This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It's going to be a busy Sunday in the NBA with seven games on the schedule. Injuries and teams resting players will be a common theme in a few games, so there is some value to be had on this slate. Let's dive into the options on Yahoo and discuss some players to target, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
James Harden, HOU at SAC ($54): The Rockets will once again be without Russell Westbrook (quad), who also missed their last game Thursday against the Lakers. Harden helped pick up the slack in that contest by scoring 39 points to go along with eight rebounds, 12 assists, three steals and one block. His usage rate should be off the charts when you also consider Eric Gordon (ankle) is likely to be out again.
Garrett Temple, BKN at LAC ($14): The Nets have clinched a playoff spot, so they are likely going to rest Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris for this contest. A couple of popular picks in DFS might be Tyler Johnson ($10) and Chris Chiozza ($10), so consider Temple if you're looking to differentiate your entry in tournament play. When LeVert, Harris and Allen all sat out last week against the Bucks, Temple scored 37 Yahoo points across 27 minutes.
Guard to Avoid
Markelle Fultz, ORL at BOS ($17): Fultz hasn't been playing much since the season resumed, logging 23 minutes or fewer in all five games. That limited time on the floor resulted in him scoring no more than 23.3 Yahoo points in each of those contests. This represents a tough assignment against a Celtics' team with the fourth-best defensive rating, so keeping Fultz out of your entry could prove to be a wise decision.
FORWARDS
Tobias Harris, PHI at POR ($31): The Sixers are now faced with the very real possibility they have lost Ben Simmons (knee) for the rest of the season. They don't boast great depth, so they are going to require even more production from their starters, including Harris. He scored 45 Yahoo points across 40 minutes against the Magic on Friday with Simmons out and could once again be set up to thrive considering the Blazers enter with the fourth-worst defensive rating.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, BKN at LAC ($11): Like Temple, Luwawu-Cabarrot took on an expanded role the last time LeVert, Harris and Allen were out. He logged 31 minutes against the Bucks, scoring 26 points on his way to 31.3 Yahoo points. At this cheap salary, he could be well worth the risk against a Clippers' side who could also be shorthanded since this is their second game of a back-to-back set.
Forward to Avoid
Nemanja Bjelica, SAC vs. HOU ($16): The Kings have played five times in Orlando and Bjelica logged at least 30 minutes in two of those contests. He came through both games with flying colors, scoring 27.5 and 34.1 Yahoo points respectively. However, Bjelica saw 20 minutes or fewer in each of the other three games and twice scored lower than 20 Yahoo points. Playing time might be difficult to come by against the Rockets and their frequent use of small lineups, making Bjelica a risky option.
CENTERS
Jusuf Nurkic, POR vs. PHI ($39): There has been no stopping Nurkic, who has scored at least 42.1 Yahoo points in each of the Blazers' five games inside the bubble. Not only can he contribute plenty of points and rebounds, but he's also averaged 5.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.4 blocks during that stretch. The only reason to pause is that the Blazers did play Saturday, so there is a chance Nurkic rests here. If he does sit, then Hassan Whiteside ($18) would be someone to consider if he's able to return from his hip injury.
Ivica Zubac, LAC vs. BKN ($14): With Montrezl Harrell (personal) out, Zubac has averaged 24 minutes across the last three games. This represents a significant jump from his season average of 18 minutes a night. Zubac has made the most of his added playing time, averaging 15 points, 12 rebounds and a block during that three-game stretch. Add in the Nets rolling with their backups here and he could provide excellent value.
Center to Avoid
Daniel Theis, BOS vs. ORL ($18): Given all of the weapons around him, Theis doesn't receive many scoring opportunities for the Celtics. He also has only averaged 24 minutes a game this season, which even further limits his upside. Zubac offers a better matchup and his salary is four dollars cheaper, making it difficult to justify selecting Theis.
