This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA closes out the weekend with eight games on the schedule Sunday, six of which make up the main slate in Yahoo. The evening will be highlighted by a matchup between the Clippers and Blazers. Let's try to add even more fun to the night with a winning entry on Yahoo. Here are some players to target and avoid as you work your way through the options.
GUARDS
De'Aaron Fox, SAC vs. UTA ($31): Other than his free throw shooting, Fox has improved in pretty much every area of his game this year. His 23.9 percent usage rate is only slightly higher compared to his rookie campaign, but he's been much more efficient by shooting 47.2 percent from the field. In two previous meetings against the Jazz this season, Fox scored at least 42.3 Yahoo points both times. Since the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (106 possessions per game) in the league, he should get plenty of opportunities to have another good performance Sunday.
Jeremy Lin, ATL vs. CHA ($12): Not much has gone right for the Hawks so far with only three wins across their first 19 games. They have played at the fastest pace (106.8) but are averaging the ninth-fewest points per game (106.8). One bright spot for them has been the play of Lin, who has scored at least 25.5 Yahoo points in four of his last five games. He's starting to see more time on the floor, making him a viable tournament play option based on his 23.3 percent usage rate.
Guard to Avoid
Kent Bazemore, ATL vs. CHA ($18): Bazemore (ankle) is listed as questionable for this game after he injured himself Friday against the Celtics. He was initially ruled available to return, so the injury doesn't seem to be overly serious. However, even if he does play, it might be best to avoid him in this matchup. His playing time has been on the decline; he logged 26 minutes or fewer in six of his last eight games. He finished with 23.9 Yahoo points or fewer in all six of those contests.
FORWARDS
Joe Ingles, UTA at SAC ($20): The Jazz will be shorthanded for this game with Donovan Mitchell (ribs) already ruled out. Mitchell has a 30.3 percent usage rate, leaving a significant void for them to fill. Ingles is averaging 10.9 shot attempts per game this season but took exactly 13 shot attempts in both of the previous two games that Mitchell has missed. His scoring numbers might not jump off the page, overall, but Ingles provides enough across the board to be worth considering at this price with Mitchell on the sidelines.
Derrick Favors, UTA at SAC ($16): Favors has enjoyed facing the Kings this season, scoring at least 29.9 Yahoo points in both of their previous two meetings. Even though he is averaging just 23 minutes a game for the year, he's shooting a career-high 57.9 percent from the field to go along with 6.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. His overall upside is limited based on his playing time, but he can still provide value at this price.
Forward to Avoid
James Johnson, MIA at TOR ($17): Johnson has seen his playing time increase in each of his first three games since returning from injury, logging 27 minutes in a start Friday against the Bulls. His contributions have been limited, though, with 13.6 Yahoo points or fewer in each contest. Since he doesn't come at much of a discount, Johnson won't be very appealing until he starts to show signs of playing better.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI at BKN ($52): The Sixers sure have taken the training wheels off of Embiid. After being overly cautious with him to start his career, Embiid has been able to average 35 minutes a game this season. His 32.8 percent usage rate is third-highest in the league, and he's a monster on the glass, leaving him with a tremendously high upside. The Nets allow the second-most Yahoo points per game (53.3) to opposing centers, so don't hesitate to pay up to get Embiid into your lineup.
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. MIA ($20): This could be a game that Valanciunas starts against Hassan Whiteside. Valanciunas is averaging five more minutes a game when he starts, which has helped him to average 14 points and 8.3 rebounds across eight games in that role. If you don't want to pay up for Embiid, Valanciunas is also an intriguing option in tournament play.
Center to Avoid
Enes Kanter, NY at MEM ($25): The Knicks seem to change up their rotations on a nightly basis, but Kanter has still been able to stuff the stat sheet more often than not. The problem Sunday is that this is a tough matchup against the Grizzlies. With the help of Marc Gasol, they have allowed the fewest Yahoo points per game (38.6) to opposing centers. They also play at the slowest pace (96.5), making this a night to possibly stay away from Kanter.
