This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We have a lot of early start times in the NBA on Sunday, which leaves just six games for the main evening slate on Yahoo. There are still plenty of big names to choose from, with the Mavericks, Rockets and Heat among the teams in action. Let's dive into some of the better options to consider for your entry, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Jimmy Butler, MIA at WAS ($36): Butler enjoyed a productive evening against the Pelicans on Friday by finishing with 55.6 Yahoo points. He certainly took advantage of a favorable matchup since they have played at the third-fastest pace in the league. Butler's looking at another promising opportunity here with the Wizards playing at the fourth-fastest pace. This game could also be closer than some people might think given how poorly the Heat have played on the road this season. If it stays close, that should leave Butler with plenty of opportunities to shine.
Aaron Holiday, IND at DAL ($10): The Pacers received some bad news Saturday that Malcolm Brogdon (quadriceps) will remain sidelined and is being considered as week-to-week moving forward. With Victor Oladipo still limited because of knee soreness, they are going to need Holiday to take on an expanded role. He scored 26.6 Yahoo points across 34 minutes against the Bulls on Friday and is worth considering at the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
Shabazz Napier, WAS vs. MIA ($17): Napier has not been able to take advantage of being named the Wizards' starting points guard, averaging just 9.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists across the last six games. This is a tough matchup for him to get back on track considering the Heat rank inside the top-half of the league in defensive rating. Buyer beware.
FORWARDS
Christian Wood, DET at NY ($33): The Pistons suffered yet another loss Saturday, but Wood once again shined with 30 points, 11 rebounds and two assists across 38 minutes. He's been one of the few bright spots in what has been a terrible season for the team and has scored at least 34.7 Yahoo points in each of his last eight games. Even though Wood's price tag is on the rise, his role is significant enough to make him a great option.
Duncan Robinson, MIA at WAS ($16): Robinson is a lot of fun to watch when he's locked in from behind the arc. He's hit 17 three-pointers over the last two games and has drilled at least six triples in three of his last five contests. With the Wizards playing at such a fast pace and allowing the most points per game in the league, Robinson has a decent chance of continuing his recent run of success.
Forward to Avoid
Nemanja Bjelica, SAC vs. TOR ($18): It's been a rough recent stretch for Bjelica, scoring 25.7 Yahoo points or fewer in eight of his last 10 games. His minutes have still been there most nights, but his scoring upside is limited by his 17.4 percent usage rate. Facing a Raptors team that has the second-best defensive rating isn't likely going to help Bjelica's cause.
CENTERS
Kristaps Porzingis, DAL vs. IND ($43): Porzingis is putting up some crazy numbers right now. Across his last eight games, he's averaged 27 points and 11.6 rebounds. As if that wasn't impressive enough, Porzingis has also averaged 3.4 assists and 3.3 blocks during that stretch. His price tag is rapidly climbing, but his ability to contribute in so many areas still makes him someone to target.
Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. DET ($19): The Knicks were smoked by the Thunder on Friday, but Robinson only logged 22 minutes. He had been playing more lately, which has propelled him to score at least 30.6 Yahoo points in four of his last six games. Despite there being plenty of risk regarding Robinson's playing time, he has the potential to thrive if given an expanded role in this game considering the Pistons have allowed the third-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers.
Center to Avoid
Thomas Bryant, WAS vs. MIA ($13): The Heat represent a tough matchup for opposing centers with Bam Adebayo patrolling the paint. Bryant wasn't able to get much going the last time these two teams met, posting just six points and six rebounds. He's been playing limited minutes despite recently returning to the starting five, which likely won't help his cause to be productive here.
