This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
With a lot of early start times Sunday, only four games will make up the main evening slate on Yahoo. Two of the games have significant blowout potential, which makes things a bit tricky. Keeping that in mind, here are some players to target and avoid while creating your lineup.
GUARDS
Derrick White, SA vs. MIL ($25): White has put up some impressive all-around numbers lately, averaging 13 points, six rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.6 blocks across his last five games. He also averaged 30 minutes a game during that stretch, up from his season average of 26 minutes a night. Don't expect his playing time to decline anytime soon considering how he's helped the Spurs stabilize their point guard position. With the Bucks playing at the sixth-fastest pace (103.1 possessions per game) in the league, White should have plenty of opportunities to provide value in multiple areas once again.
Tyler Johnson, PHO at GS ($16): Speaking of players helping to lock down the point guard spot for their respective team, Johnson has done just that for the Suns. The only time he didn't start after he was acquired from the Heat was his very first game with the Suns. He's settled into the starting job nicely, scoring at least 28.7 Yahoo points in six of his last eight games. At this cheap price, he makes a lot of sense in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Guard to Avoid
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL at SA ($20): This is more about the other options Sunday than it is about Brogdon. He hasn't been struggling since he's scored at least 28.6 Yahoo points in nine of his last 10 games. However, he also failed to score more than 34 Yahoo points in any of those contests. Not only could Johnson provide similar production at a cheaper price, but so could Derrick Rose ($18), who should see an offensive uptick with Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) likely out.
FORWARDS
DeMar DeRozan, SA vs. MIL ($36): DeRozan couldn't capitalize on a stellar matchup against the Hawks on Wednesday, scoring just 27.1 Yahoo points despite playing 35 minutes. That's kind of how it goes with DeRozan, who has scored 32 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last 11 games. However, he's shown excellent upside with at least 44.8 Yahoo points in five of the other six contests. The Spurs are going to need to play at a faster pace to keep up with the Bucks, which could lead to one of DeRozan's more productive outings.
Taj Gibson, MIN vs. NY ($14): There is plenty of concern in Minnesota after Towns injured his knee Saturday. While his status going forward is yet to be determined, it seems like a stretch that he would play Sunday in the second game of a back-to-back set with the Timberwolves a long shot to make the playoffs. That could open up a starting spot for Gibson, who scored 30.6 Yahoo points Saturday and closed out the game on the floor after Towns went down.
Forward to Avoid
Draymond Green, GS vs. PHO ($25): There is plenty of blowout potential for this matchup. While some starters on the Warriors could still provide value in limited minutes, Green might not be one of them. He's more of a stat compiler rather than excelling in any one particular area. If he were to receive limited playing time, it could significantly impact his production.
CENTERS
DeMarcus Cousins, GS vs. PHO ($33): As unappealing as a potential blowout is for Green, it's not as much of a concern for Cousins based on his 27.6 percent usage rate. He's also been a monster on the boards, averaging 9.9 rebounds across his last eight games. The Suns allow the sixth-most Yahoo points per game (41.8) to opposing centers, making Cousins someone to target.
DeAndre Jordan, NY at MIN ($19): Jordan has started both of the last two games after sitting out five straight contests due to an ankle injury. Even though he didn't play more than 26 minutes in either contest, he scored 39.8 and 35.5 Yahoo points, respectively. Since he'll likely get to avoid the tough defensive assignment of guarding Towns, Jordan could provide value if you're looking to save money at center.
Center to Avoid
Dwight Powell, DAL vs. HOU ($23): Powell has taken off since being inserted into the starting five, averaging 18 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals over six games. He's logged 34 minutes a night during that stretch, which is one of the key factors for his juicy numbers. However, he'll draw a tough task Sunday in facing the Rockets, who allow the seventh-fewest Yahoo points per game (37.6) to opposing centers. While he might not produce a total dud, the potential for a limited ceiling makes him risky at this price.
