This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA starts off the week in style with 11 games on the schedule Monday. While it might seem like a daunting task trying to narrow down the choices, don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some players who could take advantage of favorable matchups, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Spencer Dinwiddie, BKN at CLE ($32): Dinwiddie has been locked in since stepping in for Kyrie Irving (shoulder) in the starting lineup, scoring at least 36.2 Yahoo points in five straight games. Not only did he score at least 20 minutes in each contest, but he also dished out at least seven assists three times. He's likely going to get all of the playing time that he can handle, which is big considering the Nets have played at the seventh-fastest pace in the league.
Brad Wanamaker, BOS vs. SAC ($10): All things considered, the Celtics may have dodged a bullet after Kemba Walker had a scary collision with his own teammate Friday against the Nuggets. He was taken off the court on a stretcher, but he appears to have avoided a serious injury. However, he's understandably listed as doubtful for this game, which should open up added playing time for Wanamaker. He's already provided improved production lately, scoring at least 21.4 Yahoo points in three straight games.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, CHA at MIA ($23): While Rozier's counting stats figured to improve dramatically in his new starting role with the Hornets, he had the potential to tank season-long fantasy teams considering he had never shot higher than 39.5 percent from the field for his career. Even though he still hasn't been great, he's improved by shooting 42.8 percent from the field. With that being said, this is a tough matchup against a Heat team that has allowed the seventh-fewest points per game, making Rozier an awfully risky option.
FORWARDS
Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. SAC ($28): Wanamaker isn't the only Celtic who should experience an uptick in production with Walker out. Brown had already stepped into a larger role within their offense after Gordon Hayward (hand) went down, leaving him to score at least 35 Yahoo points in five of his last eight games. With the expectation that it will be up to him and Jayson Tatum to carry the Celtics' offense, He could provide excellent value at this reasonable price.
De'Andre Hunter, ATL vs. MIN ($16): The Timberwolves are usually a team to target in DFS since they have played at the third-fastest pace. The Hawks are hurting with John Collins still suspended, but they have to be excited about the improved production they have received of late from Hunter. He chipped in 29.2 Yahoo points against a strong defensive team in the Raptors on Saturday and has now scored at least 28.4 Yahoo points in four of his last six games. His ceiling might not be crazy high, but he's still a tournament play option at this cheap price.
Forward to Avoid
T.J. Warren, IND vs. MEM ($19): The Pacer have been one of the most injury-riddled teams in the league, which has often left Warren to shoulder a significant portion of their offense. However, it appears they will finally have all of their starters healthy for this game. With his usage rate likely on the decline, Warren isn't very appealing on a slate with so many viable options.
CENTERS
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at ATL ($49): This has the potential to be a disastrous matchup for the Hawks. They have one of the worst front lines in the league, leaving them to allow the fourth-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers. Now they have to face Towns, who is averaging 52 Yahoo points per game. Even though he will do a number on your budget, I won't argue against building your entire lineup around him.
Mo Bamba, ORL at DET ($10): The injury to Nikola Vucevic (ankle) has dealt a crushing blow to a Magic team that was already thin on scoring options. Khem Birch started in his place Saturday against the Paces, but he recorded only four points and five rebounds across 27 minutes. Meanwhile, Bamba chipped in nine points, seven rebounds and two blocks across 21 minutes off the bench. Bamba has the higher ceiling of the two and can be a force in the blocks department, so he could be worth taking a chance on at the minimum price.
Center to Avoid
DeAndre Jordan, BKN at CLE ($17): It looks like the pendulum has swung back to Jarrett Allen at the center spot for the Nets. Jordan has logged 20 minutes or fewer in four straight games, which has prevented him from topping 24.5 Yahoo points in any of those contests. As long as he continues to be in a timeshare with Allen, he's not a very appealing option.
