This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA starts off the week in quiet fashion with just six games on the schedule Monday. The night won't be short on talent, though, with the Raptors, Rockets, Thunder and Celtics among the teams in action. Let's dig into the entire slate and examine some players to target and avoid while creating your Yahoo lineup.
GUARDS
Bradley Beal, WAS vs. SAC ($47): This game between the Wizards and Kings is a great one to target in DFS. Both teams are in the top-nine in the league in pace of play and allow the second-most and fifth-most points per game, respectively. Beal stands out as one of the top options in this contest having scored at least 44.4 Yahoo points in 13 straight games. Add his 28.3 percent usage rate to his ability to contribute across the board and his floor is one of the highest of not only any player in this contest, but in any of the six games on the slate.
Jeremy Lin, TOR at CLE ($10): The Raptors are playing the second-half of a back-to-back set against one of the worst teams in the league. Kawhi Leonard already sat out for rest Sunday, so expect him to return to action. However, there's a chance that Monday is Kyle Lowry's chance to take a breather. Even if he does take the floor, this game has blowout potential written all over it, which could lead to added playing time for Lin. Rolling with him is risky, but it could pay off in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, BOS at LAC ($24): With the Celtics' backcourt healthy for this game, it's hard to get excited about Rozier at this price. He's scored 19.9 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last games and should continue to see limited minutes Monday. Don't let this favorable matchup against the Clippers lure you into overpaying for Rozier and his limited upside.
FORWARDS
Joe Ingles, UTA vs. OKC ($21): The Jazz will be shorthanded at point guard again with Ricky Rubio (hip) already ruled out. Dante Exum (ankle) is expected to return, but don't expect him to log a ton of minutes in what will be his first game in over two months. That should lead to added ball handling responsibilities for Ingles, who has cashed in to score at least 32.6 Yahoo points in seven of his last eight games.
Jae Crowder, UTA vs. OKC ($15): The last time these two teams met a couple of weeks ago, Crowder scored 36.1 Yahoo points across 37 minutes. That game going into double-overtime certainly helped his cause, but Crowder has scored at least 26.6 Yahoo points in six of his last eight contests, overall. He's one of the key contributors off the bench for the Jazz and should continue to get added opportunities to provide value with the Thunder playing at the third-fastest pace (104.1 possessions per game) in the league.
Forward to Avoid
Gordon Hayward, BOS at LAC ($22): Hayward provided a glimmer of hope when he scored 50.4 Yahoo points against the Warriors on Tuesday. He did so in just 28 minutes, shooting 12-for-16 from the field. However, he's come back down to Earth after that game and has now scored 23.1 Yahoo points or fewer in seven of his last eight contests. There is the potential for him to have the occasional stellar stat line, but it doesn't happen enough to justify his price tag.
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET at BKN ($46): Like Beal, Drummond stands out as one of the top options at any position Monday. He's steamrolling the league right now, scoring at least 41.8 Yahoo points in 12 of his last 14 games. He logged 30 minutes or fewer in the two games where he failed to reach that threshold due to the Pistons racing out to a big lead early. This should be a close contest on the road against the Nets, who have allowed the fifth-most Yahoo points per game (42) to opposing centers.
Ivica Zubac, LAC vs. BOS ($12): Zubac's first game as a Clipper came against these same Celtics. He started and played 23 minutes in that contest, scoring 12 points to go along with nine rebounds and three blocks. Even though Montrezl Harrell see the bulks of the minutes at center, Zubac has scored at least 27.1 Yahoo points in four of his last five games. It helps his cause that the Clippers play at the ninth-fastest pace (102.5), making him an intriguing tournament option at near the minimum price.
Center to Avoid
Cody Zeller, CHA at HOU ($18): Zeller has started to cool off a bit, scoring 26.3 Yahoo points or fewer in six straight games. The problem is, his price remains inflated due to him getting off to a hot start in his return from injury. With the Rockets allowing the seventh-fewest Yahoo points per game (37.9) to opposing centers, this is a night to avoid Zeller.
