This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Monday's seven-game slate is a mess. All 14 teams that will be in action have at least one player in the health and safety protocols. The Hawks might be in the worst shape of any of them with Trae Young and John Collins among their 10 players in the protocols.
Right behind them is the Timberwolves, who will have to face the Celtics with Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and D'Angelo Russell all in the protocols. Let's discuss some players who are healthy to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
James Harden, BKN at LAC ($50): The Nets are starting to get some players back from their COVID-19 outbreak. Harden made his return Saturday against the Lakers and logged 39 minutes, so conditioning certainly wasn't an issue. With Kevin Durant still out, he thrived with 36 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Durant is expected to be out again for this game, leaving Harden to carry the Nets' scoring attack.
Jalen Brunson, DAL at POR ($27): The Mavericks are missing two of their key scoring options in Luka Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr., who are both in the protocols. Doncic was out with an ankle injury before he contracted the virus, so Brunson has started each of the last seven games. He hasn't let his opportunity go to waste, averaging 21.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists.
Guard to Avoid
Tyus Jones, MEM at PHO ($15): When Ja Morant was sidelined for a stretch earlier this season, Jones filled in for him in the starting five. With Morant healthy again, Jones is back to a limited role off the bench. Even with De'Anthony Melton (COVID-19) out Sunday, Jones only scored 11.2 Yahoo points over 15 minutes. If you're looking for a guard in this salary range, Jordan Clarkson ($16) might be a better option with Donovan Mitchell (back) out for the Jazz. Another superior choice could be Bogdan Bogdanovic ($14), who is one of the few healthy players left for the Hawks.
FORWARDS
Larry Nance Jr., POR vs. DAL ($14): It's getting ugly up front for the Blazers. Jusuf Nurkic, Cody Zeller and Robert Covington are all in the protocols, which should open up tons of playing time for Nance. Nurkic is also a big part of the Blazers' scoring attack, so in addition to added minutes, Nance could receive more shot attempts.
Jaden McDaniels, MIN vs. BOS ($13): In addition to Towns, Edwards and Russell being out, Jarred Vanderbilt and Naz Reid are also in the protocols. McDaniels has started both of the last two games because of the Timberwolves limited depth, scoring 31.1 and 39.3 Yahoo points, respectively. At this salary, he could be a significant bargain.
Forward to Avoid
Jae'Sean Tate, HOU at CHA ($21): Tate hasn't exactly been lighting the world on fire, scoring 29.0 Yahoo points or fewer in five of the last six games. The Rockets are also starting to get healthy with Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) potentially making his return in this game. Nance and McDaniels have arguably higher upsides, but with significantly cheaper salaries, so this might be a night to pass on Tate.
CENTERS
Christian Wood, HOU at CHA ($32): The Hornets have allowed the most rebounds per game in the league, which could set up Wood for a big night. He's dominated in that area this season, averaging a career-high 10.9 rebounds per game. The last time these two teams met, Wood recorded 33 points and 16 rebounds in an overtime victory.
Mason Plumlee, CHA vs. HOU ($17): Plumlee has only averaged 20 minutes across five games since dealing with a bout of COVID-19. P.J. Washington played well in his absence, earning added playing time even when Plumlee did retake the floor. However, Washington is now in the protocols, so Plumlee could see added run against a Rockets team that has played at the fourth-fastest pace in the league.
Center to Avoid
Steven Adams, MEM at PHO ($18): Adams took advantage of a favorable matchup versus the Kings on Sunday to score 34.8 Yahoo points. While he only scored 10 points, he also chipped in nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. This is a much more difficult matchup against the Suns, who have the third-best defensive rating in the league. The last time these two teams met, Adams was held to 20.5 Yahoo points.
