There are many things to take advantage of when finding players in NBA DFS contests. You have to take into consideration hot streaks, minutes, games played, but most importantly matchups.
Each of the following picks will take all of those factors into consideration, but will mostly look at matchups. It is Friday night, which means there will be plenty of games to attack.
Top Guards
Brandon Jennings (DET, PG) - vs Oklahoma City
Jennings' playing time was up in the air to begin the season, but he has settled in, averaging a little over 30 minutes during his last four games. Friday night, he gets a nice matchup against Reggie Jackson, who has taken over on the offensive end for the Thunder, but is not a great defensive player.
Jackson is going to play 40+ minutes, meaning he is going to be very tired while Jennings will have fresh legs during the second half. Jennings is averaging 39.4 fantasy points over the last four contests and should keep it going against the Thunder.
Dwyane Wade (MIA, SG) - vs Atlanta
Wade has been the co-focal point of the Heat offense, along with Chris Bosh, now that LeBron James is out of town. Wade is playing big minutes, which is surprising, and getting the job done.
Wade has scored 40+ fantasy points in 4-of-8 games so far this season and is in a great position to do it again versus the Hawks on Friday night.
Kyle Korver, Atlanta's starter at the two, has been on fire, but still struggles a bit with man-to-man defense. Wade is in great position to be the best shooting guard of the night, so do not hesitate getting him in your lineups.
Top Forwards
Trevor Ariza (HOU, SF) - vs Philadelphia
Here we go again. Ariza has absolutely dominated the Sixers earlier this year as well as last year. He is one of the best spot up shooters in the NBA, specifically his corner three, and the Sixers are one of the worst teams in the league at covering the three-point line.
Ariza scored 48 fantasy points last time these two teams met and should have another great outing Friday night. He has the talent to drop 48 fantasy points on the Sixers again, but it is important to understand that is not his floor. However, Ariza is a great play and should easily hit value with a great chance to exceed it.
Derrick Favors (UTA, PF) - vs New York
Favors is the ultimate risk/reward pick in DFS. He has the ability to put up 50 fantasy points in any given game, but he also has the ability to score only 10. He gets a matchup against the New York Knicks, who are the worst defense against power forwards in the NBA.
Favors is a great talent and has had three straight solid fantasy games. He should be able to score against the Knicks defense and it is easy to anticipate a great game out of him.
Top Center
Roy Hibbert (IND, C) - vs Denver
The obvious play tonight is Dwight Howard, but Hibbert could certainly put up similar production for a much lower price tag. Hibs is the only original starter on the Pacers team and is making the most of his current playing time, going for over 40 fantasy points in each of his last three full games.
The Pacers' coaches have been telling him to shoot the ball more in the post, which seems to have directly resulted in his 40+ fantasy-point streak.
Hibbert faces Denver on Friday night, who is the second worst team in the NBA against centers. He is getting the minutes, has the matchup, and is on the hot streak needed for a huge night.
Follow Justin on twitter at @BalesSJustin