This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA starts off the week with seven games on the schedule Monday. Among them is an exciting matchup between the Mavericks and Bucks, although both teams will be severely compromised by injuries. As far as some of the better players to target on Yahoo, here are ones at various price points to consider, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Ricky Rubio, PHO vs. POR ($30): Rubio continues to thrive with his new team, scoring at least 33.2 Yahoo points in seven of his last eight games. He's been an assists machine during that stretch, dishing out at least 13 of them five times. These two teams are both inside the top-11 in the league in pace of play, which could lead to a high-scoring affair in which Rubio thrives.
Jalen Brunson, DAL at MIL ($11): The big news surrounding the Mavericks is the ankle injury to Luka Doncic. He's definitely not going to play in this game and could be out up to two weeks. After he went down Saturday against the Mavericks, Brunson stepped up to post 18 points, seven rebounds and eight assists across 34 minutes. He's likely in line for added playing time here, as well, making him a great option at near the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
Collin Sexton, CLE at TOR ($19): Sexton is already in a slump right now, scoring 24.7 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last six games. He's largely dependent on his contributions in the scoring column to provide value since he is only averaging three rebounds, 2.3 assists and one steal a game. When you consider that the Raptors have allowed the seventh-fewest points per game in the league, this has the makings of another rough night for Sexton.
FORWARDS
Kristaps Porzingis, DAL at MIL ($30): Brunson wasn't the only player who stepped up after Doncic went down. Porzingis posted 22 points and 14 rebounds across 40 minutes, finishing with 49.8 Yahoo points. He attempted 21 shots, which was only the third time that he has taken at least 20 shots in a game this season. Expect his usage rate to be through the roof with Doncic out, making him a viable target at this reasonable price.
Donte DiVincenzo, MIL vs. DAL ($11): The Bucks have their own injury woes to deal with since Eric Bledsoe (lower leg) will be out for about two weeks. DiVincenzo started in his place Saturday against the Cavaliers and finished with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Across 11 starts this season, he has averaged 10.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.4 three-pointers. His assists should be higher now that he's running the point, making him another cheap option with added upside.
Forward to Avoid
OG Anunoby, TOR vs. CLE ($19): Anunoby couldn't get anything going against the Nets on Saturday, scoring 5.7 Yahoo points across 21 minutes. He's now scored 29 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last six games and should continue to have limited upside since he is only averaging 11 points per contest. With DiVinenzo priced eight dollars cheaper, it's difficult to justify rolling with Anunoby.
CENTERS
Bam Adebayo, MIA at MEM ($35): Plenty of people had high expectations for Adebayo now that he is the starting center for the Heat and he has not disappointed. He's coming off of a triple-double against the Mavericks on Saturday and is averaging 15.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks a game. The Grizzlies have played at the fifth-fastest pace in the league and allowed the fourth-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers, leaving Adebayo with the potential for another monster all-around stat line.
Steven Adams, OKC vs. CHI ($26): As bad as the Grizzlies have been defending the center spot, the Bulls have been even worse since they have allowed the most Yahoo points per game to the position. That could mean a performance is on the horizon for Adams, who has already scored at least 35.2 Yahoo points in seven of his last eight games. During that stretch, he even scored 42.6 Yahoo points in a matchup against Rudy Gobert and the Jazz.
Center to Avoid
Jonas Valanciunas, MEM vs. MIA ($26): Valanciunas has been all over the place lately. He had an excellent stretch in which he scored at least 53.4 Yahoo points in three straight games. However, he has scored 28 Yahoo points or fewer in each of his five games since. He even failed to score at least 20 Yahoo points in two of those contests. With the Heat allowing the second-fewest Yahoo points per game to opposing centers, this is not a favorable spot for Valanciunas to break out of his slump.
