This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
This slate was made for the early-birds. Only five games today, with the first three starting at 1:00 p.m. EST. You obviously know why that's the case, but the early basketball slate is a nice surprise before that other big game. There's still a lot to talk about, so let's go ahead and get into it!
Guards
LaMelo Ball, CHA vs. WAS ($33)
Rookies don't find themselves in my articles too often, but this kid is incredible. Over his last five games, Ball is averaging 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.8 steals. Most veterans strive for averages like those, and Ball's role might only increase with Devonte' Graham now sidelined. That production and responsibility increase would be enough reason to use him, but this matchup is the icing on the cake as Washington currently plays at the fastest pace in the NBA while ranked 29th in defensive efficiency.
Jeremy Lamb, IND vs. UTA ($17)
It's strange that Lamb remains so cheap. The former UConn standout has been fantastic since returning from injury by scoring at least 27 Yahoo points in six of his nine games following his debut. He's been even better recently by reaching that same total in four of his last five. That's really all you can ask for from a $17 player, and the wing positions are actually one spot you can exploit this stingy Jazz defense.
Guard to Avoid
Buddy Hield, SAC at LAC ($22)
Hield is the sort of guy who can go off on any given night, but he's also someone who can dud out if his shot's not falling. While it's hard to predict when a player will shoot well, it's easy to evaluate a matchup. This is one we don't to mess with because Hield will have to match up with either Kawhi Leonard or Paul George for most of the night. That has not been kind to him in the past, as he's only averaging 19 Yahoo points per game on 34 percent shooting in his last three meetings with the Clippers. Hield also struggled mightily on Saturday by going 0-of-9 from three-point range and 1-of-11 from the field.
Forwards
Kawhi Leonard, LAC vs. SAC ($43)
Kawhi is probably the best bet for 50 Yahoo points of any player on this slate. We say that because he's reached that total in 11 of his 20 games this season with an average of 47 fantasy points. What makes him really enticing here is the matchup with the Kings maintaining the NBA's worst defensive efficiency rating. That was on full display in their last meeting with Leonard collecting 32 points, three rebounds, five assists and six steals in one of the season's best performances. If Paul George happens to miss another game here, Kawhi is impossible to fade.
Bojan Bogdanovic, UTA at IND ($19)
After a slow start to the season, Bojan has really found his stroke recently. The sharpshooter has now scored at least 28 Yahoo points in five straight games, averaging 35 fantasy points during that span. That makes it hard to believe he's only $19 and it's about time Yahoo got him closer to $25. The matchup against Indiana isn't as tough as it sounds with the Pacers ranked 18th in total defense. They've been even worse of late, and it'd be hard to imagine them slowing down Bogdanovic's hot run.
Forward to Avoid
RJ Barrett, NYK vs. MIA ($24)
Barrett is a volume scorer, but is tough to trust if his shots aren't falling. We say that because he's averaging 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.6 steals and no blocks over his last eight games. That means if Barrett doesn't drop at least 20, he won't provide the fantasy production you need from someone this expensive. Playing against Miami makes that proposition even more difficult, with the Heat ranked seventh in field goal percentage defense. If he has a date with Jimmy Butler lined up, Barrett could be in for a long night.
Centers
Myles Turner, IND vs. UTA ($27)
Yahoo tends to keep their centers cheaper than they should be, which is certainly the case with Turner. He's been a beast all season long by averaging 37 Yahoo points. That's a monster total from a $27 player, and this matchup can be beneficial to Turner's value. We say that because Indiana needs someone to match up with Rudy Gobert and Turner is the only guy on the roster who can do that. This means he should be a lock for 30-35 minutes, and that's been one of the only things that has held back Turner in the past.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. WAS ($21)
Zeller has been a pleasant surprise for the Hornets this season, and his role is likely to increase with PJ Washington sidelined. Even with him in the lineup, Zeller has scored at least 20 Yahoo points in eight straight while averaging 32 fantasy points per game over his last six outings. That's an absurd total from a $21 player, and it seems likely he'll continue that against the fastest-paced team in the NBA. The Wizards also happen to be terrible against centers and have surrendered the third-most fantasy points to them this season.
Center to Avoid
Richaun Holmes, SAC at LAC ($21)
With Hassan Whiteside establishing a bigger role in this rotation, Holmes has seen his numbers fall off. That's really evident when you see Holmes has scored 17 or fewer fantasy points in three of his last five games. That's a nightmare from a $22 player with so much value on this slate and that poor stretch seems likely to continue in this matchup. We say that because the Clippers rank fourth in total defense while surrendering the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing centers. And Holmes hasn't surpassed 24 Yahoo points in either of their two meetings this season.
