoo points across 32 minutes. However, with Irving back on the floor, he scored 18 Yahoo points across 23 minutes Wednesday. He's now scored 18 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last six games, so it's hard to get excited about him at this price.
FORWARDS
Blake Griffin, DET vs. MIA ($39): Griffin's first full season with the Pistons isn't going well in terms of wins and losses, with their record sitting at 19-24 entering this game. However, that's more because of the lack of talent around Griffin as opposed to his own efforts. He's actually having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 25.5 points and 2.4 three-pointers per game on the strength of his 29.7 percent usage rate. The Pistons have played better at home, which should aid Griffin in terms of avoiding a potential blowout. The last time these two teams met, Griffin exploded for 51.5 Yahoo points across 40 minutes.
JaMychal Green, MEM at BOS ($14): Green has recorded three double-doubles across his last four games, helping him score at least 32.2 Yahoo points in each of those contests. With Kyle Anderson (ankle) out, Green could be in line for a few added minutes. He logged 26 minutes Wednesday against the Bucks, which is up from his season average of 23 minutes per contest. Since he doesn't cost much, it might be worth taking a chance on him seeing some extra run again Friday.
Forward to Avoid
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at ORL ($18): Jefferson returned against the Rockets on Wednesday after he missed the previous seven games with a groin injury. He came off of the bench and played only seven minutes, which isn't exactly a recipe for success. Considering how long Hollis-Jefferson was out and how well Rodions Kurucs and DeMarre Carroll are playing, don't be surprised if Hollis-Jefferson doesn't play all that much again Friday.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. BKN ($41): Vucevic has been outstanding for the Magic, averaging career-highs in points (20.2), rebounds (11.9) and assists (3.8) per game. He also leads the team with his 27.7 percent usage rate. The next closest player is Terrence Ross at 23.1 percent, so he leads the team by a wide margin. This is a fantastic matchup for him against a Nets team that allows the 10th-most Yahoo points per game (48) to opposing centers.
Ante Zizic, CLE at UTA ($10): Injuries continue to pile up for the Cavaliers, the latest of which will sideline Tristan Thompson (foot) for this matchup with the Jazz. Facing Rudy Gobert is no walk in the park, but Zizic is likely going to see a huge bump in playing time. In the last two games that Zizic has played at least 24 minutes, he's scored 33.6 and 33.1 Yahoo points, respectively. It's hard to pass him up at the minimum price.
Center to Avoid
DeMarcus Cousins, GS at LAC ($20): As if the Warriors starting lineup wasn't loaded enough, now they are expected to start DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) on Friday for the first time this season. He hasn't played in almost a year since suffering the injury with the Pelicans, so don't get too excited about his return. Expect him to see very limited playing time, making him way too risky at this price.
