This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA brings six games on the schedule Friday with injuries continuing to be a theme across the league. There are some added value opportunities as a result, leaving the below players as ones to either target or avoid as you create your Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
Terry Rozier, BOS at ORL ($21): The Celtics were extremely thin in their backcourt Wednesday against the Wizards with Kyrie Irving (knee), Marcus Smart (thumb) and Jaylen Brown (concussion) all sidelined. Rozier ended up playing 48 minutes with the game going to double overtime, finishing with 53.5 Yahoo points. Smart and Brown won't play Friday, and Irving is likely out as well, opening up huge minutes for Rozier once again. The Magic allow the second-most Yahoo points per game (47.1) to opposing point guards, giving Rozier a high upside in this game.
Corey Brewer, OKC vs. LAC ($14): Brewer is locked into a significant role with his new team, logging at least 28 minutes in four straight contests. He scored at least 21.6 Yahoo points in all four of those games and scored at least 30.4 Yahoo points in both of the last two. The Clippers play at the sixth-fastest pace (101.2 possessions per game) in the league, which should leave Brewer with plenty of chances to provide value for your entry.
Guard to Avoid
Spencer Dinwiddie, BKN at PHI ($21): Dinwiddie did a stellar job filling in for D'Angelo Russell when he was injured earlier this season, but has now seen his role decrease since Russell's return. After posting a usage rate of at least 20.3 percent in each of the previous four months, Dinwiddie's usage rate in March is just 16.6 percent. He's had a low ceiling in DFS as a result, scoring 30 Yahoo points or more only one time this month. Considering Rozier has a much higher upside at the same price, keep Dinwiddie out of your lineup.
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FORWARDS
Draymond Green, GS vs. SAC ($30): After missing one game with a shoulder injury, Green will return to face the Kings on Friday. The Warriors will still be without Stephen Curry (ankle) and Klay Thompson (thumb) though, opening up an expanded role for Green. Not only will he get more shots, but he also will likely be asked to help to facilitate the offense more. This has the makings of a big performance for Green against the lowly Kings.
Marcus Morris, BOS at ORL ($13): Like Rozier, Morris thrived in an expanded role Wednesday, scoring 47.3 Yahoo points in 44 minutes. Al Horford (illness) didn't play in that game either but is expected to return Friday. That will impact Morris' upside to an extent, but Morris still has the third-highest usage rate (22.3 percent) on the team behind Irving and Greg Monroe. The Magic allow the sixth-most points per game (109.6) in the league, making Morris someone to consider Friday.
Forward to Avoid
Mario Hezonja, ORL vs. BOS ($17): Hezonja hasn't been able to take advantage of Evan Fournier (knee) and Aaron Gordon (concussion) being out, scoring 20 Yahoo points or fewer in three straight games. He's struggled from the field, shooting a combined 8 for 22 (36.4 percent) during that stretch. Although the Celtics will be shorthanded Friday, they are still one of the best defensive teams in the league. Hezonja is not worth the risk.
CENTERS
Brook Lopez, LAL vs. MIA ($23): Lopez has played at least 32 minutes in four of the last five games, scoring at least 32.5 Yahoo points in each of those contests. The Lakers will be without Brandon Ingram (groin) again Friday, and Kyle Kuzma (ankle) is listed as questionable as well, so Lopez could be in for all the minutes he can handle. The Heat will be shorthanded up front without Hassan Whiteside (hip), making Lopez a viable option at this reasonable price.
Kelly Olynyk, MIA at LAL ($15): Olynyk has stepped up with Whiteside sidelined, scoring at least 31.1 Yahoo points in two of his last three games. Although Bam Adebayo has been starting in place of Whiteside, Olynyk is still seeing significant playing time off the bench. The Lakers play at the fastest pace (103.2) and are tied for the third-most points allowed per game (110.2) in the league, leaving Olynyk as someone to consider for your entry.
Center to Avoid
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at OKC ($15): Harrell went through a stretch at the end of February and into the beginning of March where he provided significant value. Although he's still producing offensively, he has contributed very little in other categories. As a result, he has scored 14.2 Yahoo points or fewer in three straight games. With Olynyk likely to have a much larger role at the same price Friday, Harrell might not be the one to roll with if you want a cheap center.
