This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Monday brings an eight-game slate in the NBA that will be significantly impacted by injuries. There are several potential cheap value players to target on Yahoo, as well as a stud big man who could thrive. In addition to those enticing options, let's also review a few players to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Kendrick Nunn, MIA at CLE ($19): The Heat are set to take on the Cavaliers without Jimmy Butler (personal), who also sat out when these same two teams met Saturday. Nunn stepped up in that contest, scoring 46.4 Yahoo points across 35 minutes. With added playing time and shot attempts likely coming again here, he's a great option at such a reasonable price.
Malik Beasley, MIN at DAL ($19): Right from the onset of the trade, Beasley moving from the Nuggets to the Timberwolves seemed like a windfall for his production. He hasn't disappointed, scoring at least 33.1 Yahoo points in four of five games. Shot attempts should continue to be plentiful for him with Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) out, so he certainly has the potential to provide value.
Guard to Avoid
Reggie Jackson, LAC vs. MEM ($20): Jackson now finds himself with a chance to be a part of a championship run after being buried in the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with the Pistons. However, his playing time and usage rate figure to drop off dramatically with his new squad. Even though he started against the Kings on Saturday, he only scored 14.4 Yahoo points across 22 minutes. He's not overly cheap, so rolling with him in your entry might be too risky.
FORWARDS
Jae Crowder, MIA at CLE ($18): After a brief one-game appearance in the starting five, Crowder moved back to the bench Saturday. However, he was still productive, scoring 34.8 Yahoo points. Not only has he scored at least 13 points in each game since joining the Heat, but he's also averaged six rebounds and 2.2 steals. Even if he doesn't start again, he's cheap enough to consider based on this favorable matchup.
Glenn Robinson III, PHI vs. ATL ($10): The Sixers will be shorthanded for this game with Ben Simmons (back) out and Tobias Harris (knee) listed as doubtful. If Harris is indeed out, this is a prime spot to deploy Robinson, who would likely be in line for a significant increase in playing time. This is also a great matchup considering the Hawks have played at the sixth-fastest pace in the league.
Forward to Avoid
Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL vs. MIN ($17): The Mavericks went with a skeleton crew against the Hawks on Saturday in what was the second game of a back-to-back set. Even with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis out for rest, Finney-Smith still only scored 19 Yahoo points. He's now scored 25 Yahoo points or fewer in seven straight games. With Doncic and Porzingis expected back for this contest, Finney-Smith should once again provide limited production.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. ATL ($44): If there is one player to pay up for on this slate, Embiid might be it. The Hawks really struggle to slow down opposing centers, allowing the most Yahoo points per game to position. Embiid has already faced them twice this season, scoring 64.1 and 43.3 Yahoo points, respectively. The Sixers will have to rely on him even more if both Simmons and Harris are out, so the sky is the limit.
Jonas Valanciunas, MEM at LAC ($26): The Grizzlies' playoff push received a tough blow with the news that Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) will be out for at least two weeks. Brandon Clarke will likely take over his job as the starting power forward while Valanciunas will be asked to produce more at the center spot. Although the Clippers are generally a good defensive team, they have allowed the third-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers. The first two times he faced them, Valanciunas scored 57.7 and 34.9 Yahoo points, respectively. If you do want to fade Embiid in tournament play, don't overlook Valanciunas.
Center to Avoid
Andre Drummond, CLE vs. MIA ($39): Drummond is coming off of a clunker against the Heat in which he scored 13.7 Yahoo points across 25 minutes. Facing Bam Adebayo is no easy task, but the main concerning stat is the limited playing time. In fact, he's logged 29 minutes or fewer in all four games since joining the Cavaliers. With Embiid only priced five dollars more, it doesn't make much sense to take a chance on this being Drummond's breakout performance with his new squad.
