This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Sunday brings six games in the NBA, but only four of them will make up the main evening slate on Yahoo. There isn't a ton of top-tier talent on the board, as a result, but there are still some great options across the price scale. Here are some players to target and avoid as you create your entry.
GUARDS
Mike Conley, MEM at PHI ($33): The Grizzlies have managed to stay healthy, propelling them to a 15-9 start. Conley hasn't shown any signs of rust since missing the majority of last season, averaging career-highs in points (21.1) and assists (6.7) per game. His 28.6 percent usage rate is also by far the highest on the team. With the Sixers playing at the seventh-fastest pace (103.1 possessions per game) in the league, Conley could have even more opportunities to stuff the state sheet Sunday.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at DAL ($17): Gilgeous-Alexander had his best game of the season by scoring 41 Yahoo points against the Kings on Thursday. He was only averaging 25 minutes a game with a 15.6 percent usage rate coming off the bench earlier this season, but since moving into the starting five, he's averaging 30 minutes a game with a 19.3 percent usage rate. Both of those stats increasing that significantly is a huge plus considering the Clippers play at the ninth-fastest pace (102.7).
Guard to Avoid
J.J. Redick, PHI vs. MEM ($17): Redick normally doesn't have that high of a ceiling because the majority of his contributions are limited to the scoring column. That's resulted in him scoring 28.7 Yahoo points or fewer in eight straight games. This is not a good matchup for him against a Grizzlies team that plays at the slowest pace (96.3) and allows the third-fewest points per game (103.1). When these teams met earlier this season, Redick scored just 19.5 Yahoo points.
FORWARDS
Luka Doncic, DAL vs. LAC ($29): Doncic (back) had one of the worst scoring performances of his young career by shooting 2-for-13 from the field and scoring just six points Friday against the Lakers. However, he was still able to chip in six rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, leaving him with 32.7 Yahoo points. His ability to contribute in multiple areas leaves him with a relatively high floor, evident by the fact that he has scored at least 31.5 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. He's listed as questionable for this contest, but if he plays, he's an excellent option at this reasonable price.
Jaren Jackson Jr., MEM at PHI ($23): Jackson has shown tremendous upside during his rookie season, especially of late with at least 35.6 Yahoo points in four of his last six games. However, he's also had his fair share of inconsistencies, scoring 10.7 Yahoo points or fewer in the other two contests during that stretch. Foul troubles can sometimes limit his playing time, but he's a great option in tournament play based on his upside and the pace at which the Sixers play.
Forward to Avoid
Rodney McGruder, MIA vs. UTA ($19): McGruder hasn't really had any awful performances lately, but he's scored 26.5 Yahoo points or fewer in nine straight games. Playing time is not the issue, but his 15.9 percent usage rate doesn't leave him with a lot of potential in the scoring column. Since he's not that cheap, he's less than appealing for this limited slate.
CENTERS
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at DAL ($31): It doesn't matter if Marcin Gortat or Boban Marjanovic starts for the Clippers, because Harrell is going to receive the bulk of the minutes at center. He's taken full advantage of the first significant playing time of his career, scoring at least 32.5 Yahoo points in each of his last 11 games. His price has increased by $14 during that stretch, but he's still a great option based on his consistent production.
Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. UTA ($13): Adebayo is only averaging 19 minutes a game this year, but he's logged at least 26 minutes in three of his last four contests. He's made a compelling case to continue to receive more playing time by averaging 12.7 points, 15 rebounds and 1.3 blocks across those three games. Hassan Whiteside does provide a roadblock to an expanded role, but Adebayo is a viable cheap option in tournament play against the Jazz's big frontcourt of Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors.
Center to Avoid
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. MEM ($52): Embiid is $10 more expensive than any other player on the slate. This isn't exactly a great matchup since the Grizzlies allow the third-fewest Yahoo points per game (39.8) to opposing centers. The last time these two teams met, Embiid had a relatively quiet performance by his standards with 40.7 Yahoo points. It might make sense to fade him Sunday, roll with someone like Harrell who still provides steady production, and then use the savings at other positions.
