This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Monday brings a packed 14-game schedule in the NBA, 11 of which will make up the main slate on Yahoo. Things tip off early at 5:00 PM EST, so be sure to get your lineups in early. Here are some of the better players to consider, as well as a few to avoid, based on their matchups.
GUARDS
Ja Morant, MEM vs. NO ($29): Morant has led the Grizzlies to a seven-game winning streak, scoring at least 38.3 Yahoo points five times during that stretch. It's no coincidence that five of those games came at home. He's averaged 19.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.4 steals at home this season compared to 16.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 0.6 steals on the road. With both of these teams ranked inside the top-six in the league in pace of play, Morant should have plenty of opportunities to provide value.
Gary Trent Jr., POR vs. GS ($12): The Blazers will remain shorthanded for this game with C.J. McCollum (ankle) out. Anfernee Simons started in his place Saturday against the Thunder, but was largely underwhelming with 12 points and three rebounds across 35 minutes. Meanwhile, Trent logged 36 minutes off the bench and finished with 30 points, five rebounds and three steals. He should once again receive more playing time with newly acquired Trevor Ariza not yet eligible to play, making him a great option in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Mike Conley Jr., UTA vs. IND ($15): This is pretty easy decision. Conley had missed a month with a hamstring injury before making his return Saturday against the Kings. The Jazz eased him back into action, playing him 15 minutes off the bench. They have been cruising with him on the sideline, so there is no need to rush him back into heavy minutes. Expect him to have a limited workload once again here.
FORWARDS
Will Barton, DEN at MIN ($23): The Nuggets could be without a couple of key starters Monday with Jamal Murray (ankle) and Gary Harris (groin) battling injuries. That leaves even more responsibilities on the shoulders of Barton, who has scored at least 30.1 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. With the Timberwolves playing at the fifth-fastest pace in the league, Barton carries significant upside at this reasonable price.
Marcus Morris, NY at CLE ($19): Morris has been a pleasant surprise for the Knicks this season, averaging 19 points and 5.5 rebounds a game. Not only is he playing a lot, but his 23.6 percent usage rate is the second-highest mark on the team. He should be asked to take even more shots with R.J. Barrett (ankle) out, leaving him with the potential for an excellent offensive showing against a Cavaliers team that has the second-worst defensive rating in the league.
Forward to Avoid
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. OKC ($14): Gordon's role on the Rockets is no secret. They want him to shot three-pointers and shoot them often. He's averaging 13.2 shot attempts per game, 8.9 of which have come from behind the arc. The problem from a DFS perspective is that he provides very little production outside of the scoring column, which has contributed to him scoring 23.9 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last seven contests. On a slate with so many other viable options, taking a chance on Gordon seems unnecessary.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at CHA ($34): The Magic are dealing with some significant injuries, including Jonathan Isaac (knee) and D.J. Augustin (knee) being out. Vucevic is already the focal point of the team, but the Magic will need even more production from him if they are going to remain in the playoff hunt. This is a matchup that leaves him with the potential for a monster stat line given that the Hornets have allowed the second-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers.
Dwight Howard, LAL at BOS ($17): Anthony Davis (back) has missed the last five games for the Lakers, leaving Howard to step into an expanded role. He's come through with flying colors, scoring at least 34 Yahoo points three times. Davis reportedly didn't participate in the team's workout Sunday, so there's a chance he sits in this game, as well. If he does, Howard makes a lot of sense at this cheap price.
Center to Avoid
Gorgui Dieng, MIN vs. DEN ($15): When Karl-Anthony Towns was on the shelf, Dieng stepped into a starting role and came through with some big numbers. However, with Towns now heathy, Dieng logged 20 minutes or fewer in back-to-back games, scoring no more than 23.4 Yahoo points in either contest. With limited playing time on tap for him moving forward, there's not enough upside to warrant adding him to your entry.
