This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
With 12 games on Wednesday's docket, there is an abundance of players to choose for daily lineups. Of course, the strategy you implement helps narrow those options. We will dive into some higher-priced safe options, as well as some cheaper plays with high ceilings to help with your strategy of choice. There are some nice value plays to choose from between consistent veterans and recent high draft picks, as well as some struggling players to avoid.
GUARD
Andrew Wiggins, MIN vs. ATL ($27) - Early into his Sophomore campaign, the 2014 first overall draft pick is living up to expectations in Minnesota. Wiggins has scored at least 20 points in his last six games, reaching that plateau in eight of 11 games this season. His teammates are already deferring to him in crunch time, which was exemplified in Minnesota's 100-95 victory over Philadelphia on Monday. On the season, the young star averages 22.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.7 blocks and 0.8 threes in 35 minutes per game. The way he is playing, there is no reason to expect Wiggins' scoring momentum to slow versus Atlanta, and his other counting statistics have nowhere to go but up. And $27 seems reasonable for a player whose risk is not as high as his reward.
J.R. Smith, CLE at TOR ($19) - Speaking of risks and rewards, J.R. Smith certainly qualifies as one of the more boom-or-bust plays out there. It has been a tale of two seasons so far for the former Knick. His first six games of the season he averaged 5.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 points, 0.3 steals, 0.2 blocks and 0.7 triples in 23.4 minutes per game. His last five games however, he has put up 16.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.0 blocks and 3.8 triples in 40.3 minutes per game. It is a heat-check game for the veteran, and he will get every opportunity to stay hot, especially if Mo Williams cannot go again with an ankle injury. If you are playing a big tournament and are looking for some cheaper candidates with high potential to target, Smith is a favorable option.
Guard to Avoid:
Victor Oladipo, ORL vs. NY ($36) - Oladipo came out of the gates hot this year, performing at or even above his $36 price. Unfortunately, since suffering a concussion Nov. 11 versus the Lakers, he has just not been the same player. In his eight games prior to the concussion, he averaged 16.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.9 blocks and 1.4 long balls in 38 minutes per game. His three games since returning have resulted in 7.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.3 blocks and 0.7 threes in 24 minutes per game. Clearly, something is not right for the former Hoosier. It can be tricky trying to predict when the Magic guard will break out of his slump, but at the hefty price of $36, wait to see it before paying up.
FORWARD
Chris Bosh, MIA at DET ($36) - Like much of his career, Bosh has been a model of consistency this season. He's nearly averaging a double-double with 17.9 points and 9.4 boards with 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks and 1.6 threes per game. It is also worth noting he averages only 1.0 turnovers in nearly 33 minutes per game. You will not find too many players as efficient and well rounded as Bosh. Hassan Whiteside is battling an illness, but was able to travel with the team to Detroit, which bodes well for his chances to play. With Whiteside under the weather and battling the monstrous Andre Drummond in the paint, the Heat should rely heavily on Bosh's offensive skillset. He also draws an advantageous matchup being guarded by Ersan Ilyasova. You will not find many safer plays on Wednesday's slate of games.
Jabari Parker, MIL vs. SAC ($14) - Parker came into his rookie season last year with lofty expectations before it was cut far too short due to an ACL tear. Milwaukee was extra cautious with former Blue Devil this preseason and early in the regular season as well. It appears as though they have taken the training wheels off recently, as Parker has surpassed 30 minutes in two of his last four games. It likely would have been three of four had their game with Detroit not been a blowout. Parker does not appear to be slowed by the injury, either, and has displayed remarkably deceptive acceleration toward the hoop his last few games. While he could still potentially have some growing pains, a more talented player in the $14 range will not be found. He also draws a matchup against Sacramento, which could be without its star power forward DeMarcus Cousins due to back stiffness. Even if Cousins can go, he likely will be slowed by his back, resulting in an opportunity for Parker to take advantage.
Forward to Avoid:
Nerlens Noel, PHI at Boston ($30) - Philadelphia is a mess. It has yet to win a game this season, and its frontcourt pairing of Noel and Okafor has not been panning out as 76ers faithful had hoped. While both have displayed their talents, they have not displayed the ability to play well together. Noel has been especially struggling recently, only putting up 8.8 points, 6.3 points, 0.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks per game. Compared to his stats from last year as well as early this season, that is reasonable cause for concern. A tough matchup against an exceptional Celtics' defense should make it difficult for Noel to break out of his slump Wednesday. He is simply not performing near the $30 level of expectations.
CENTER
Marc Gasol, MEM at HOU ($33) - After starting the season relatively slowly, Gasol has heated up a bit recently. He notched his first career triple-double in Friday's win over Houston with 16 points, 11 boards and 11 dimes, and he will have a chance to do even more damage to Houston on Wednesday. The Rockets allow 107.1 points per game, third most in the league. The Grizzlies have been without Zach Randolph the last two games, which means they may need to rely heavily on Gasol. Even if Randolph can go, Gasol has a favorable matchup against a Rockets frontcourt that has given up the third most FPPG to opposing centers in its last five games.
Center to Avoid:
Hassan Whiteside, MIA at CLE ($35) - Whiteside came out of nowhere last season for the Heat, and has been a force to be reckoned with ever since. Coming into the season, it was unclear if the former D-Leaguer was a glorious fluke or the real deal. Thus far, he has proven to be the latter and has earned his $35 price tag. He has averaged 14.5 points, 11.1 boards and an eye-popping 4.9 rejections in only 29 minutes per game. However, if there was ever a time to fade the public with Whiteside, Wednesday would be a prime opportunity. As we touched on earlier, Whiteside has been ill, resulting in missing Tuesday's shootaround. He traveled with the team to Detroit, though, meaning he likely will be able to go. Playing under the weather and battling for boards with the league's best rebounder, Andre Drummond, is not a recipe for success.
