This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There's no shortage of action with nine games on the schedule and some potential rest situations to monitor throughout the day with the Pistons, Bulls, Hawks, Raptors and Spurs all set to play the second game of a back-to-back set. Darius Garland (back) has been ruled out again for the Cavs, putting them in a tough spot against LaMelo Ball and the Hornets. After suffering an embarrassing loss to the shorthanded Thunder on Wednesday, the Mavs will try to bounce back at home against the Sixers. Let's discuss some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Josh Giddey, OKC at POR ($28): The injury to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) has left Giddey to shoulder more of the load for OKC. He's produced three straight double-doubles while averaging 14.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.0 steals. That included a game against these same Trail Blazers where he posted 14 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.
Terry Taylor, IND vs. CHI ($14): The Pacers are running out of healthy players up front, which has forced them to play small. Taylor has earned more playing time as a result logging at least 21 minutes in consecutive outings en route to 27.6 and 49.7 Yahoo points. Reinforcements likely won't be coming Friday, so he could be worth the risk at this low salary.
Guard to Avoid
Mike Conley Jr., UTA vs. BKN ($25): After sitting out eight straight, it looks like the Jazz will get Donovan Mitchell (concussion) back tonight. Conley is averaging 28.5 Yahoo points for the season, but he's registered at least 30.6 in six of the seven without Mitchell. His upside isn't as high with Mitchell back in the fold and Giddey offers triple-double potential at a slightly higher salary, which might make Conley someone to avoid.
FORWARDS
Evan Mobley, CLE at CHA ($30): With injuries piling up, the Cavs have needed more scoring from Mobley. He's averaged 16.2 points across the last 12 appearances, including 29 against the Rockets on Wednesday. Not only has Mobley increased his offense, but he's grabbed at least 12 rebounds in three of his last six. That's important to note against a Hornets team that's allowed the second-most rebounds per game in the league.
Justin Holiday, IND vs. CHI ($12): Considering how few Pacers may be available, Taylor isn't the only option to consider. Holiday has logged at least 34 minutes in three of the last four games and produced at least 24.3 Y! in all three. Similar playing time could be coming in this matchup.
Forward to Avoid
Jae'Sean Tate, HOU at SA ($20): Tate's salary has slowly been coming down, but it still might be too high given his recent production with only 26.3 Y! or fewer six times across seven. When the Rockets are healthy like they are now, Tate's role is too limited to warrant rolling with him in DFS.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI at DAL ($53): After sitting out Monday for rest, Embiid stormed back Wednesday with 27 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block against the Wizards. He's firmly in the MVP debate by averaging 33.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.5 blocks over his last 21 contests. Expect Embiid to cause plenty of problems for a Dallas side with the likes of Maxi Kleber, Dwight Powell and Marquese Chriss up front.
Mason Plumlee, CHA vs. CLE ($15): Plumlee has come on strong of late with at least 25.8 Y! in five straight. While he didn't produce a single double-double during that stretch, he hauled in at least nine rebounds four times. The Hornets will need Plumlee's size to battle with the Cleveland's big frontcourt, so he could see enough playing time to provide value.
Center to Avoid
Andre Drummond, PHI at DAL ($30): When Embiid sat out Monday, Drummond roasted the Grizzlies with 16 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks. With Embiid back in the fold, he only managed four points, three rebounds and four assists across 13 minutes. That basically sums up Drummond in DFS. When Embiid is out, he's a great option. But when the star is healthy, he's someone to avoid especially at his current salary.
