This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There are 10 games on the NBA schedule Wednesday, leaving plenty of options to wade through for your Yahoo entry. Let's get right down to business and examine both the players you want to play and avoid to hopefully end your evening a winner.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, OKC at ORL ($55): Westbrook is in the midst of his best stretch this season as he has scored at least 54.9 Yahoo points in four straight games. He recorded two triple-doubles in that stretch and appears to be reverting back to last season's form, as he's almost averaging a triple-double again. He now has the sixth-highest usage rate (32.5%) in the NBA and gets a great matchup against a Magic team that is allowing the second-most Yahoo points per game (48) to opposing point guards.
Lance Stephenson, IND at HOU ($11): Stephenson started Saturday for the injured Victor Oladipo and came through with 30.1 Yahoo points. Even though he moved back to the bench Monday with Oladipo's return, he still managed to score 38.1 Yahoo points. Both the Pacers and Rockets are in the top-nine in the NBA in terms of pace of play, so Stephenson should get plenty of opportunities to produce even in a bench role Wednesday. At this price, he's worth the risk.
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Guard to Avoid
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. IND ($22): Gordon's price is still high based on his production earlier this season when he was starting for the injured Chris Paul. Now in a reserve role, Gordon has scored 17.7 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last five games.
FORWARDS
Otto Porter, WAS at PHI ($32): Porter has taken on more scoring responsibilities with John Wall (knee) out, averaging 23 points in the last two games. He had only scored at least 20 points in a game three times all season before Wall went down. Wednesday brings a great matchup against a Sixers team that plays at the fourth-fastest pace (104.6) in the league.
Caris LeVert, BKN at DAL ($13): The Nets have been riddled with injuries this season, opening up an opportunity for LeVert to play a career-high 26 minutes per game. He's been able to produce at least 20.2 Yahoo points in five straight games, so there is value here at this cheap price. It appears minutes won't be hard to come by again with both Allen Crabbe (back) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (ankle) listed as doubtful Wednesday.
Forward to Avoid
Kristaps Porzingis, NY vs. MIA ($47): Porzingis missed a game over the weekend with back stiffness and returned to score only 34.9 Yahoo points in an ugly loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. While he's clearly the best player on the team, he hasn't provided great value of late. Porzingis has scored 38.8 Yahoo points or less in five of his last seven games. He might not be worth this premium price again Wednesday.
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CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET vs. PHO ($42): Drummond absolutely crushed the Boston Celtics for 70.4 Yahoo points Monday, marking the eighth time this season he has scored at least 46 Yahoo points in a game. His ability to dominate the glass gives him tremendous value as he has grabbed at least 12 rebounds in all but one game this season. The Suns have a lot of size up front, but they aren't great defensively. Drummond could be in line for another monster stat line.
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. CHA ($13): Valanciunas has a problem getting consistent playing time as he's averaging a career-low 20 minutes per game. He normally produces when he does get a little extra run as he has scored at least 28.6 Yahoo points in all four games where he played at least 24 minutes this season. He'll be needed to battle with Dwight Howard on Wednesday, so he's worth the risk in tournament play if you need a cheap center.
Center to Avoid
Brook Lopez, LAL vs. GS ($23): The bottom may be falling out for Lopez as he has scored 13.7 Yahoo points or less in both of his last two games. His playing time is starting to dwindle as hasn't played more than 25 minutes in five of his last six games. This is not an ideal matchup against a Warriors team that plays with a lot of small lineups, so stay away from using Lopez.
