This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We've got a fairly light schedule in the NBA with only four games Tuesday. However, with the Raptors, Blazers and Wizards all in action, there is still plenty of high-end options to choose from in DFS. Let's examine some players to target and avoid as you create your Yahoo lineup.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR at NY ($41): It's incredibly early, but the Blazers are currently tied for the best record in the Western Conference. Lillard continues to lead the team with his 30.3 percent usage rate, which would be his fourth straight season with a usage rate of at least 30 percent. Not only does his usage rate leave him with a high floor, but it has also enabled him to score at least 56.7 Yahoo points in a game four times this season, two of which have come across his last three games. There's no discount here, but Lillard is still one of the top options at any position for the evening.
Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. BKN ($13): The Heat will be thin at point guard for this contest with Goran Dragic (knee) set to be sidelined again. He did didn't take the floor Sunday against the Lakers, which enabled Johnson to score 29.7 Yahoo points across 35 minutes. In fact, Johnson has now scored at least 21 Yahoo points in seven straight games. Even if he comes off the bench again Tuesday, expect Johnson to receive significant play time, leaving him with plenty of upside at this price.
Guard to Avoid
Terrence Ross, ORL vs. TOR ($15): Ross stepped up when Jonathan Isaac missed six games earlier this month, scoring at least 22.8 Yahoo points in five of those contests. However, with Isaac back in the fold, Ross has scored 18.3 Yahoo points or fewer in back-to-back contests. Add in the fact that Ross will be facing a Raptors team that has allowed the eighth-fewest points per game (108.4) in the league and this doesn't project as a favorable spot to put him into your lineup.
FORWARDS
Tobias Harris, LAC at WAS ($30): Harris has a 23 percent usage rate and is shooting 51.4 percent from the field, which has helped him average a career-high 20.9 points per game. Don't count on him for many defensive stats, but he's still been able to score at least 32.4 Yahoo points in each of his last nine games because of his scoring and work on the glass. Both the Clippers and the Wizards are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, leaving Harris with an opportunity to thrive in this contest.
Jeff Green, WAS vs. LAC ($10): The Wizards could be shorthanded up front for this game with the status of Dwight Howard (back) in doubt. Howard missed the second half of Sunday's game against the Blazers and wasn't able to practice Monday. Should he been unable to play, Green has the potential for added playing time. Even though the Wizards have been a disaster, Green has been playing well lately with at least 20.6 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. At the minimum price, he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
James Johnson, MIA vs. BKN ($18): Johnson finally made his season debut for the Heat on Sunday against the Lakers, scoring 11 Yahoo points across 15 minutes. Coach Erik Spoelstra has already stated they plan to ease Johnson back onto the floor, so don't be surprised if he sees limited playing time Tuesday, as well. With so little upside, it doesn't make a lot of sense to spend this much money to get Johnson into your entry.
CENTERS
Hassan Whiteside, MIA vs. BKN ($36): Whiteside only logged 22 minutes against the Nets in their first meeting this season, but he still posted a double-double and scored 37 Yahoo points. The Nets have allowed the fifth-most Yahoo points per game (52.4) to opposing centers, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that Whiteside thrived despite limited playing time. If he can get closer to his season average of 28 minutes a game during their rematch, he could be in line for a monster performance.
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at WAS ($25): Harrell has to be one of the better pleasant surprises in the early going. The departure of DeAndre Jordan and the struggles of Marcin Gortat have finally opened up adding playing time for him and he has yet to disappoint. He still hasn't started a game this year, but he's scored at least 32.5 Yahoo points in six straight games. Considering the pace at which this game will likely be played, Harrell is a great option despite not being overly cheap.
Center to Avoid
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at ORL ($18): It's pretty impressive that Valanciunas has been able average 12.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and one block across just 19 minutes a game this year. The Raptors continue to base his playing time on matchups and this might not be a great one for him with Nikola Vucevic's ability to shoot from behind the arc. After scoring 19.5 Yahoo points in three of his last four games, this might not be the time to invest in Valanciunas.
