This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Saturday's 10-game slate features an array of back-to-backs for several teams, which will create a mine field of potential late scratches to navigate. Time is money, so take the extra time to re-check the players you utilize before tip-off. Don't throw cash away like people who kept Jeff Teague in their lineups Friday night. That can be avoided with a quick scan of whom you're fielding.
First, we'll quickly look at our high-salary candidates for Saturday. Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant are unlikely to play, and new $50-plus member Ben Simmons is a game-time decision. Those who stayed faithful to Russell Westbrook were rewarded Friday with a big outing, so ownership likely will flock back to the reigning MVP.
You can easily spend up two ways. One path is to use DeMarcus Cousins ($58) and Anthony Davis ($58) against the Warriors, as they combined for almost 120 points against them with Durant in the lineup. Another way is to take James Harden ($57) at home against the Knicks on multiple days of rest. Even Westbrook and Stephen Curry are poised for good games, but my recommendation is to take Cousins at $58 and build your roster around him, and if you really want to go low for the rest of your roster, add Harden as well.
I'll now make two lower-cost, high-value picks along with one to avoid for each position to help you afford these spend-up options above, and I'll throw in some higher-priced honorable mentions to expand your options.
GUARD
Austin Rivers, LAC at SAC ($14): Rivers will continue to benefit from the loss of Patrick Beverley (knee) for the season, at least until Milos Teodosic returns from injury. Teodosic poses the only real challenge to Rivers and Lou Williams for time at the two, so ride Rivers until the situation gets more confusing.
J.J. Redick, PHI vs. ORL (418): With Ben Simmons possibly seeing a cap in minutes, it's entirely feasible that Redick plays 30-plus minutes in this favorable matchup, with 30-plus YFP potential if he gets that much time on the floor.
Other guards to consider: DeMar DeRozan, TOR at ATL ($36), Eric Bledsoe, MIL at UTA ($32), Jeremy Lamb, CHA vs. SA ($21)
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Guard to Avoid:
Patty Mills, SA at CHA ($14): Those on the hunt for a bargain may recall that Mills is the de-facto starter in San Antonio and take a flier on him, but the Hornets are the toughest defense in the league against point guards, so it's not an ideal matchup to find value from Mills.
FORWARD
Rudy Gay, SA at CHA ($18): In keeping with the spend-down trend for Saturday's slate, Gay is a good value target against the Hornets, who have a soft spot at the wing, and it's often the spot where they've given away games this season. He went for 20 points and seven rebounds in their last meeting.
Wesley Johnson, LAC at SAC ($13): This 3-point specialist has turned into an all-around scorer in short order for the Clippers, and his excellent play may have won him a starting job in Danilo Gallinari's absence. As one of the most popular value targets the last couple weeks, he should have plenty of opportunities in Sacramento on Saturday.
Other forwards to consider: Khris Middleton, MIL at UTA ($36),
Tim Hardaway Jr., NY at HOU ($30), Derrick Favors, UTA vs. MIL ($28),
Forward to Avoid:
Otto Porter, WAS vs. POR ($30): The Blazers always seem to have the Wizards' number, and Portland's defense has been crazy good this season, especially against players at the three. Porter is also enduring a bit of a cold shooting spell, so fade Porter in this matchup.
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CENTER
Steven Adams, OKC at DAL ($21): Although he's on the tail end of a back-to-back, Adams has a good matchup versus Dirk Nowitzki and Nerlens Noel inside. Russell Westbrook will serve it underneath to Adams early and often.
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs, TOR ($16): Even though Jonas Valanciunas is starting to show flashes of life again for the Raptors, Dedmon is underrated as a solid rebounder and has the advantage over Toronto's frontcourt. If you went with a high-priced guard like Russell Westbrook or Stephen Curry, Dedmon is a great value candidate.
Other centers to consider: Joel Embiid, PHI vs. ORL ($48), DeAndre Jordan, LAC at SAC ($29)
Center to Avoid:
Myles Turner, IND vs. BOS ($30): For starters, Turner is overpriced at $30. Granted, Yahoo tends to shy away from dual eligibility, so you don't see PF/C hybrids on the slate ahead of him, but Turner has no business being third on the list. He also has a horrible matchup against the Celtics.
