This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Tuesday brings a light slate in the NBA with only four games on the docket. We do have a great matchup between the Nuggets and Sixers, but we have plenty of bad teams in action, as well, with the Knicks, Hawks, Wizards and Hornets all set to take the floor. Let's discuss which players might shine based on their matchups, as well as a few who might be best to avoid.
GUARDS
Devonte' Graham, CHA vs. WAS ($32): This game between the Hornets and Wizards is one to attack. These are two of the worst defensive teams in the league and the Wizards have played at the second-fastest pace. The last time they met, they combined to score 243 points. Graham was excellent in that contest with 41.7 Yahoo points and has scored at least 33.2 Yahoo points in seven straight games, making him one of the best options on the Hornets to target.
Tyler Herro, MIA vs. ATL ($16): The Heat will be shorthanded for this game with Goran Dragic (groin) and Justise Winslow (back) already ruled out. They were both out the previous two games, as well, which enabled Herro to log at least 32 minutes in both contests. He didn't let his added playing time go to waste, scoring 38.4 and 39.7 Yahoo points, respectively. With the Hawks allowing the fourth-most points per game, this is a great spot to deploy Herro at such a reasonable price.
Guard to Avoid
Gary Harris, DEN at PHI ($14): Considering Herro is only priced two dollars more, this is an easy pass for me with Harris. Playing time isn't a problem, but his lack of shot attempts has contributed to him scoring 21.8 Yahoo points or fewer in nine of his last 10 games. These are also two of the best defensive teams in the league, so it could be a low scoring contest, in general.
FORWARDS
Davis Bertans, WAS at CHA ($21): With Thomas Bryant (foot) out, there will be no shortage of playing time for Bertans moving forward. He's emerged as one of the most productive members of the Wizards, scoring at least 34.3 Yahoo points in four of his last five games. Add in the likelihood that this will be a high scoring game and Bertans makes a ton of sense at this price.
Troy Brown, WAS at CHA ($12): Brown had arguably his best game of the season against the Clippers on Sunday, scoring 22 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists and two steals. The key was that he played 35 minutes. With Isaiah Thomas (calf), Jordan McRae (finger) and C.J. Miles (wrist) all out, Brown could once again be in line for significant playing time, potentially making him one of the best bargains of the night.
Forward to Avoid
Al Horford, PHI vs. DEN ($31): Horford has been consistent, scoring at least 30.5 Yahoo points in seven of his last nine games. However, his upside isn't all that high considering he topped 40 Yahoo points only one time during that stretch. The Nuggets have allowed the sixth-fewest Yahoo points per game to opposing power forwards, so it might be best to allocate your funds elsewhere.
CENTERS
Hassan Whiteside, POR vs. NY ($32): The move to Portland has rejuvenated Whiteside, who is averaging 15.3 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks a game. The Blazers have very little depth behind him, which has helped Whiteside average 28 minutes a contest, which is up from 23 minutes a night with the Heat last season. He'll be needed to play a lot here considering all of the depth that the Knicks have up front, making him one of the safer center options on the slate.
Mitchell Robinson, NY at POR ($17): Even with David Fizdale no longer the Knicks' head coach, Robinson couldn't crack the starting five against the Pacers on Saturday. However, he did log 25 minutes, scoring 37.9 Yahoo points in the process. That now make three straight games with at least 34.3 Yahoo points. While a move to the starting five would certainly be welcomed, Robinson still has the potential to provide value at this price, even in a bench role.
Center to Avoid
Alex Len, ATL at MIA ($12): Don't look now, but Len has scored 39.9 and 32.5 Yahoo points, respectively, across his last two games. However, don't get overly excited. He didn't log more that 19 minutes in either of those contests and had great matchups against two defensively-challenged teams in the Nets and Hornets. Facing a Heat team that has allowed the second-fewest Yahoo points per game to opposing centers will likely put an end to Len's hot streak.
