This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
After a wild Monday night that saw a ton of games and several star players sit due to injury, Tuesday brings just three games in the NBA. There are still a couple of great matchups, though, with the Rockets taking on the Blazers and the Clippers facing the Raptors. We also have another exciting night of Yahoo DFS, so here are some players to target and avoid for your entry.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR at HOU ($48): Lillard is cruising right now with at least 45 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. He's continued to be a potent offensive threat, but he's also dished out at least eight assists in four of his last five contests. Add in his career-high 5.2 rebounds per game and Lillard has one of the highest floors among guards for a slate thin on options.
De'Anthony Melton, PHO at SA ($10):T.J. Warren returned for the Suns on Monday, but Devin Booker (hamstring) remained sidelined. They originally turned to Elie Okobo to start at point guard when Booker went down, but Melton has out played him to the point where he has replaced him in the starting five. With at least 20.6 Yahoo points in each of the four games that Booker has missed, Melton has some appeal in tournament play at the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
DeMar DeRozan, SA vs. PHO ($39): This is more about a matchup concern for DeRozan than anything else. The Suns were surprisingly able to keep their game close against the Clippers on Monday, but they've been hammered lately without Booker. Having to play on the road for the second night of a back-to-back set might lead to another blowout. If that's the case, DeRozan could receive limited playing time. Considering his price tag, adding him to your lineup might come with some risk.
FORWARDS
Kawhi Leonard, TOR at LAC ($46): The Raptors have lost three of their last four games, but Leonard continues to be a steady source for production. He's scored at least 44.5 Yahoo points eight of his last nine games and is averaging a career-high 26.1 points per game. The Clippers play at the ninth-fastest pace (102.4 possessions per game) in the league, which could afford Leonard with even more opportunities to stuff the stat sheet Tuesday.
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at HOU ($15): Despite his career-low 12.5 percent usage rate, Aminu has remained a relevant option in DFS. He's been terrific on the boards with 8.1 rebounds per game and continues to play plenty of minutes. With at least 31.9 Yahoo points in four of his last five games, Aminu could be in line for another productive outing against a Rockets team that likes to use a lot of small lineups.
Forward to Avoid
Rudy Gay, SA vs. PHO ($22): Gay's production has been all over the place lately. He's scored at least 45.4 Yahoo points in two of his last three games, but he's scored 26.2 Yahoo points or fewer in seven of his last nine contests. He even had one game during that stretch where he scored 3.7 Yahoo points. Like with Leonard, the potential blowout factor for this game makes Gay a risky option.
CENTERS
Serge Ibaka, TOR at LAC ($21): Ibaka isn't exactly on fire right now with 26.3 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last eight games. However, he's had some tough matchups during that stretch, including games against excellent defensive teams in the Grizzlies and Nuggets. The Clippers aren't nearly as tough of a defensive opponent and allow the fourth-most Yahoo points per game (52.4) to opposing centers, making Ibaka a viable option at this reasonable price.
Richaun Holmes, PHO at SA ($10): Holmes entered Monday's game against the Clippers coming off of a couple of quiet performances, which helped return him to the minimum price for Tuesday. However, he broke out of his funk in a big way with 40.4 Yahoo points. Even though he has Deandre Ayton in front of him, Holmes has a secure role now with Tyson Chandler no longer on the team. On a night with so few options, Holmes is someone to consider if you want to save money at center.
Center to Avoid
Clint Capela, HOU vs. POR ($37): It's not often that Capela is the highest priced center on any given night, but that's the case Tuesday. While James Harden and Chris Paul might grab all the headlines in Houston, Capela is almost as important to their success. This is not a great matchup against the Blazers, though, who allow the eighth-fewest Yahoo points per game (43.7) to opposing centers. His role on the team leaves him with a relatively high floor, but the potential for limited upside Tuesday might make it wise to spend your money elsewhere.
