This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Monday marks the start of the last full week of the NBA regular season. There are nine games on the schedule, leaving us with plenty of options to consider in DFS. Let's highlight some players to target and avoid while crafting your entry on Yahoo.
GUARDS
Devin Booker, PHO vs. CLE ($47): With some many injuries and playoff teams resting stars down the stretch, finding superstars who will provide reliable production isn't really that easy this time of year. One who we have been able to count on lately is Booker, who has scored at least 62.1 Yahoo points in three straight games. He's been a scoring machine during that stretch, posting at least 48 points in each game. Look for him to continue to let it fly Monday at home against a Cavaliers team that has allowed an average of 116.9 points across their last 10 games.
Shaquille Harrison, CHI at NY ($19): Rather than listing off all of the names, it's easier to say just about every prominent player on the Bulls will be out Monday. Harrison has been forced into a significant role due to their injury situation, which has helped him score at least 32.6 Yahoo points in four of his last five games. His price has jumped up significantly during that run, but he's still cheap enough to provide value.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. MIA ($22): Kyrie Irving has sat out two of the Celtics' last three games for rest, but he's expected to play Monday. They should have their full complement of backcourt players for this contest, which is going to limit Rozier's upside. Despite starting both of the games that Irving sat out, Rozier has scored 26 Yahoo points or fewer in seven of his last eight games.
FORWARDS
Jae Crowder, UTA vs. CHA ($15): The Jazz will be without one of the key frontcourt options in Derrick Favors (back) against the Hornets. That should open up a starting role for Crowder, who has come off the bench for the majority of the season. In the eight starts that he did make, he averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals. The Hornets have allowed an average of 115.8 points across their last 10 games, setting up Crowder with the potential to provide valuable production in a starting role.
Walter Lemon Jr., CHI at NY ($10): With the Bulls needing healthy options, they signed Lemon after he spent this season in the G League. He was immediately thrust into a prominent role and cashed in with 46.8 Yahoo points across 31 minutes against the Raptors on Saturday. The Bulls have already said that Lemon will start this contest, making him a prime target at the minimum price.
Forward to Avoid
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. MIA ($20): Morris isn't exactly playing poorly, but he's scored 27.2 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last seven games. With so many weapons around him, he isn't always needed to provide significant contributions in the scoring department. This is a tough matchup against a Heat team that is tied for the second-fewest points allowed per game (105.6) in the league, so Morris might be someone to pass up based on his limited upside.
CENTERS
Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. CHI ($23): There are few reliable fantasy options on the Knicks, but Robinson has scored at least 37 Yahoo points in four of his last five contests. His shot blocking ability leaves him with tremendous upside when given extended playing time. The Knicks decided not to play DeAndre Jordan against the Heat on Saturday, which left Robinson to start and log 37 minutes. With nothing left to play for, Robinson could be locked into a starting role to close out the year. That makes him a key target Monday considering the Bulls allow the second-most Yahoo points per game (46.1) to opposing centers.
Richaun Holmes, PHO vs. CLE ($10): Deandre Ayton injured his ankle in Saturday's game against the Grizzlies and has already been ruled out for this matchup against the Cavaliers. Considering they have nothing left to play for, it makes sense that they are being cautious with one of the players they plan to build around. Holmes sat out that matchup with a migraine, but he's expected to return for this game. He could be in line to start and log heavy minutes. He's averaged 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.7 blocks across 16 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes, so don't sleep on him in tournament play.
Center to Avoid
Robin Lopez, CHI at NY ($16): Lopez continues to start for the Bulls and should continue to play down the stretch because they simply don't have enough healthy players. However, his playing time has started to dwindle, leaving him to score 17.3 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last five games. With so many viable cheap options for a nine-game slate, taking a chance on Lopez seems like an unnecessary risk.
