This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There won't be a lot of action to speak of Tuesday in the NBA with only four games on the schedule. The slate also gets a late start at 8 PM EST, so we have a little more time to get our lineups in. Let's dive into the matchups and discuss some players to target, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC vs. PHO ($22): Prior to De'Aaron Fox (ankle) being injured, Bogdanovic was averaging only 25 minutes a game. Over the three games that Fox has missed, he's averaged 33 minutes. The results of his expanded role? Three straight games with at least 32.1 Yahoo points. His playing time isn't going to decrease anytime soon, making him a great option at this reasonable price.
J.J. Redick, NO vs. POR ($12): The Pelicans limp into this matchup with an injury list that is so long that it looks like a CVS receipt. Josh Hart (knee) has already been ruled out while Lonzo Ball (hip) is questionable and Frank Jackson (neck) is a game-time decision. With all three of those players out Sunday against the Warriors, Redick scored 26 points across 36 minutes. If all three players are out again Tuesday, Redick could provide plenty of value when you consider the added playing time and the fact that the Pelicans play at the fourth-fastest pace in the league.
Guard to Avoid
Rajon Rondo, LAL vs. OKC ($20): Rondo's price is coming down, but it's still not low enough. He did get up to 24 minutes in the Lakers' last game against the Hawks, but he scored only 22.9 Yahoo points. With the expectation that he will have a limited role off the bench even when he is healthy, no need to take a chance on him here.
FORWARDS
LeBron James, LAL vs. OKC ($51): Of the high-priced players on this slate, James is arguably the most appealing. He's averaging 53.3 Yahoo points per game for the season as part of a two-headed monster that the Lakers have formed with him and Anthony Davis. Not only does James have a 30.4 percent usage rate, but he's averaging 11.2 assists per game. That's a deadly combination.
Rodney Hood, POR at NO ($10): If the Blazers are going to dig out from their 5-8 record, they are going to need some support for Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Hassan Whiteside has been a productive third-wheel so far, but getting added help from Hood would be huge. Entering Monday's matchup with the Rockets, he had scored at least 16 points in back-to-back games, including hitting seven three-pointers during that stretch. However, he scored only five points against the Rockets despite playing 32 minutes. With the Pelicans playing at such a fast pace, Hood could have another strong scoring effort, making him worth a look in tournament play despite his inconsistency.
Forward to Avoid
Draymond Green, GS at MEM ($27): Green has struggled with so little talent around him, leaving him to score fewer than 30 Yahoo points in seven of the nine games that he's played. Despite all of their injuries, he still has just a 15.7 percent usage rate. With his limited upside, it's difficult to justify his price tag.
CENTERS
Aron Baynes, PHO at SAC ($17): Baynes bounced back from a poor showing against the Hawks on Thursday to score 25.7 Yahoo points Monday against the Celtics. He's scored fewer than that many Yahoo points only one time since taking over the starting center job for Deandre Ayton (suspension). Despite not logging a ton of minutes on a nightly basis, Baynes still receives enough playing time to be a viable option who won't destroy your budget.
Jaxson Hayes, NO vs. POR ($11): The Pelicans' injuries aren't just limited to their backcourt. Derrick Favors (back) has been ruled out and Jahlil Okafor (ankle) is considered doubtful, which is going to leave Hayes to log the lion's share of the minutes at the five. He played well in that role Sunday, scoring 10 points to go along with 10 rebounds, three blocks and one steal. At this cheap price, expect him to be included in a lot of entries.
Center to Avoid
Dwight Howard, LAL vs. OKC ($16): Through 13 games, the Lakers taking a chance on Howard has proven to be a wise move. He's become an important part of their second unit, but that doesn't mean that he has significant fantasy value. He's only averaging 21 minutes a night, which is one of the main reasons why he's scored 24.3 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last seven games.
