This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It's a wild time in the NBA right now with COVID-19 spreading rapidly throughout the league. There were originally seven games scheduled for Monday, but the league has already postponed the matchup between the Magic and Raptors because the Magic don't have enough healthy players.
The Sixers are scheduled to face the Celtics, but that's also a game to keep an eye on since both teams have multiple positive cases. The same can be said for the game between the Kings and Warriors. The Warriors have two players in the health and safety protocols, while the Kings have six. As things currently stand, here are some players to consider for your lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Stephen Curry, GS vs. SAC ($45): Curry comes into this game fresh after sitting out Saturday's matchup against the Raptors for rest purposes. He's already the focal point of the Warriors' offense, but they could need even more scoring from him with Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins both in the health and safety protocols. That leaves Curry with a tremendously high ceiling against a Kings team that has the second-worst defensive rating in the league.
Luke Kennard, LAC vs. SA ($14): Paul George (elbow) is listed as questionable after missing the last five games for the Clippers. Kennard has averaged 34 minutes per game over those five contests, which is up significantly from his season average of 29 minutes per game. He used his added playing time to average 18.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists during that stretch. If George is out again, Kennard could provide significant value when you also consider that the Spurs have played at the seventh-fastest pace in the league.
Guard to Avoid
LaMelo Ball, CHA at UTA ($45): This is more about Ball's matchup than anything else. The Jazz have the sixth-best defensive rating in the league and have been blowing teams out on a routine basis. In fact, their +10.5 point differential is the best mark in the league. Curry has the same salary as Ball, and a much more favorable matchup, so this might be a rare occasion to stay away from Ball.
FORWARDS
DeMar DeRozan, CHI vs. HOU ($38): The Bulls were back in action Sunday after having two games postponed. The time off allowed DeRozan to return from his bout with COVID-19, which he said didn't come with any symptoms. He certainly looked to be at the top of his game against the Lakers, scoring 38 points in the win. He attempted 24 shots from the field and 17 free throws with Zach LaVine (COVID-19) out and should remain the Bulls top scoring option in this matchup.
Otto Porter Jr., GSW vs. SAC ($10): Porter also missed Saturday's game for rest purposes, but is expected to make his return for this matchup. He's only averaged 20 minutes per game, which has been by design as the Warriors try to keep him healthy for the long haul. However, with Wiggins out, he could gain an extra couple of minutes of playing time. Add in this favorable matchup and he might be worth a look in tournament play. He can still fill it up from behind the arc, averaging 1.6 three-pointers per game despite his limited role.
Forward to Avoid
Kelly Oubre Jr., CHA at UTA ($27): The Hornets were one of the first teams to suffer a significant outbreak of COVID-19. Oubre was able to stay out of the health and safety protocols, which left him with a significantly more prominent role. However, the Hornets' depth has improved tremendously. Their only absence of note right now is Cody Martin. That has contributed to Oubre scoring 27.0 Yahoo points or fewer in each of the last three games.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA vs. CHA ($38): The Hornets have very little size up front, which has contributed to them allowing the second-most rebounds per game in the league. Enter Gobert, who is averaging a career-high 14.8 rebounds per game. He's also shooting a stellar 73.8 percent from the field, which has helped him average 15.1 points. There is some blowout potential here, but Gobert is still one of the top centers to consider.
Kevon Looney, GSW vs. SAC ($10): Make no mistake about it, Looney isn't a flashy option. Still, he's scored at least 23.0 Yahoo points in five of the last six games. With the Kings potentially having to play this game without Richaun Holmes (eye), Marvin Bagley III (COVID-19) and Alex Len (COVID-19), Looney could take advantage of their limited depth up front.
Center to Avoid
P.J. Washington, CHA at UTA ($20): Like Oubre, Washington took on an expanded role when the Hornets were shorthanded. His playing time has been on the decline with them finally healthy, mainly with him working back into a timeshare at center with Mason Plumlee. Add the potential for limited minutes to this difficult matchup and Washington doesn't carry much upside.
