This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It won't be the busiest of nights in the NBA on Monday with only six games on the schedule. However, the evening isn't lacking top-tier talent with the Rockets, Sixers, Bucks and Blazers among the teams in action. Here are some players across the price scale to consider for your Yahoo entry, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Ben Simmons, PHI at PHO ($39): The most important thing to remember for this game is that Joel Embiid will be out due to his suspension stemming from a fight with Karl-Anthony Towns. He also missed Saturday's contest against the Blazers, a game in which Simmons scored 46.2 Yahoo points. Simmons has scored at least 39.1 Yahoo points in four of his five games this season and should once again take on an expanded role with Embiid out.
Bruce Brown Jr., DET at WAS ($12): Simply put, the Pistons are running out of point guards. Reggie Jackson (back) and Derrick Rose (hamstring) have already been ruled out for this game while Tim Frazier (shoulder) is listed as doubtful. Brown started and logged 40 minutes in Saturday's contest versus the Nets, finishing with 40.9 Yahoo points. With another heavy workload likely on tap, he makes for an excellent option at such a cheap price.
Guard to Avoid
J.J. Redick, NO at BKN ($13): Redick has seen a drastic reduction in playing time since joining the Pelicans by averaging only 24 minutes a night. He had averaged at least 30 minutes a game during both of his last two seasons with the Sixers, but don't expect him to approach that threshold with the Pelicans because of their depth at guard and small forward. With 16.9 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his six games, Redick isn't a viable option despite his cheap price tag.
FORWARDS
Al Horford, PHI at PHO ($29): Horford is in the same boat as Simmons in terms of increased production when Embiid sits. In the two games that Embiid has missed so far, Horford has scored 44.3 and 49.5 Yahoo points, respectively. The difference with him and Simmons is that he can be had for a significantly cheaper price, making him a great option to add to your lineup.
Eric Paschall, GS vs. POR ($16): As if the Warriors didn't have enough problems, their depth chart has basically been whipped out of all their top talent. The only glimmer of hope is that D'Angelo Russell (ankle) is listed as questionable. Even if he does play, Paschall will once again have an expanded role with Draymond Green (finger) out. After scoring 34.8 Yahoo points against the Hornets on Saturday, he's difficult to resist at this price.
Forward to Avoid
Eric Gordon, HOU at MEM ($17): The Rockets decided to move Gordon into the starting lineup Sunday against the Heat after he came off the bench in their first five games. It didn't do anything to help his production since he scored four points on 2-for-10 shooting from the field. His fantasy value mostly comes from the scoring column, which really limits his upside. Since he's not overly cheap, there's just too much risk here.
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET at WAS ($50): Drummond is wrecking the league right now. He's trying to put the Pistons on his back with Blake Griffin (hamstring) out, which has resulted in him averaging 22.1 points, 18.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.6 blocks. The Wizards don't have much to speak of up front behind Thomas Bryant, so look for Drummond to feast once again.
Aron Baynes, PHO vs. PHI ($14): Baynes coming in at such a cheap price is a bit surprising. He's thrived since taking over as the Suns' starting center, averaging 17 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and one block. If you're playing in a cash contest, fading Drummond might not be a wise idea. However, if you want to differentiate yourself in tournament play and spend up elsewhere, deploying Baynes at center could be the route to take.
Center to Avoid
Jarrett Allen, BKN vs. NO ($16): Allen and DeAndre Jordan have split the starting center job this season, leaving both players with limited fantasy upside. Allen has scored 29.1 Yahoo points or fewer in five straight games, topping 30 minutes in only one of those contests. Baynes has a more secure role and is two dollars cheaper, making it difficult to justify adding Allen to your entry.
