This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA returns Thursday with six games on the schedule. Let's try to start the final stretch off on the right foot by winning some money on Yahoo. Here are some players to target and avoid when creating your entry.
GUARDS
Ben Simmons, PHI at CHI ($42): Simmons was on a hot streak heading into the break, scoring at least 40 Yahoo points in five straight games. He has dominated the Bulls this year, averaging 19 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in their first two meetings. The Bulls are in full tank mode and will play even more of their young players starting Thursday. Look for Simmons to be extremely productive again in this game.
Tomas Satoransky, WAS at CLE ($19): Satoransky has proven he can handle the starting point guard job with John Wall (knee) injured, scoring at least 30.8 Yahoo points in three straight games. He gets an excellent matchup Thursday against the Cavaliers, who allow the fourth-most points per game (110) in the league. At this reasonable price, he is someone to consider for your lineup.
Guard to Avoid
Jerian Grant, CHI vs. PHI ($20): Grant did a fine job filling in for when starting point guard Kris Dunn was injured, but Dunn returned in the Bulls' last game before the break. Not only is Dunn back, but the Bulls have also stated they want to give Cameron Payne playing time as the backup point guard starting Thursday. If Grant plays at all, it should only be very limited minutes. Keep him out of your entry,
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FORWARDS
LeBron James, CLE vs. WAS ($56): The moves the Cavaliers made at the trade deadline seem to have rejuvenated James, who has scored at least 52.6 Yahoo points in all three games since. The Cavaliers have scored at least 120 points in each contest, one of which came against a tough Celtics defense. In James' first two games against the Wizards this season, he scored 92.7 and 53.9 Yahoo points, respectively. Don't expect them to be able to slow him down Thursday.
David Nwaba, CHI vs. PHI ($10): One move the Bulls have made to give their young players more minutes is to replace Justin Holiday in the starting lineup with Nwaba. Nwaba has played at least 30 minutes in a game six times this season, averaging 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks in those contests. At the minimum price, he might be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Aaron Gordon, ORL vs. NY ($30): Gordon (hip) is expected to return Thursday after missing the team's last nine games. However, he could be on a minutes restriction, which would limit his production. With so many other great options Thursday, it might not be worth the risk taking a chance on Gordon at this price.
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CENTERS
Dwight Howard, CHA vs. BKN ($38): Howard got off to a slow start to February, scoring 29.9 Yahoo points or less in four of the first five games. He started to come around just before the break, scoring at least 38.1 Yahoo points in back-to-back contests. Thursday brings a great matchup against the Nets, who allow the most Yahoo points per game (54.7) to opposing centers. He could be in line for a dominant performance.
Enes Kanter, NY at ORL ($29): Kanter has been one of the players who has stepped up in the absence of Kristaps Porzingis (knee), scoring at least 39.1 Yahoo points in two of the last three games since Porzingis went down. He posted a double-double in all three of those contests and should continue to have a significant role moving forward. Even though the Knicks are going to start giving their young players more minutes, they don't have any up-and-coming options at center. Kanter could provide significant value Thursday.
Center to Avoid
Bismack Biyombo, ORL vs. NY ($17): Biyombo has been a steady contributor, scoring at least 20.8 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. He's done a fine job filling in for Nikola Vucevic (hand), but should shift back to a bench role Thursday with Vucevic expected to return. Biyombo is only averaging 4.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game as a member of the second unit, making him someone to stay away from Thursday.
