This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Even though there are eight games in the NBA on Tuesday, there aren't a lot of overly exciting matchups. Luckily, we have DFS to add some juice to the evening. Here are some players to target and avoid to hopefully end the night with a winning entry on Yahoo.
GUARDS
Bradley Beal, WAS at PHI ($40): Beal has attempted at least 20 shots in five of his last six games, which has helped boost his usage rate up to 27.6 percent for the season. He's helped facilitate the offense, as well, dishing out at least five assists in eight of his last nine contests. The team is his with John Wall (heel) out, so don't expect Beal to slow down in either department anytime soon.
T.J. McConnell, PHI vs. WAS ($10): McConnell might not be flashy, but he's scored at least 20.1 Yahoo points in seven straight games. He logged at least 27 minutes in five of those contests, which is a significant boost from his season average of 21 minutes a night. The Sixers don't have much depth, so expect McConnell to see extended playing time moving forward. That brings him into the DFS discussion again Tuesday since both the Wizards and the Sixers are both in the top-nine in the league in pace of play.
Guard to Avoid
Trae Young, ATL at TOR ($21): Young is shooting just 39.3 percent from the field during his rookie campaign, including a very disappointing 29.3 percent from behind the arc. He has chipped in 7.4 assists per game, but his lack of rebounding and defensive stats can limit his upside. It's hard to get excited about his prospects Tuesday considering how well the Raptors play defensively. The last time these two teams met, the Raptors held Young to 16.7 Yahoo points.
FORWARDS
T.J. Warren, PHO vs. SAC ($25): The Suns could be shorthanded with Devin Booker (back) questionable to play. Warren stepped up after Booker had to leave Sunday's game against the Hornets, scoring 44.5 Yahoo points across 37 minutes. Even if Booker is able to take the floor, Warren is still one of the focal points of the Suns' offense with his 23.4 percent usage rate. The Kings also play at the second-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game) in the league, further adding to Warren's upside.
Noah Vonleh, NY at GS ($21): The Knicks might be the hardest team to predict this season in terms of their rotations. One of the few players who has received consistent playing time is Vonleh, who has logged at least 29 minutes in six of his last eight games. He's been productive even in limited playing time, also, scoring at least 28.3 Yahoo points in all eight of those contests. This could be an ugly loss for the Knicks, but Vonleh is still an appealing option.
Forward to Avoid
Mason Plumlee, DEN at MIA ($17): Plumlee has proven to be a vital player for the Nuggets this year, especially with all of the injuries that they have suffered. However, with Paul Millsap and Gary Harris back now, Plumlee is in line for a reduced role. In fact, after starting 11 straight games, Plumlee came off of the bench Monday against the Rockets. He only scored 15.1 Yahoo points across 15 minutes, so it might be best to keep him out of your lineup.
CENTERS
Deandre Ayton, PHO vs. SAC ($29): Ayton has provided steady production, scoring at least 32.9 Yahoo points in 11 of his last 12 games. He's showed plenty of upside, as well, scoring at least 45.6 Yahoo points four times during that stretch. The Kings have allowed the ninth-most Yahoo points per game (49.3) to opposing centers, setting Ayton up with an excellent opportunity to thrive.
Willy Hernangomez, CHA at LAC ($13): The Hornets are still searching for answers at center since Cody Zeller (hand) went down. Hernangomez started the first game after Zeller's injury, but Bismack Biyombo has started the last two contests. It's a bit frustrating from a DFS perspective, but Hernangomez has shown he can be productive when given extended run. In their last game Sunday against the Suns, Hernangomez scored 35.8 Yahoo points across a season-high 24 minutes. The Clippers allow the fourth-most Yahoo points per game (51.6) to opposing centers, so it might be worth taking a chance on Hernangomez receiving added minutes again Tuesday.
Center to Avoid
Larry Nance Jr., CLE vs. IND ($20): The Cavaliers have been bad for most of this season, but it's been really ugly lately with them losing each of their last three games by at least 25 points. They didn't exactly play elite teams, either, with those losses coming against the Heat, Jazz and Pelicans. That doesn't bode well for their chances against the Pacers. It's hard to read too much into individual stats in such lopsided games, but Nance score 30 Yahoo points or fewer in each of those contests. What is important to note is that with Tristan Thompson back from injury, the Cavaliers aren't as reliant on Nance playing extended minutes. He's too risky at this price with so many other quality options for the night.
