This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Monday brings a packed schedule in the NBA consisting of 10 games. There are some great matchups among them, including the Mavericks hosting the Suns. As you work through building your DFS lineups, here are some players to consider, as well as some to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
LaMelo Ball, CHA at MIA ($26): Ball went off against the Bucks on Saturday, posting 27 points, five rebounds, nine assists and four steals. The key was that he logged 31 minutes, which was partly because Terry Rozier (ankle) went down. Across four games in which Ball has played at least 30 minutes, he's averaged 18.5 points, seven rebounds, 8.5 assists and 2.8 steals. Rozier is listed as questionable Monday, so if he doesn't play, Ball could thrive.
Immanuel Quickley, NY at CHI ($15): After logging fewer than 20 minutes in three straight games, Quickley has played at least 23 minutes in four straight contests. He scored at least 33.5 Yahoo points in three of those games, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him continue to play more. If he does in this game, he could provide significant value against a Bulls team that has the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league.
Guard to Avoid
Kevin Huerter, ATL vs. LAL ($19): Playing time hasn't been an issue for Huerter since he has averaged 33 minutes across the last five games. However, he only shot 32.7 percent from the field during that stretch. The result was him scoring 22.6 Yahoo points or fewer all five times. Facing a Lakers team that has the best defensive rating in the league likely won't help him break out of his slump.
FORWARDS
Julius Randle, NY at CHI ($42): Considering the struggles the Bulls have on the defensive end, it's difficult to pass up Randle, despite his expensive salary. He's provided monster all-around production this season, averaging 22.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and six assists. The Bulls are also missing their best defensive big man in Wendell Carter Jr. (quadriceps), do don't expect there to be much resistance for Randle in the paint.
Thaddeus Young, CHI vs. NY ($16): The absence of Carter has forced the Bulls to play small. Daniel Gafford may be starting at center, but he's played limited minutes. The Bulls have playing Lauri Markkanen more at the five, which has left Young with added time on the floor. He's cashed in, scoring at least 39.7 Yahoo points in back-to-back games.
Forward to Avoid
Kelly Olynyk, MIA vs. CHA ($15): Olynyk's production has been on the decline lately, which has corresponded with a decrease in playing time. Across the last nine games, he's averaged just 7.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists across 23 minutes a night. He even moved to the bench in the Heat's last game Saturday against the Kings. Young has a much higher upside and his salary is only one dollar more, so taking a chance on Olynyk seems unnecessary.
CENTERS
Christian Wood, HOU at OKC ($38): Wood certainly hasn't skipped a beat after missing three games with an injury. Over two games since his return, he's shot 19-for-25 from the field and hauled in 21 rebounds. His rebounding prowess is noteworthy for this matchup given that the Thunder have allowed the fifth-most rebounds per game in the league. There are a lot of appealing top-tier centers for this slate and Wood stands out as one of the safer options amongst the group.
Xavier Tillman, MEM at SA ($14): The Grizzlies are finally back in action after an outbreak of COVID-19 forced them to postpone several games. However, Jonas Valanciunas remains sidelined, opening up a starting job for Tillman. He's made two starts this season, scoring 22.7 and 26.7 Yahoo points, respectively. If you're looking to allocate more of your budget towards guards and forwards, then taking a chance on Tillman at the five could prove to be beneficial.
Center to Avoid
DeMarcus Cousins, HOU at OKC ($20): This one is pretty straight forward. Cousins was a monster when Wood was sidelined, but that was because he played at least 30 minutes in all three games. His numbers are down this season because he's only averaged 18 minutes a night, overall. In the two games since Wood has returned, Cousins has played 11 and 14 minutes, respectively. As long as Wood is healthy, Cousins will have a limited role.
