This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Tuesday brings a packed nine-game slate in the NBA that leaves us with plenty of options to wade through in DFS. Here are some players to consider at various salary points, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
James Harden, BKN vs. SAC ($52): For the fifth straight game, the Nets will be playing without Kevin Durant (hamstring). Harden scored at least 53.5 Yahoo points in each of the previous four games that Durant was sidelined and even scored at least 61.6 Yahoo points three times during that stretch. Add in this matchup against a Kings team that has the worst defensive rating in the league and Harden is as appealing as it gets.
Saben Lee, DET at ORL ($12): The point guard situation for the Pistons is ugly right now. They traded away Derrick Rose and then lost Delon Wright (groin) to injury. Dennis Smith Jr. started in place of Wright on Sunday, but only played 15 minutes. Lee actually led the charge at the position, scoring 32.3 Yahoo points across 33 minutes. At such a cheap salary, he could be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Derrick Rose, NY vs. GS ($14): Rose has gone cold from the field, shooting 5-for-27 (18.5 percent) across the last three games. He's only averaging 21 minutes per game since being acquired by the Knicks, so if he's struggling with his efficiency, that doesn't leave him with many opportunities to provide value. Playing a Warriors team that has the fifth-best defensive rating it's exactly favorable for him to get back on track.
FORWARDS
Jayson Tatum, BOS at DAL ($42): It's not difficult to make an argument for deploying Tatum on any given night. He has a career-high 31 percent usage rate, so his offensive floor is extremely high. He also provides plenty of production in other areas, averaging 7.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals. Look for him to keep things rolling against the Mavericks, who have the sixth-worst defensive rating.
Cedi Osman, CLE vs. ATL ($16): With the Cavaliers decimated by injuries in their front court, Osman has started each of the last three games. He made the most of his opportunities, scoring at least 27.2 Yahoo points in each contest. Osman generally has performed well when given added playing time, averaging 15.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals across 11 games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes. He should at least approach that minutes threshold in this contest.
Forward to Avoid
Carmelo Anthony, POR at DEN ($17): Anthony can still fill up the scoring column, but his lack of contributions in other areas significantly limit his upside. He's only averaging 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists for the season, which is partly to blame for him scoring 24.3 Yahoo points or fewer in each of his last five games. It might be better to role with Osman, who has a higher all-around upside, and even has a cheaper salary.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. DET ($49): The Pistons probably aren't too happy about having to face Vucevic again. He torched them Sunday, recording 37 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. With the Magic dealing with multiple injuries, Vucevic has produced staggering averages of 27.9 points. 13.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists over his last nine games. Look for him to continue to continue to fire away at will in this contest, while also racking up plenty of rebounds.
Jarrett Allen, CLE vs. ATL ($30): Allen has started each of the last four games with the Cavaliers benching Andre Drummond while they try to trade him. He recorded a double-double in each contest, averaging 18.5 points. 12.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. If you can't squeeze Vucevic's hefty salary into your budget, Allen is an extremely appealing mid-tier option.
Center to Avoid
Serge Ibaka, LAC vs. WAS ($18): After averaging at least 15 points per game in both of the last two seasons with the Raptors, Ibaka has scored fewer than 10 points in six of his last nine games with the Clippers. His usage rate is down to 20.5 percent with his new squad and he's played 22 minutes or fewer in nine of the last 11 games. Even though the Wizards are a bad defensive team, it still might be best to stay away from Ibaka given his current role.
