This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
As we roll into the first weekend of the regular season, a lot of teams are dealing with the dreaded back-to-back game. More often than not, you can identify some players who have had a day of rest as great value targets, and we'll look at a few of those.
Every position we cover will feature a high-salary target, a mid-level player and a best bargain, as well as one player to avoid. As always, check your lineup before tip-off. If you rostered Dennis Smith anywhere on Friday, you know what I mean.
GUARD
Russell Westbrook, OKC at UTA ($57): Westbrook did the usual in the season opener, another ho-hum triple-double. Couple that with a day of rest, and you have a matchup worth the high price against the Jazz, who lost to the Timberwolves on Friday.
Mike Conley, MEM vs. GS ($38): Conley looked great in the season opener, and he too is coming of a game of rest. Golden State has gotten battered and bruised over a two-game span, coming out 1-1 in the process. Conley vs. Stephen Curry is a tough matchup, but expect Conley to fare just fine for the price.
Kyle Lowry, TOR vs. PHI ($34): One can assume that Lowry has dropped to this price after an underwhelming start against the Bulls, but he didn't need to work too hard there. Expect a big rebound to Lowry's career numbers in a game where he'll need to have his wits about him.
Goran Dragic ($31) vs. the Pacers and Eric Gordon ($18) vs. Dallas are also good values.
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Guard to Avoid:
DeMar DeRozan, TOR vs. PHI ($39): He looked a little rusty in his first game, but what was a bit alarming was a complete lack of 3-pointers, an aberration for the career deep threat. He may need a few games to get back into the groove. He'll score just fine – he just won't meet his salary value.
FORWARD
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs, POR ($54): With Russell Westbrook surrounded with new talent, the Greek Freak is the top candidate to outpace him in the MVP race. Averaging 35.5 points in the first two games, he's a lock if you can afford him. This should be a high-scoring affair with Damian Lillard, and the Blazers are starting out hot.
Blake Griffin, LAC vs. PHO ($41): Griffin is actually more of a high salary pick at $41, but the matchup is too good to pass up. After a day of rest, they'll meet an 0-2 Suns team that might arguably be the league's worst. Phoenix has no inside presence to stop Griffin – the only danger might be Griffin getting pulled in a blowout.
Ben Simmons, PHI at TOR ($26): Keep riding Simmons at this price until proven otherwise. The Sixers look much better than expected, which only further boosts Simmons' value. Rostering him will allow you to spend up in multiple ways, as he also has guard eligibility.
Forward to Avoid:
Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. PHI ($25): Ibaka was once an often-used player, and owners might be lured by his past production, but he seems to be the odd man out in Toronto. It's best to stay away until his prospects improve.
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CENTER
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. SAC ($44): There's a lot of value at this position Saturday, so this might be where you aim lower, but Jokic should have a good night against the Kings. He had a bit of a disappointing game against Utah in his first game, but if you have money to spare he's a good selection.
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at CLE ($32): He has a tough matchup in Cleveland, but Vucevic has been on fire so far, having already hit his career high with 41 points in his last outing. The pieces are coalescing in Orlando and Vucevic has emerged as the focal point of their production, both offensively and defensively. He won't stay at this price for much longer, so use him while you can.
Pau Gasol, SA at CHI, ($17): There are a lot of good options at this price point, including Jonas Valanciunas ($14). The Toronto big man shredded Chicago in his first game, and Gasol is a better talent at the position, so I'm using Gasol with confidence, especially with Kawhi Leonard out.
As for a center to avoid, there are certainly backups you can fade, but Gasol is just one example of places you can spend low and still expect a good return. Any one of these buy-low candidates could break out in this slate, so I'm not going to recommend steering clear of any starter. Spend at $17 and above and you'll have plenty of decent options.
