This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There are a lot of early start times in the NBA on Sunday, so only eight of the 14 games on the schedule will be part of the main slate on Yahoo. That still leaves us with plenty of options, though, so let's highlight some players to target and avoid while creating your entry.
GUARDS
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at GS ($20): The Clippers likely will be missing two key starters with Patrick Beverley (hip) and Danilo Gallinari (ankle) listed as doubtful. The Gallinari injury deals a significant blow to the Clippers' offense since he has the second-highest usage rate (23.8 percent) on the team. Look for Gilgeous-Alexander to see plenty of playing time and an expanded role in the offense. He's already played well down the stretch, scoring at least 31.3 Yahoo points in five straight contests.
Jamal Crawford, PHO at HOU ($12): The Suns are limping their way toward the finish line with Devin Booker (ankle) and Deandre Ayton (ankle) sidelined. In their first game with Booker out Friday, the Suns turned to Crawford to play 34 minutes. He attempted a whopping 21 shots on his way to 46.9 Yahoo points. Look for him to be heavily involved in the scoring department again Sunday, making him a great option at near the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
Terrence Ross, ORL at BOS ($19): Ross has scored at least 33.4 Yahoo points in back-to-back games, but it should be noted that those were two juicy matchups against the Knicks and Hawks. Before that, he had scored 22.9 Yahoo points or fewer in five straight contests. He's an inconsistent source for offense, making him a risky player to possibly avoid on a night with so many other quality options.
FORWARDS
Josh Jackson, PHO at HOU ($25): Another beneficiary of Booker's absence Friday was Jackson, who destroyed the Pelicans for 59.3 Yahoo points. Not only did he score 35 points on 29 shot attempts, but he also chipped in nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. There shouldn't be any shortage of opportunities for him to stuff the stat sheet against the Rockets, making him an excellent mid-tier priced target.
Mario Hezonja, NY vs. WAS ($17): With the Knicks missing Dennis Smith Jr. (back), Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) and Kadeem Allen (concussion) on Friday, they decided to deploy Hezonja at point guard. Despite the team being blown out by 24 points, Hezonja still logged 42 minutes and cashed in with 50.7 Yahoo points. All three players will likely be out again Sunday, leaving Hezonja with a very high minutes floor. That gives him plenty of upside since the Wizards play at the ninth-fastest pace (102.3 possessions per game) in the league.
Forward to Avoid
Harrison Barnes, SAC vs. NO ($18): The Kings haven't removed the veteran Barnes from their rotation despite being eliminated from the playoffs. In fact, his playing time has remained largely the same. The problem is, his 16 percent usage rate since joining the team leaves him with limited upside. He's scored 22.1 Yahoo points or fewer in eight straight games, so buyer beware.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA at LAL ($38): After winning seven games in a row, the Jazz have a chance to pass the Trail Blazers for the fourth seed and home court advantage in the first round in the Western Conference. Gobert hasn't taken his foot off the gas with the team making a run, scoring at least 44 Yahoo points in all seven of those contests. With the Lakers playing at the fourth-fastest pace (103.8), Gobert once again carries a tremendously high floor into this matchup.
Mason Plumlee, DEN at POR ($10): The Nuggets are starting to prepare for the playoffs by resting Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Paul Millsap for this game. While that should create added opportunities for a few players, Plumlee jumps right to the forefront of the discussion. He's performed well as a starter this season, averaging 10.5 points. 7.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, one steal and 1.1 blocks across 16 games. At the minimum price, he's almost too good to pass up.
Center to Avoid
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. ATL ($24): This certainly isn't a bad matchup for Lopez since the Hawks play at the fastest pace (104.5) and allow the most points per game (119.2). However, the Bucks have nothing left to play for, and this is the second leg of a back-to-back set. Lopez logged 30 minutes against the Nets on Saturday, so they might take a cautious approach and limit his playing time. He's already scored 28.8 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last seven games. Plumlee at least has similar upside at a much cheaper price, so this is the night to avoid Lopez.
