This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA kicks off the week in style with nine games on the schedule Monday. With that being said, there really isn't a marquee matchup on the slate, so let's try to spice things up with some Yahoo DFS fun. Here are some players to consider for your entry, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Jaylen Brown, BOS at WAS ($30): Right off the bat, this is a favorable matchup for Brown with the Wizards allowing the most points per game in the league. On top of that, he will likely see increased scoring opportunities with Kemba Walker (illness) sidelined. He scored 35 Yahoo points when these two teams met earlier this season and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him at least hit that number again in their rematch.
Aaron Holiday, IND at CHA ($19): The Pacers will once again be thin at point guard with Malcolm Brogdon (back) out. Brogdon has only played a total of eight minutes across their last six games, which has opened up added opportunities for Holiday. He hasn't disappointed, averaging 14.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists and two three-pointers during that stretch. To complicate matters for the Pacers, T.J. McConnell (ankle) is listed as questionable. If he can't play, even more minutes would be available for Holiday.
Guard to Avoid
Gary Payton II, WAS vs. BOS ($14): With the Wizards dealing with a staggering amount of injuries, they turned to Payton for added playing time. He logged at least 30 minutes in each of his first three games with the team, averaging 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, four assists and 4.3 steals. However, he's logged 14 minutes or fewer in three of his last four games, making him an extremely risky option.
FORWARDS
Will Barton, DEN at ATL ($24): Talk about a disappointing performance. Barton had a prime opportunity to torch the Wizards' terrible defense Saturday, but only scored 10 points on 3-for-8 shooting from the field. It was a bad game, in general, for the Nuggets, who actually lost by 14 points. The good news is that both Barton and the Nuggets have a favorable spot to bounce back against a Hawks team that has allowed the second-most points per game.
Thaddeus Young, CHI at DAL ($11): The Bulls are expected to be shorthanded for this game with Lauri Markkanen (ankle) listed as doubtful. He hasn't missed a game all season, and while he has regressed from last season, he's still one of the main scoring options on the team. Young will likely start in his absence and has the potential to play a ton with limited options left behind him on the depth chart at power forward. At near the minimum price, he could be well worth the risk in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Al Horford, PHI vs. OKC ($19): The Sixers need to get Horford going. He's been extremely quiet lately, averaging 8.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists across his last nine games. He only shot 37.2 percent from the field during that stretch, which is very out of character for him. The Thunder have been one of the better defensive teams in the league and have played at the sixth-slowest pace, so this doesn't look great for him to break out of his slump.
CENTERS
Richaun Holmes, SAC vs. GS ($27): Marvin Bagley III (foot) will be out once again Monday, leaving Holmes with all of the playing time that he can handle. He's been an extremely consistent source for production, scoring at least 30.2 Yahoo points in nine of his last 10 games. The Warriors' defense will be compromised with Draymond Green (ankle) out, which leaves Holmes with an excellent opportunity to keep things rolling.
Maxi Kleber, DAL vs. CHI ($13): The Bulls likely won't be the only team in this game missing their starting power forward. Kristaps Porzingis (knee) is expected to sit once again for the Mavericks, which would mark the fourth straight game that he has missed. Kleber has started and played extremely well in his absence, scoring at least 32.3 Yahoo points each time.
Center to Avoid
Marquese Chriss, GS at SAC ($16): Although the Warriors will be without Green for this contest, at least Willie Cauley-Stein is back. He made his return Saturday against the Pistons, which forced Chriss back to the bench. After logging only 18 minutes in that contest, Chriss should once again see a limited role in this matchup.
