This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The nine-game slate for Monday features plenty of impressive guards, seven priced at least $40. This creates an interesting scenario since ownership percentages among these elite guards will be spread out, more so than they would on lighter game nights. You'll have to pick your players wisely, making sure to pay up for the guard who has the highest ceiling for tournaments. This is normally Russell Westbrook, but his matchup on the road against the Clippers could shy some owners away from him. Consider Giannis Antetokounmpo ($52) one of the top plays at the position at home against the 76ers.
GUARDS
Isaiah Thomas, BOS vs. CHA ($44): Over his past five home games, Thomas has averaged 36.2 points and 49.36 fantasy points per contest. The Celtics point guard has been on fire from distance, hitting 35-of-68 attempts (51.4 percent) over the past seven games. The heavy nine-game slate features plenty of elite point guard options, making Thomas more of a contrarian play. Thomas is averaging 25 points per game against the Hornets this season and his upward trajectory should help him hit tournament value.
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL vs. PHI ($18): Brogdon entered Sunday against the Hawks with at least 31.2 fantasy points in five of his past seven games. The rookie two-guard has played his way into the starting lineup, contributing nicely in almost all stats categories. His shot selection has been good, helping his shooting percentage from the field increase to over 50 percent the past five games. Brogdon has been solid from beyond the arc as well, hitting 42.5 percent on limited attempts.
Guard to Avoid
Russell Westbrook, OKC at LAC ($62): Before jumping to conclusions, hear me out: Westbrook will be playing the second night of a back-to-back on the road against a Clippers team that has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points (38.68) to point guards over the past four weeks. Los Angeles was able to hold Westbrook to just 17 points, albeit 12 rebounds and 14 assists, the last time they faced him. It has more to do with the plethora of options at guard, which will be less owned and can save you some salary.
FORWARDS
Gordon Hayward, UTA at PHO ($33): The Suns are always a strong matchup to target, so going with the Jazz's leading scorer is a smart call given his middling price. Hayward scored at least 33.5 fantasy points in each of his past four games, and the injury to Rodney Hood means Utah will rely more on Hayward for offense. This could mean huge numbers considering Hayward is 25-for-34 from the field in the past three games, an insane 73.5 percent. Phoenix is allowing opponents to shoot 46.8 percent from the field, which is the fourth-highest in the NBA.
Serge Ibaka, ORL at DEN ($27): Ibaka has found his footing with the Magic and is establishing himself as a prime DFS candidate at forward. He's scored in double figures in four straight, with double-digit rebounds in four of his past five games. The matchup against the Nuggets is appealing, as Denver has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game (46.35) to power forwards over the past four weeks. Ibaka won't cripple your salary cap and should have a lower ownership percentage for use in tournaments.
Forward to Avoid
Paul George, IND vs. NO ($39): George has scored a combined 29 points in his past two games, and he hasn't hit the 40-fantasy point mark in three straight. The Pacers are coming off a dreadful loss to the Nuggets in London, though they've played well recently. This shouldn't help George's case, considering he hasn't hit tournament value in five of the past six games. The Pelicans are an easy matchup for George at home, but there are more appealing options at forward such as Draymond Green ($36) and Jabari Parker ($33).
CENTER
Dwight Howard, ATL at NYK ($31): The last time Howard played the Knicks he had 16 points and 22 rebounds (49.9 fantasy points). The last time Howard played the Knicks at Madison Square Garden he had 18 points and 18 rebounds (42.6 fantasy points). To say Howard enjoys playing the Knicks would be an understatement. He has a double-double in five of his past six games and should have no trouble getting another against the Knicks, who allow the second-most fantasy points per game (50.72) to centers this season.
Tyson Chandler, PHO vs. UTA ($15): Chandler has at least 15 rebounds in five straight games, with over 27.5 fantasy points in each contest. That's almost 2x his salary in terms of fantasy points, making Chandler an excellent play in cash games (his ownership percentage will likely be very high, even against the top defense in the Jazz).
Center to Avoid
Marcin Gortat, WAS vs. POR ($23): There aren't many center matchups to avoid Monday, but if you've got to choose one Gortat hasn't exceeded expectations lately. He's gone four straight games with fewer than 30 fantasy points, the highest total being 25.4 against the Bulls on Jan. 10. Ultimately, Gortat is a decent cash-game option, but his chances of hitting 2x his salary in points are very low and his ownership percentage should be higher than usual in tournaments.
