This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It's a quiet Monday in the NBA with only five games on the schedule. There is still some high-end talent available, though, with the Warriors, Celtics and Nuggets among the teams in action. Let's take a look across the price scale and highlight some players to target and avoid while creating your Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
Darren Collison, IND vs. GS ($20): In the Pacers first game since Victor Oladipo (knee) was lost for the season, Collison scored 34.9 Yahoo points across 32 minutes. He was playing well before Oladipo went down and has now scored at least 31.1 Yahoo points in six of his last seven games. Expect him to be more of a focal point in the Pacers' offensive moving forward, leaving him with plenty of upside against a Warriors team that plays at the 10th-fastest pace (101.9 possessions per game) in the league.
Trey Burke, NY at CHA ($12): First the Knicks lost Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder), then Frank Ntilikina went down Sunday with a groin injury. He's not expected to play Monday, which should open up even more playing time for Burke. Across 17 games in which Burke has played at least 20 minutes this season, he's averaging 16.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists. It's tough to have much confidence in deploying anyone on the Knicks with how often they change up their rotations, but Burke might be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. BKN ($21): With Kyrie Irving back on the floor Saturday, Rozier played just 19 minutes and scored 5.6 Yahoo points. Whenever Irving is out, Rozier immediately jumps towards the top of the discussion for cheaper value plays. However, his price is inflated right now after a couple of strong outings when Irving was out. With the Celtics healthy heading into this game, stay away from Rozier.
FORWARDS
Tobias Harris, LAC vs. ATL ($36):Danilo Gallinari (back) is nearing a return, but he is reportedly unlikely to return Monday. If he is indeed sidelined once again, that leaves Harris with even more scoring responsibilities. That could result in a monster stat line considering the Hawks play at the fastest pace (105.2) and allow the most points per game (117.5) in the league. There is some blowout concern here, but Harris still has a high enough floor to warrant considering him for your lineup.
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. GS ($25): Bogdanovic played 36 minutes and scored 21 points with Oladipo on the sidelines Saturday. That's particularly impressive since his performance came against the defensive-minded Grizzlies. Bogdanovic stepped up to average 19.4 points during a stretch earlier this season when Oladipo missed 11 straight games. In an effort to keep up with the high-powered Warriors, look for Bogdanovic to receive all the shots that he can handle.
Forward to Avoid
DeAndre' Bembry, ATL at LAC ($19):Kent Bazemore (ankle) is still sidelined, but the Hawks are healthier than they have been in a while with Kevin Huerter and Taurean Prince back. Even though Bembry has played well when given extended playing time, he'll likely return to a limited role moving forward. After scoring 15.7 Yahoo points or fewer in three of his last four games, it's hard to get excited about Bembry at this price.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at LAC ($17): Dedmon continues to thrive in a starting role for the Hawks, scoring at least 32.9 Yahoo points in four of his last five games. It seems like he'd be a prime candidate to be traded to a contending team that needs depth up front, so enjoy this type of production while you still can. This is another great opportunity for him to provide value considering the Clippers allow the most Yahoo points per game (55) to opposing centers.
Mitchell Robinson, NY at CHA ($10):Enes Kanter hasn't played in any of the last three games for the Knicks and it's seems unlikely that he will rejoin their rotation anytime soon. With Luke Kornet (ankle) also out, that leaves Robinson and Noah Vonleh to man the center position. Robinson is still a raw talent, but his shot blocking ability has helped propel him to at least 22.8 Yahoo points in four straight games. At the minimum price, he's at least worth considering in tournament play.
Center to Avoid
Domantas Sabonis, IND vs. GS ($24): As long as Myles Turner is healthy, Sabonis is going to have a limited ceiling. Entering this contest, Sabonis has now scored 27.6 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last six games. There are a ton of great cheaper centers available Monday. Outside of the aforementioned Dedmon and Robinson, DeMarcus Cousins ($20) and Montrezl Harrell ($20) also at least have similar upsides as Sabonis, making it hard to justify paying this much to put him into your lineup.
