This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
After a quiet Sunday, the NBA gets back on track with 11 games Monday. With the Warriors, Lakers, Rockets and Sixers among the teams in action, there is plenty of top-tier talent to choose from in DFS. Let's examine some players to target and avoid across the price scale while you build what will hopefully be a winning Yahoo lineup.
GUARDS
Stephen Curry, GS at CHA ($41): Curry continues to carry an extremely high floor having scored at least 41.5 Yahoo points in six of his last seven games. His usage rate has decreased since DeMarcus Cousins returned, resulting in a 27.5 percent usage rate through eight games in February. However, with the Warriors playing at the 10th-fastest pace (101.9 possessions per game) in the league and Curry's ability to light things up from behind the arc, that's still plenty of opportunities for him to provide value.
Delon Wright, MEM vs. LAL ($10): Wright has become a key member of the Grizzlies rotation, averaging 28 minutes since joining the team. His scoring numbers haven't been great, but his all-around production has propelled him to score at least 26.6 Yahoo points in three of his last four games. With the Lakers playing at the fourth-fastest pace (103.9), Wright is a very intriguing tournament option at the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
Kris Dunn, CHI vs. MIL ($17): It's looking more and more like Dunn shouldn't be the point guard of the future for the Bulls. He's been tentative offensively, which has resulted in him scoring 16.8 Yahoo points or fewer in three straight games. The Bucks allow the seventh-fewest Yahoo points per game (37.3) to opposing point guards, so don't look for this to be the contest where Dunn turns things around.
FORWARDS
Lauri Markkanen, CHI vs. MIL ($39): Markkanen is steamrolling opposing front courts right now, averaging 24.1 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists across his last 11 games. Now that Bobby Portis has been traded to the Wizards, Markkanen has also spent some time at center when the Bulls have decided to go small, which only helps with his rebounding upside. After scoring 49.9 Yahoo points against the Bucks two weeks ago, Markkanen once again has the potential for a juicy stat line.
Cheick Diallo, NO vs. PHI ($16): Diallo only logged 19 minutes against the Lakers on Saturday, but that didn't stop him from scoring 36 Yahoo points. That came on the heels of scoring 42.1 Yahoo points against the Pacers on Thursday. With Anthony Davis continuing to play limited minutes, the Pelicans seem keen on giving Diallo a chance to develop. Both of these teams are in the top-seven in the league in pace of play, leaving Diallo with even more opportunities to contribute at this reasonable price.
Forward to Avoid
Caris LeVert, BKN vs. SA ($20): The good news is that LeVert has logged at least 30 minutes in two of his last three games. The bad news is he has been inconsistent since his return from injury, scoring 18.5 Yahoo points or fewer in three of his last four games. Until he shows signs of providing more consistent production, it's hard to justify taking a risk on him at this price with so many other viable options for this packed slate.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, MEM vs. LAL ($18): After sitting out one game for a personal matter, Valanciunas stormed back Saturday with 43.7 Yahoo points against the Cavaliers. He started and played 30 minutes in that game and has the opportunity for more playing time now that Jaren Jackson Jr. (thigh) is on the shelf. The Lakers allow the fourth-most Yahoo points per game (41.4) to opposing centers, making Valanciunas an extremely appealing option.
Enes Kanter, POR at CLE ($10): The Blazers quietly made a huge addition to their second unit by signing Kanter after he was bought out by the Knicks. Their bench was lacking impact players, so it's no surprise that Kanter has averaged 17 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2 assists across two games since joining the team. This game has plenty of blowout potential, which could lead to even more minutes for Kanter. At the minimum price, he might be too good to pass up in tournament play.
Center to Avoid
Jahlil Okafor, NO vs. PHI ($20): With how well Diallo is playing, Okafor has only logged a total of 30 minutes over the Pelicans' last two games. He's now scored 22.6 Yahoo points or fewer in five straight games, overall. He costs more than both Valanciunas and Kanter and has a lower upside, so stay far, far away from him when crafting your lineup.
