This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA tips off the week with seven games on the schedule Monday. There are some exciting matchups among the bunch, including the Jazz hosting the Sixers. As far as DFS goes, here are some players to consider for your lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Kyrie Irving, BKN at SAC ($42): Durant's return from his second stint in the league's healthy and safety protocols didn't last long. He played Saturday against the Warriors, but will now miss at least the next two games with a hamstring injury. That should leave Irving with added scoring opportunities Monday against a Kings team that has the worst defensive rating in the league. He could explode in this game.
T.J. McConnell, IND vs. CHI ($16): Although McConnell is only averaging 23 minutes per game for the season, he's averaged 28 minutes across the last eight games. He certainly didn't do anything to warrant losing any of those minutes, averaging 7.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.9 steals during that stretch. As long as he continues in this expanded role, he could provide excellent value against a Bulls team that has the seventh-worst defensive rating.
Guard to Avoid
Jordan Clarkson, UTA vs. PHI ($19): As good as Clarkson has been offensively, he's only averaging 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.9 steals, which limits his fantasy production. In fact, he's scored 27.4 Yahoo points or fewer in eight of his last nine contests. His reliance on the scoring column to provide value could be troublesome in this matchup considering the Sixers have the sixth-best defensive rating.
FORWARDS
Domantas Sabonis, IND vs. CHI ($44): There is a chance that the Bulls could get some reinforcements up front with Wendell Carter Jr. (quadriceps) listed as questionable. He's missed the last 11 games, though, so even if he does play, his minutes could be limited. Sabonis has already scored at least 40.8 Yahoo points in six of the last seven games, so the depleted Bulls' frontcourt could have a difficult time slowing him down.
Jae'Sean Tate, HOU at WAS ($13): Tate hasn't exactly been a reliable source for production, but if he was, his salary wouldn't be this cheap. Even with his ups and downs, he's still scored at least 23.4 Yahoo points in four of his last six games. The Rockets will be playing shorthanded with Victor Oladipo (foot) and Christian Wood (ankle) out, so expect Tate to log plenty of minutes against a Wizards team that has played at the fastest pace in the league.
Forward to Avoid
Royce O'Neale, UTA vs. PHI ($15): Not much to see here. Playing time is not the issue for O'Neale considering he's averaged 32 minutes per game. However, he still only has averages of 7.6 points and 6.8 rebounds. With his 9.6 percent usage rate, don't expect his scoring numbers to be on the rise anytime soon.
CENTERS
Richaun Holmes, SAC vs. BKN ($21): Trading away Jarrett Allen has compromised the Nets' interior defense. They have been torched by opposing centers, allowing the third-most Yahoo points per game to the position. Although Holmes has recorded some disappointing scoring performances lately, he's still averaging 12.8 points. 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks for the season, so don't be surprised if he exploits this favorable matchup.
Nerlens Noel, NY vs. ATL ($12): The injury to Mitchell Robinson (hand) has opened up the starting center job for Noel. In his first game filling the role, he posted 10 points, six rebounds, one steal and two blocks against the Rockets on Saturday. The key was, he logged 32 minutes. Injuries have often hampered his playing time, but he's healthy right now, so his salary could be one of the best bargains of the night.
Center to Avoid
Serge Ibaka, LAC vs. MIA ($17): Ibaka was a key addition for the Clippers this offseason, but the move to Los Angeles has not been good for his fantasy value. He's only averaging 12 points and 6.7 rebounds, which has contributed to him scoring 24.5 Yahoo points or fewer in five of the last eight games. A matchup against one of the best defensive centers in the league in Bam Adebayo could only complicate matters here.
