This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA starts off the week with nine games on the schedule Monday. Several teams will have limited depth charts because of COVID-19, including the Hornets and Wizards. Stephen Curry will continue his march towards the NBA three-point record when the Warriors travel to Indiana to face the Pacers.
The red-hot Cavaliers will look to keep rolling against the Heat, who are battling injury issues. Although the Celtics are facing a tough matchup against the Bucks, they should get some reinforcements with Jaylen Brown (hamstring) expected to make his return. Let's highlight some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Trae Young, ATL vs. HOU ($42): Young enters this matchup having recorded a double-double in seven of his last eight games. During that stretch, he's averaged 29.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 10.5 assists and 1.1 steals. His floor should remain incredibly high for this contest given that the Rockets have played at the fastest pace in the league.
Jalen Brunson, DAL vs. CHA ($19): The Mavericks received some bad news over the weekend when it was learned that Luka Doncic (ankle) is expected to miss multiple games. During a three-game stretch that Doncic missed in November, Brunson averaged 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.3 steals. With him out Sunday against the Thunder, Brunson scored 31.3 Yahoo points. Add his increased role to the Hornets playing at the second-fastest pace in the league and a big night could be coming from Brunson.
Guard to Avoid
Kyle Lowry, MIA at CLE ($29): The Cavaliers have made major improvements on the defensive end, thanks in large part to rookie Evan Mobley. They have the third-best defensive rating in the league, behind only the Warriors and the Suns. The last time these two teams met, Lowry was held to 19.8 Yahoo points. Even with the potential for added shot attempts with the Heat shorthanded, it still might be best to avoid Lowry.
FORWARDS
Kristaps Porzingis, DAL vs. CHA ($34): The Mavericks are going to need more scoring from Porzingis with Doncic down. During the aforementioned three-game stretch that Doncic missed earlier this season, Porzingis averaged 23.0 points and 17.0 shot attempts per game, both of which are increases from his season averages of 19.3 points and 15.6 shot attempts. Given the favorable style of play that the Hornets deploy, and their general lack of size, Porzingis could be primed to explode.
Scottie Barnes, TOR vs. SAC ($29): It's not often that you see a rookie average 36 minutes per game, but the Raptors have leaned heavily on Barnes right from the outset. He's earned every bit of his playing time, averaging 15.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He's scored at least 39.4 Yahoo points in six of his last seven games and could continue to stuff the stat sheet in a matchup against a Kings team that has the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league.
Forward to Avoid
Jae'Sean Tate, HOU at ATL ($23): When Tate scored 32 points and just missed a triple-double against the Thunder a couple of weeks ago, he showed the potential that he can bring in an expanded role. However, even with Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) out, Tate has only averaged 9.4 shot attempts over the last five games. That's contributed to him scoring 23.9 Yahoo points or fewer in each of the last four games. Until he can consistently receive more shot attempts, he's too risky on a slate with so many other viable options.
CENTERS
Clint Capela, ATL vs. HOU ($30): With the Rockets playing at such a fast pace, they have more opportunities to give up rebounds. As a result, they have allowed the eighth-most rebounds per game in the league. They could be in trouble against Capela, who is averaging 14.6 rebounds over his last 12 games, boosting his average for the season to 12.8 per game.
Xavier Tillman, MEM vs. PHI ($10): The Grizzlies are running out of healthy bodies up front. Steven Adams (ankle) is listed as doubtful, Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) is listed as questionable and Brandon Clarke (knee) has already been ruled out. They need size to battle with the duo of Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond, so Tillman could play a lot, if he can stay out of foul trouble.
Center to Avoid
Andre Drummond, PHI at MEM ($27): With Embiid back, Drummond hasn't played more than 18 minutes in any of the last eight games. That resulted in him averaging 5.0 points and 6.4 rebounds during that stretch. The only reason his salary should be this high is if Yahoo is protecting against the fact that Embiid could be ruled out for rest any given night. If he's playing, this salary is way too high for Drummond.
