This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It will be a quiet day in the NBA on Sunday with just three games. Due to the Super Bowl, all of them have early start times, as well. Even though there are limited options for your Yahoo entry, that doesn't mean you can't come away a winner. Here are some players to target and avoid based on their matchups.
GUARDS
Kyrie Irving, BOS vs. OKC ($44): With at least 42.1 Yahoo points in seven straight games, Irving has one of the highest floors of anyone set to play Sunday. He's even scored at least 56.2 Yahoo points four times during that stretch. The Thunder play at the third-fastest pace (103.9 possessions per game) in the league, so Irving should have plenty of opportunities to provide value once again. Irving has also been more productive at home this season. He's averaging 25 points, 5.1 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game there compared to 22.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists on the road.
Shelvin Mack, MEM at NY ($12): Mike Conley (knee) missed Friday's game against the Hornets and is listed as questionable for this matchup with the Knicks. With all of the trade rumors swirling around the Grizzlies, it wouldn't be surprising to see Conley sit this one out to avoid any further injury risk. Mack scored 37.7 Yahoo points while starting Friday's game and would likely start again if Conley can't go. At just over the minimum price, Mack stands out as a great tournament option if Conley sits.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. OKC ($24): Whenever Irving doesn't play, Rozier stands out as someone you want in your lineup. However, his upside is limited when Irving is healthy. He only scored 24.6 Yahoo points in a reserve role Friday, but for some reason, his price increased by three dollars. Even with the limited options on this slate, it's hard to justify paying this much for Rozier.
FORWARDS
Paul George, OKC at BOS ($50): George has been steamrolling the opposition, which has resulted in him scoring at least 50.1 Yahoo points in eight of his last nine games. After posting a 25.7 percent usage rate last year, George has a 29.3 percent usage rate this season. He's also been a force on the boards with a career-high eight rebounds per contest. The Celtics are a good defensive team, but George still carries tremendous upside.
Justin Holiday, MEM at NY ($10): Conley might not be the only member of the Grizzlies on the sidelines Sunday. Kyle Anderson (shoulder) has already been ruled out, and Garrett Temple (shoulder) is listed as doubtful. If Temple is indeed out, Holiday would be in line for plenty of playing time. He hasn't been that productive since joining the Grizzlies, but Holiday did score 21.3 Yahoo points with both Anderson and Temple out Friday. This is also a favorable matchup considering the Knicks allow the fourth most points per game (115) in the league.
Forward to Avoid
Jayson Tatum, BOS vs. OKC ($28): Tatum is a very good player, but his skillset doesn't always translate well in terms of fantasy production. He's playing plenty of minutes, but he's scored 27.9 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last eight games. In fact, he's only scored at least 40 Yahoo points one time since the calendar turned to 2019. He's not cheap, so his limited upside makes him a risky option.
CENTERS
Al Horford, BOS vs. OKC ($26): Horford has started to pick things up again with at least 32.8 Yahoo points in five straight games. He recorded three double-doubles during that stretch and was a defensive presence with averages of one steal and 2.8 blocks. The Thunder have allowed the second-most Yahoo points per game (52.7) to opposing centers across their last 10 contests, leaving Horford with an excellent opportunity to extend his recent run of success.
Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. LAC ($22): After returning to practice earlier in the week, Jonas Valanciunas (thumb) appears to be nearing his return. However, he won't play in this game, leaving Ibaka to continue to man the middle. Ibaka has recorded a double-double in five straight games and has a favorable opportunity to be productive again Sunday considering the Clippers allow the most Yahoo points per game (51.8) to opposing centers.
Center to Avoid
Enes Kanter, NY vs. MEM ($14): A lot is up in the air for the Knicks after they reshaped their roster in the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis (knee) to the Mavericks. This was already a tough team to gauge in terms of their rotations, so taking a wait and see approach with them for the next couple of games might be wise. Kanter has played in both of their last two games, but he didn't top more than 13 minutes in either contest. It's hard to envision a scenario in which he plays much Sunday, so keep him out of your entry.
