This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA starts off the week with eight games on the schedule Monday, leaving plenty of options to choose from in DFS. It should be a fun night, too, highlighted by a matchup between the high-scoring Warriors and the defensive-minded Grizzlies. Here are some players to target and avoid as you craft your entry.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, OKC vs. CHI ($47): Westbrook has gone three straight games without a triple-double, but he's still been extremely productive with at least 48.7 Yahoo points in each of those contests. When these two teams met a little over a week ago, Westbrook destroyed the Bulls for 65.9 Yahoo points. Getting Kris Dunn back certainly helps the Bulls defensively, but this is still a great opportunity to deploy Westbrook for your lineup, especially since his price decreased by five dollars since his last game.
Derrick Rose, MIN vs. SAC ($19): Rose only played 25 games for the Cavaliers and Timberwolves last year, combined, but he's already surpassed that total with 27 contests this season. Injuries have certainly derailed his career, but he's shown he can still be productive, averaging 18.7 points and 4.4 assists per game. His 25.3 percent usage rate is second-highest on the team, potentially setting him up for an offensive explosion against a Kings team that plays at the second-fastest pace (105.3 possessions per game) in the league.
Guard to Avoid
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. UTA ($13): The Rockets moved Gordon into the starting five three games ago, resulting in him logging at least 31 minutes in each contest. His numbers as a starter last year were significantly better than when he came off of the bench, but that's mostly because he was usually starting in place of James Harden or Chris Paul. Now that he's starting alongside both of them, he's scored 21.2 Yahoo points or fewer in all three times. He's not expensive, but his lack of upside leaves him as an unappealing option.
FORWARDS
T.J. Warren, PHO at NY ($19): The Suns sure missed Warren and Devin Booker when they were injured. The actually beat the Timberwolves with both players in the lineup Saturday, a contest in which Warren scored 34.5 Yahoo points. Warren only played nine minutes due to an ejection in his first game back from injury, but he's scored at least 32.2 Yahoo points in all three games since. His 23.7 percent usage rate is third-highest on the team, leaving him with a fairly high ceiling considering his price tag.
Nemanja Bjelica, SAC at MIN ($12):Marvin Bagley (knee) is out for at least another week, which has opened up an expanded role for Bjelica. In the first game with Bagley sidelined Sunday, Bjelica logged 35 minutes and scored 39.5 Yahoo points. The added playing time is huge for Bjelica considering the fast pace at which the Kings play, making him a potential steal at just over the minimum price.
Forward to Avoid
Bobby Portis, CHI at OKC ($17): The Bulls are down one of their key players right now with Zach LaVine (ankle) out, but their frontcourt is finally at full strength. Portis is a key member of the second unit, but because of their depth, his ceiling isn't very high. With 27.9 Yahoo points or fewer in three straight games, it might be best to pass on Portis for your lineup.
CENTERS
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. SAC ($41): Towns has been about as reliable as it gets, scoring at least 45.2 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. After his usage rate dropped to 22.9 percent last year, it currently stands at 26.6 percent this year. The subtraction of Jimmy Butler is the main reason for that drastic increase, so don't expect Towns to slow down in the scoring department anytime soon. He's had plenty of success against the Kings this year, scoring at least 45.2 Yahoo points in both of their previous two matchups.
Steven Adams, OKC vs. CHI ($26): The Bulls couldn't slow down Adams in their last meeting, resulting in him finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and a block. Considering the Bulls allow the most Yahoo points per game (55.6) to opposing centers, this sets up as another excellent opportunity for Adams to be productive. Towns may have the higher upside, but Adams could still provide plenty of value at this reasonable price.
Center to Avoid
Wendell Carter Jr., CHI at OKC ($13): Carter is in a funk right now, scoring 18.4 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last five games. The Bulls had to quickly thrust him into a prominent role due to all of their injuries, but with Portis and Lauri Markkanen back in the fold, Carter may have nights where he doesn't spend a lot of time on the floor. His future is still bright, but he's someone to keep out of your lineup Monday.
