This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It's not an overly packed slate in the NBA on Sunday, but the night won't be short on excitement. Several of the tops teams will be in action, highlighted by the Celtics taking on the Blazers and the Bucks facing the Nuggets. With another opportunity to win some money on Yahoo, as well, he are some players to target and avoid as you create your entry.
GUARDS
Tim Hardaway Jr., NY vs. ORL ($29): With Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out, it's no surprise that Hardaway is leading the Knicks with 24.5 points per game. In fact, his 30.2 percent usage rate actually ranks 11th in the league. His scoring numbers drive his value, but he's also averaging a respectable 3.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and one steal per contest. With at least 30.7 Yahoo points in five of his last six contests, Hardaway is a great option to consider.
Terrence Ross, ORL at NY ($10): The Magic have been offensively challenged to start the season, averaging the third-fewest points per game (102.6). Ross, on the other hand, is averaging a career-high 12.5 points per contest. He's playing the same amount of minutes that he did last season, but his usage rate has jumped from 17.3 percent all the way up to 23.4 percent this year. His upside isn't off the charts based on his limited contributions in other areas, but Ross has still scored at least 22.8 Yahoo points in three of his last four games. At the minimum price, he might be worth a look in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, BOS at POR ($16): Rozier did a great job filling in for Kyrie Irving (personal) against the Jazz on Friday, scoring 33.7 Yahoo points across 36 minutes. However, Irving is expected to return Sunday, which will move Rozier back to a limited role off of the bench. He had scored 17.7 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his previous five games in that role, so stay away from him when crafting your entry.
FORWARDS
Aaron Gordon, ORL at NY ($31): With the Magic struggling to score, it should be noted that Gordon's usage rate is down from 24.7 percent last year to 21.6 percent this season. Luckily for his sake, he's shooting 46.3 percent from the field, so his scoring average hasn't taken much of a hit. Add in his contributions on the boards and Gordon has been able to score at least 34.4 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. The Knicks have allowed the fourth-most Yahoo points per game to opposing power forwards (45.1), so don't sleep on him Sunday.
Omari Spellman, ATL at LAL ($13): This is going to be a rough year for the Hawks. Injuries haven't helped their cause, but they are clearly a long ways away from being a competitive team. Their front court has been especially thin with John Collins (ankle) out, but they will be even more shorthanded against the Lakers with Dewayne Dedmon (undisclosed) reportedly set to sit. Spellman has already started to play more and has scored at least 28 Yahoo points in back-to-back contests. There could even be a few more opportunities for him to be productive in this contest since both teams are in the top-three in the league in pace of play.
Forward to Avoid
LeBron James, LAL vs. ATL ($57): This is the second game of a back-to-back set for the Lakers. James played 31 minutes Saturday in a Kings' arena that dealt with smoke problems due to a wildfire. The Lakers could get out to a big lead in this contest against a far inferior Hawks squad, so it wouldn't be all that surprising to see James receive limited playing time in that scenario. At this lofty price, James might not be a risk worth taking.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. MIL ($38): Jokic can be extremely frustrating in DFS. He has the ability to carry you into the money, scoring at least 41.7 Yahoo points in five of his last eight games. The problem is, he scored 29 Yahoo points or fewer in the three other contests during that stretch. On the bright side, his price tag has dropped considerably due to his inconsistencies, leaving him with the potential to provide significant value if everything clicks Sunday.
Al Horford, BOS at POR ($21): Horford has been pretty much the opposite of Jokic lately. He doesn't have nearly the upside that Jokic does, but Horford has scored between 26 and 36 Yahoo points in six straight contests. He's not overly expensive, so he's someone to consider if you want to save some money at center, especially in cash games.
Center to Avoid
JaVale McGee, LAL vs. ATL ($27): After getting off to a banner start, McGee has scored 26.6 Yahoo points or fewer in three straight games. The Lakers were severely lacking depth at center, but the addition of Tyson Chandler might eat into some of McGee's playing time. With this game having the potential to be a blowout, banking on McGee to receive extended playing time might be risky.
