This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA tips off Week 17 with six games on the schedule Monday. A few of the teams in action are dealing with significant injuries, which has opened up some added opportunities for other players. Let's look at some options across the price scale to target and avoid while creating your Yahoo lineup.
GUARDS
Malik Beasley, DEN at DET ($18): The Nuggets will once again be shorthanded Monday with Gary Harris (groin) set to miss his third straight game. Jamal Murray (ankle) is also listed as questionable after missing each of their last five contests. Beasley has stepped up with those two injured, scoring at least 28.9 Yahoo points in four straight games. Even if Murray returns for this game, Beasley should still see enough playing time with Harris out to warrant considering for your entry.
Tim Frazier, NO vs. IND ($10):Elfrid Payton (ankle) has already been ruled out, so expect Frazier to see added minutes again Monday. Frank Jackson has been starting in place of Payton, but Frazier has also logged at least 20 minutes in three straight games. He scored at least 25.6 Yahoo points in each contest and has done a great job facilitating their offense by dishing out at least eight assists in all three of those games. At the minimum price, he makes for a great option in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Chris Paul, HOU at PHO ($28): Paul sat out for rest Saturday against the Jazz since it was the second game of a back-to-back set for the Rockets. He's not on the injury report for Monday, but that doesn't mean he's someone you want to add to your entry. He hasn't logged more than 29 minutes in any of his three games since returning from a hamstring injury, which limited him to 33 Yahoo points or fewer in each contest. If the Rockets race out to a big lead, it wouldn't be surprising to see Paul on the bench late in this game. Considering his limited upside, he might not be worth this price.
FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at BKN ($56): It's not hard to make a case to play Giannis in DFS most nights. With at least 51 Yahoo points in six straight games, he has one of the highest floors of anyone at any position. He has a career-high 31.8 percent usage rate, which is even more appealing when you consider the Bucks play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.1 possessions per game) in the league. Don't expect the Nets to be the team to slow him down Monday, especially since he scored 69 Yahoo points against them earlier this season.
Mikal Bridges, PHO vs. HOU ($16): The injury to De'Anthony Melton (ankle) has helped free up playing time for Bridges, who has logged at least 35 minutes in four straight games. He's made the most of his opportunity, averaging 30.5 Yahoo points during that stretch. His price is climbing, but it's still low enough to leave him with significant upside.
Forward to Avoid
Eric Gordon, HOU at PHO ($17): There is no question that Gordon can score in bunches. However, whenever Paul and James Harden are both healthy, Gordon is going to see a decline in scoring opportunities. He's scored 23 Yahoo points or fewer in four straight games, so it's hard to get excited about him at this price, especially since Bridges is a dollar cheaper.
CENTERS
Kenneth Faried, HOU at PHO ($24): This matchup is mouthwatering. Faried is rolling right now with at least 30.4 Yahoo points in each of his last six games. Clint Capela (thumb) is closing in on a return after the All-Star break, but Faried should again receive all of the playing time that he can handle Monday. The Suns allow the second-most Yahoo points per game (49.1) to opposing centers, so don't hesitate to add Faried to your entry.
Myles Turner, IND at NO ($22):Jahlil Okafor has been productive for the Pelicans while filling in for all of their injuries up front, but he's not a good defender. In fact, the Pelicans have allowed the most Yahoo points per game (54.4) to opposing centers across their last 10 contests. Turner is already playing well with at least 30.1 Yahoo points in six of his last seven games, making him another great option worth considering.
Center to Avoid
Jarrett Allen, BKN vs. MIL ($19): This is not a good matchup for Allen against the Bucks, who allow the fewest Yahoo points per game (39) to opposing centers. The last time these two teams met, Allen scored just 19.3 Yahoo points across 21 minutes. He's also largely been unimpressive, overall, with 24.5 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last seven games. Since Faried and Turner don't cost significantly more, it's hard to justify rolling with Allen.
