This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
With injuries continuing to pile up at an alarming rate, teams are going to need some of their secondary players to step up to fill the void. Among the 16 teams that will be in action Tuesday are several who are missing key parts of their rotations. That could lead to some value opportunities on Yahoo, so let's discuss which players to target, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Donovan Mitchell, UTA vs. BKN ($34): Mitchell provided another excellent all-around stat line against the Warriors on Monday, scoring 23 points to go along with eight rebounds and six assists. He's now scored at least 37 Yahoo points in five of his last six games, which has been aided by his 30.9 percent usage rate. The Nets have allowed the second-most points per game (121.7) in the league, leaving Mitchell with a high floor for this matchup.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC vs. POR ($16): As if things weren't bad enough for the Kings with Marvin Bagley III (finger) out, now they've lost De'Aaron Fox (ankle) for at least the next three weeks. Cory Joseph will likely step into Fox's starting point guard job and should be a popular option for this slate. However, Bogdanovic could also receive added playing time and he has a much higher ceiling than Joseph does. He's already scored at least 31.9 Yahoo points in back-to-back game, so don't be afraid to fade Joseph and roll with Bogdanovic instead.
Guard to Avoid
Gary Harris, DEN vs. ATL ($17): The Nuggets entered the season with one of the deepest rosters in the league and are have remained healthy for the most part. While Harris is starting and averaging 31 minutes a game, he only has a 16.6 percent usage rate. That likely won't increase dramatically anytime soon, either, given the wealth of talent around him. With him having scored 26.2 Yahoo points or fewer in five straight games, there just isn't enough upside here to warrant adding him to your entry.
FORWARDS
Domantas Sabonis, IND vs. OKC ($39): The Pacers are yet another team dealing with some key injuries. They are particularly thin up front with Myles Turner (ankle) and Goga Bitadze (concussion) set to sit out once again. They both missed the Pacers' previous two games, which left Sabonis to score 44.8 and 54.7 Yahoo points, respectively. There should be no shortage of scoring opportunities and minutes for him in this contest, leaving him as a very appealing option.
Chandler Hutchison, CHI vs. NY ($11): Hutchison stepped into a starting role for the first time this season when the Bulls played the Rockets on Saturday. He did so because Otto Porter Jr. (foot) was unable to take the floor. While he didn't put up eye-popping numbers, Hutchison did score 28.8 Yahoo points across 23 minutes. Porter has been rule out for this contest, as well, possibly making Hutchison worth taking a chance on since he's only a dollar above the minimum price.
Forward to Avoid
Taurean Prince, BKN at UTA ($18): Prince has shown flashes of being extremely productive, scoring at least 40.2 Yahoo points in a game three times this season. However, he's also scored 23.7 Yahoo points or fewer six times. It should be noted that his three strong stat lines came in games against the Timberwolves, Rockets and Pelicans. It's probably not a coincidence that each of those teams ranks inside the top-four in the league in pace of play. The other team inside the top four is actually the Nets. The Jazz play at the fourth-slowest pace and have allowed the fewest points per game, so this might not be one of Prince's finer performances.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. CLE ($46): The Sixers have decided to give Al Horford the night off to rest, which will leave them shorthanded against the Cavaliers. Ben Simmons (shoulder) is also questionable, so Horford might not be their only star who is sidelined. This is setting up for Embiid to not only shoulder the bulk of the offensive load but also to be their main man on the boards. While pricey, his floor is also extremely high.
Bobby Portis, NY at CHI ($15): The last time we saw Portis face his former team, he destroyed the Bulls for 28 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes. In four games against the Bulls during his career, he's averaged 18.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 blocks. While playing the revenge game narrative is not always a wise move, it helps in this scenario that the Bulls have been one of the worst defensive teams in the league and have been worked over on the boards this season. At this price, Portis could be well worth the risk.
Center to Avoid
Dwight Howard, LAL at PHO ($17): With so many other viable options for an eight-game slate, taking a chance on Howard seems unnecessary. He hasn't played more than 27 minutes a game this season and has actually played fewer than 20 minutes five times. To complicate matters, the Suns have allowed the ninth-fewest Yahoo points per game to opposing centers.
