This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
As far as ugly nights go, Tuesday's six-game slate in the NBA is right up there. None of the games feature two teams with winning records. If fact, only three of the 12 teams that will be in action having a winning record this season. As unappealing as these matchups might be, there is still the opportunity to win some cash on Yahoo, so let's highlight some players at each position to target, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Devin Booker, PHO vs. SAC ($36): There has been no slowing down Booker lately, who has scored at least 41.6 Yahoo points in six straight games. He's done so on the strength of his scoring efforts, averaging 34.8 points during that stretch. He just torched the Kings for 53.6 Yahoo points less than two weeks ago, so don't be surprised if he continues his recent run of success in their rematch.
Terence Davis, TOR vs. POR ($10): The Raptors just can't catch a break. Already down several key parts of their rotation, now they have lost Fred VanVleet (hamstring) for this matchup. With so few healthy players at their disposal, expect Davis to receive added playing time. While his numbers aren't off the charts, he has averaged 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists across 11 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes.
Guard to Avoid
RJ Barrett, NY at LAL ($16): Barrett has been all over the place in terms of his production. While he scored 36.2 Yahoo points against the Clippers on Sunday, he has scored 22.8 Yahoo points or fewer in each of his previous four contests. He's heavily reliant on his contributions in the scoring column to provide value, which could be a problem against a Lakers team that has allowed the fifth-fewest points per game in the league.
FORWARDS
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO vs. SAC ($31): Oubre might not be one of the biggest names on the Suns, but he's certainly been one of their most productive players. He's scored at least 35 Yahoo points in five straight games, a stretch that included him hanging 50.7 Yahoo points on these same Kings. Add his heavy playing time with the Suns playing at the ninth-fastest pace in the league and he should once again have a high floor for this matchup.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, TOR vs. POR ($12): The Blazers don't have a lot of size up front outside of Hassan Whiteside, so this feels like an ideal matchup for Hollis-Jefferson, who could be used to defend Carmelo Anthony. Although Hollis-Jefferson hasn't seen his production soar despite the absences of Pascal Siakam (groin) and Marc Gasol (hamstring), he has scored at least 22 Yahoo points in three straight games. At near the minimum price, he's at least worth considering in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Garrett Temple, BKN vs. OKC ($17): Temple hasn't been overly productive despite stepping into an increased role, topping 30 Yahoo points only one time across his last 13 games. To complicate matters, Caris LeVert is expected to play in this contest. Even though LeVert could still be on a minutes limit, expect Temple to see a decrease in playing time, making him a very unappealing option.
CENTERS
Deandre Ayton, PHO vs. SAC ($29): Ayton hasn't skipped a beat since returning from his ankle injury. The Suns played him limited minutes in his first game back, but he's logged at least 32 minutes in each of his last three contests. He cashed in by scoring at least 39.8 Yahoo points in each of those games. The Kings could be significantly compromised up front after Richaun Holmes injured his shoulder Monday, setting up Ayton with another favorable opportunity to thrive.
Steven Adams, OKC at BKN ($24): The Nets were once again victimized at the center spot Monday, allowing 11 points and 24 rebounds to Nikola Vucevic. That should come as no surprise considering they have allowed the sixth-most Yahoo points per game to the position. Adams is already rolling with at least 31.3 Yahoo in three straight games, leaving him with plenty of upside in this contest.
Center to Avoid
DeAndre Jordan, BKN vs. OKC ($18): Jordan has had his moments, but he's mostly been quiet with 28.6 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last six games. This isn't exactly a great matchup with the Thunder having played at the sixth-slowest pace in the league. Since he's not overly cheap, adding Jordan to your entry might not be worth the risk.
