This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
With half of the games in the NBA on Sunday starting early, we only have three games making up the main evening slate on Yahoo. There will be strong defensive teams in the Clippers, Jazz and Spurs all in action, so don't be surprised to see a few low-scoring affairs. With that in mind, here are some players to target, as well as a few to avoid, when working your way through the options.
GUARDS
Luka Doncic, DAL at CLE ($45): Doncic needed some stitches to the back of his head after Friday's game against the Lakers, but he's expected to play in this contest. He's off to a monster start, scoring at least 49.3 Yahoo points in four of his five games. With his ability to contribute in so many areas, he's without question one of the top options for this slate, regardless of position.
Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. DAL ($13): The Cavaliers rely on Clarkson to provide a scoring punch off their bench, which has enabled him to average 15.2 points per game and record a 25.5 percent usage rate. His contributions in other areas leave a lot to be desired, but he's at least worth considering for such a limited slate with at least 22 Yahoo points in four straight games.
Guard to Avoid
Patrick Beverley, LAC vs. UTA ($18): With all of the talent the Clippers possess, they don't need Beverley to provide much on the offensive end. With his paltry 14.9 percent usage rate, he's only averaging 6.5 points per game. The Jazz are a great defensive team who held him to 12.6 Yahoo points when they met earlier this season, so be sure to keep him out of your entry.
FORWARDS
Kawhi Leonard, LAC vs. UTA ($48): Leonard didn't play the first time these two teams met, so the Jazz will be getting their first look at him with his new squad. While this should be a hard-fought defensive game, Leonard is pretty much matchup-proof. He's thriving with Paul George (shoulder) out, scoring at least 60.4 Yahoo points in three straight games. Even at this hefty price tag, he could provide excellent value.
Cedi Osman, CLE vs. DAL ($14): As poor as the cheap guard options appear, forward looks even worse. At least with Osman, you get someone with secure playing time since he is averaging 30 minutes a game. His upside is certainly limited, but he has scored at least 23.6 Yahoo points in three of five games this season. If you're going with a stars and scrubs approach, adding Osman to your entry could go a long way to helping with your budget.
Forward to Avoid
Maurice Harkless, LAC vs. UTA ($12): The Clippers haven't relied on any one player to replace George, leaving Harkless, Patrick Patterson and JaMychal Green to all spend time at the four. They've each had their moments, but none of them count as reliable sources for production on a nightly basis. Harkless has been particularly quiet of late, scoring 14.8 Yahoo points or fewer in four straight contests.
CENTERS
Tristan Thompson, CLE vs. DAL ($27): If Thompson gets consistent playing time, he's a virtual lock to provide a double-double. He already has registered four of them through five games this season, averaging 17.6 points and 11.4 rebounds overall. Not known for his shot-blocking prowess, he even has nine rejections already. If you're looking to fade Anthony Davis and his expensive price tag, Thompson represents an excellent mid-tier option to consider.
Dwight Powell, DAL at CLE ($13): After missing some time to start the season, the Mavericks have eased Powell back into action. The good news is that after playing just 14 minutes in his season debut Tuesday, he logged 25 minutes Friday against the Lakers. The Mavericks are going to need his size up front to keep up with Thompson, Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr., so don't be surprised to see him approach 30 minutes in this contest. That's a key threshold considering he averaged 17.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists across 13 games in which he logged at least 30 minutes last season.
Center to Avoid
Montrezl Harrell, LAC vs. UTA ($23): Harrell is once again playing the lion's share of minutes at center for the Clippers despite coming off the bench. He's showing that last season was no fluke, averaging 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and two assists out of the gate. However, this is a rough matchup against Rudy Gobert, who helped hold him to 14.4 Yahoo points the last time they met. Buyer beware.
