This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Tuesday could be an ugly night in the NBA. There are seven games on the schedule, only one of which consists of two teams with winning records. Let's try to add a little more excitement to the evening with a winning entry on Yahoo. Here are some players to target and avoid while you work your way through the options.
GUARDS
Ben Simmons, PHI vs. CLE ($43): The Sixers have decided to rest Jimmy Butler for this game, which should provide a boost in production for the other stars on the Sixers. This is certainly a great matchup for them since the Cavaliers allow the ninth-most points per game despite playing at the second-slowest pace (97.3 possessions per game) in the league. There is the potential for a blowout here, but Simmons could still provide an excellent all-around stat line.
Frank Jackson, NO vs. MIL ($11): The Pelicans don't have much depth in their backcourt with Jrue Holiday (abdomen) and E'Twaun Moore (quadriceps) out. Jackson has logged at least 33 minutes in both of the last two games with them sidelined, scoring 25.2 and 32.2 Yahoo points, respectively. At near the minimum price, Jackson could provide significant value in this matchup between two teams inside the top-six in the league in pace of play.
Guard to Avoid
Dennis Smith Jr., NY at IND ($24): It's been a bit of a bumpy ride for Smith lately with him scoring 26.4 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last seven games. Most of his contributions come from points and assists, which could be troublesome for this matchup. The Pacers allow the second-fewest points per game (104) and the 12th-fewest assists per game (24.1) in the league. Since he's not that cheap, deploying Smith comes with plenty of risk.
FORWARDS
Otto Porter Jr., CHI vs. LAL ($27): Just when it looked like the Bulls were going to finish the season on a high note, Zach LaVine suffered a knee injury. He sat out their last game against the Pistons and is listed as doubtful for Tuesday. The Bulls have nothing left to play for, so there is no chance that they rush him back too soon. That should leave added scoring opportunities for Porter, who already has a 21.5 percent usage rate since joining the team. It also helps his scoring upside that the Lakers play at the fourth-fastest pace (103.7).
Taj Gibson, MIN at DEN ($19): It looks like Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) has avoided a significant injury. That comes as a huge relief for the Timberwolves, who still sat him Sunday against the Knicks. He's listed as questionable for this matchup and if there is any concern at all with his injury, don't expect him to play. Gibson scored 45.1 Yahoo points in that game against the Knicks and would once again be a great option if Towns is sidelined.
Forward to Avoid
Tim Hardaway Jr., DAL vs. SA ($17): The trade to the Mavericks has not been good for Hardaway. He's logging four less minutes a game and has seen his usage rate decrease from 25.7 percent to 24.1 percent. Considering he doesn't contribute much in other categories, the decline in both of those areas is huge. With the Spurs playing at the ninth-slowest pace (99.3), it's hard to envision this being a breakout game for Hardaway.
CENTERS
Jusuf Nurkic, POR at LAC ($29): Nurkic only scored 27.3 Yahoo points in his last game against the Suns, but he was only needed to play 22 minutes. That's not a bad night considering his limited playing time. This figures to be a much more competitive contest against a Clippers team that has worked its way up to the sixth seed in the Western Conference and is only two games behind the Blazers. They also allow the most Yahoo points per game (47.9) to opposing centers, which makes Nurkic stand out at this reasonable price.
Ante Zizic, CLE at PHI ($10): After pulling out a shocking win against the Raptors on Monday, the Cavaliers will rest Kevin Love for this matchup against the Sixers. With Larry Nance Jr. (chest) and Tristan Thompson (foot) still battling injuries, Zizic could be one of lone options that they have left up front. He scored 22.4 Yahoo points with Nance and Thompson out Monday and is someone to target in tournament play.
Center to Avoid
DeAndre Jordan, NY at IND ($20): The Knicks continue to be one of the most frustrating teams to project. Jordan had a couple of productive games after returning from an ankle injury, but played only 15 minutes and scored 14 Yahoo points Sunday against the Timberwolves. He's just too inconsistent to warrant his price tag, especially against the Pacers and their tough defense.
