This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
As we careen into the Halloween weekend and a frightful eight–game slate, we'll first look at the high salary candidates before isolating two players to target and one to avoid at each position. With Russell Westbrook out of reach at $58 and James Harden against a slow-paced Memphis team, DeMarcus Cousins ($56) and LeBron James ($52) are more sensible, with a nod to Cousins if Anthony Davis sits. Everyone up here is worth budgeting for, but my top pick in the nosebleeds isn't actually all that high. Blake Griffin, LAC vs. DET ($44) is my favorite pickup here at a not-so-spooky price. He's been on a vicious tear since the season began, averaging 26.3 points and 9.3 rebounds, and though Detroit has some defensive weapons, it won't be enough to diminish his value.
GUARD
C.J. McCollum, POR vs. PHO ($33): I have nothing against Damian Lillard in this game, but for $12 less I'm getting the second-best scoring option who could easily come close or match Lillard's output. The Suns are turning things around, so this is not a guaranteed blowout and it has the highest over/under on the slate.
Jrue Holiday, NO vs. CLE ($29): This game has the second-highest over/under on the slate. Even if Anthony Davis is out, Holiday will have ample room to dump the ball inside to Cousins or take the ball himself. His stat lines have steadily risen as he shakes the rust off, and deserves a look at $29.
Others to consider: Eric Gordon, HOU at MEM ($23), Dennis Smith Jr., DAL at PHI ($23)
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Guard to Avoid:
Lonzo Ball, LAL at UTA ($31): He'll do fine, but he won't meet value at $31. Utah will badger Ball the entire game in what looks to be a low-scoring affair anyway. There are a plethora of better targets at this price and lower.
FORWARD
Ben Simmons, PHI at DAL ($38): Simmons seems overpriced, but the slate isn't exactly brimming with options at forward that I'm thrilled about. Simmons does it all and does it well, and is as safe as you'll get at this price.
Tobias Harris, DET at LAC, ($25): His one hiccup of a game against the 76ers must be why he's all the way down to $25, but this is a legitimate steal. He's a great GPP candidate and could even be fielded in some cash lineups. At this price, I'm taking Harris all day.
Others to consider: Jayson Tatum, BOS at MIA ($21), Al-Farouq Aminu, POR vs. PHO ($16)
Forward to Avoid:
Jae Crowder, CLE at NO ($17): Wake up 2016 players, the days of finding Crowder and getting your money's worth are over. It's disappointing the Cavs aren't better utilizing his talent. He would be starting almost anywhere else, but James and Love have locked him out of significant playing time, which is too bad. They need his defensive skills.
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CENTER
Al Horford, BOS at MIA ($31): I love this pick. No Hassan Whiteside? It'll be a field day for Horford inside, and he's good for a trey or two outside as well. This one could get out of hand, and he's a great value at the position.
Clint Capela, HOU at MEM ($25): I'm not surprised to see Capela's plus-minus as the highest at this position. I think he'll keep outdoing his averages when Chris Paul gets back, and with Nene out, he will get maximum usage.
Others to consider: Rudy Gobert, UTA vs. LAL, ($36), Steven Adams. OKC at CHI ($17)
