This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We have a busy start to the week with nine games in the NBA on Monday. Among the more exciting matchups will be the Clippers hosting the Thunder, which could be our first opportunity to see Kawhi Leonard and Paul George playing alongside each other. We also have the chance to win some cash on Yahoo, so here are some players to target, as well as a few to avoid, while compiling your entry.
GUARDS
Donovan Mitchell, UTA vs. MIN ($35): The Jazz made some significant changes to their roster during the summer, but this team is still built around Mitchell. His 31.3 percent usage rate is nearly identical to his mark from last season and he's even shooting 47.9 percent from the field, which is significantly above his career average. Part of the improved shooting percentage might be because he is attempting nearly two fewer three-pointers per game compared to last season. Mix his role in the Jazz's offense with the Timberwolves playing at the second-fastest pace in the league and he could be in for a huge performance.
Coby White, CHI vs. MIL ($16): Make no mistake about it: the Bulls have been a disappointment through the first month of the season. If there is something to be excited about with them, it's been the play of White. The promising rookie has taken to his role off the bench, averaging 13.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He's certainly not shy about shooting, evident by his 25.5 percent usage rate. The Bucks play at the fastest pace in the league, which might be partially why White scored 42.5 Yahoo points when these two teams met Thursday. At this price, he could be well worth the risk in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Lou Williams, LAC vs. OKC ($32): As I mentioned earlier, this could be the first time that Leonard (knee) and George take the floor together. Add that with Williams' price and that's the main reason why I'm somewhat concerned here. Williams has certainly not struggled this season, but can he maintain his 30.1 percent usage rate? Waiting a game or two to deploy Williams again in DFS to see how the Leonard and George dynamic effects the Clippers moving forward might be wise.
FORWARDS
Pascal Siakam, TOR vs. CHA ($43): Siakam was an ugly 6-for-24 from the field against the Mavericks on Saturday, but he still managed to score 30.1 Yahoo points. He's been forced to do it all for the Raptors with Kyle Lowry (thumb) out, which has enabled him to average 26.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists. The Hornets' have an uninspiring depth chart up front, so expect them to have difficulties slowing down Siakam.
Norman Powell, TOR vs. CHA ($15): The absence of Lowry has also provided a significant boost in fantasy value for Powell. He's started each of the last four games, scoring at least 23 Yahoo points in three of those contests. He exploded for 26 points against the Mavericks, marking the fourth time across the last five games that he has scored at least 14 points. Not only that, but he's grabbed at least four rebounds in all five of those matchups. At this reasonable price, stacking him with Siakam is a viable strategy.
Forward to Avoid
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO vs. BOS ($22): Oubre is coming off of his best game of the season, scoring 30 points against the Hawks on Saturday. He finished with 46.9 Yahoo points in that game, but that actually broke a streak for him of six straight games with 26.9 Yahoo points or fewer. The Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the league, so the odds of Oubre having another big offensive performance are not favorable.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND at BKN ($27): The Pacers desperately needed reinforcements and finally received some when Turner returned from his ankle injury last week. Although the Pacers were blown out by the Bucks, Turner scored 45.2 Yahoo points. Just as encouraging is that he played 33 minutes. He looks safe to roster moving forward, making him a great target against a Nets team that struggles to defend opposing big men.
Aron Baynes, PHO vs. BOS ($17): Baynes finally had a bad performance in the Suns' last game against the Hawks, recording three points and three rebounds across 18 minutes. However, he had scored at least 29.3 Yahoo points in each of the previous six games, so don't read too much into one bad performance. Facing a Celtics' team that is lacking an impact player at the five could be just what Baynes needs to get back on track.
Center to Avoid
Enes Kanter, BOS at PHO ($14): Whether it be because of injury or limited playing time, we haven't seen much to like about Kanter so far. He's logged 19 minutes or fewer in back-to-back contests, leaving him to score 15.5 and 19.4 Yahoo points, respectively. The Celtics seem content to keep him in a limited role off the bench, so there isn't much upside here.
