This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We have seven games in the NBA on Sunday, five of which will make up the main evening slate on Yahoo. Things tip off at 6:00 PM EST, so be aware you'll need to submit your lineups earlier than usual. Here are some players to consider for your entry, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Devin Booker, PHO vs. CHA ($39): Booker has been about as consistent as it gets, scoring at least 41.1 Yahoo points in each of his last eight games. His 28.9 percent usage rate ranks inside the top-20 in the league and the Suns have played at the ninth-fastest pace, which leaves him with plenty of scoring upside whenever he steps onto the floor. Add in Booker's average of 6.4 assists per game and he promises the potential to destroy the underwhelming Hornets, who have the third-worst defensive rating in the league.
Lou Williams, LAC at DEN ($26): The Clippers will once again be shorthanded for this game with Paul George (hamstring) out. That should allow Williams added scoring opportunities. He's already scored at least 33.9 Yahoo points in five straight games and should be able to capitalize on a Nuggets' team that has allowed an average of 115.4 points across their last 10 games.
Guard to Avoid
Kyrie Irving, BKN vs. ATL ($33): Not much more than a week ago, there were rumors of Irving potentially being out for the season. It's been a quick turnaround since then with him now listed as probable to play in this game. As good as this matchup is against the porous Hawks' defense, we haven't seen Irving on the floor in nearly two months. Expect him to be eased back into things and possibly have some rust, making him too risky at this price.
FORWARDS
Kawhi Leonard, LAC at DEN ($46): Leonard put on a show with George out Friday against the Warriors, recording 36 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block. He was a monster when George was sidelined to start the season and should once again carry higher upside into this contest. Not only have the Nuggets struggled defensively as previously discussed, but George being sidelined creates the potential for this to be a closer game, which could mean heavy playing time for Leonard.
Omari Spellman, GS at MEM ($12): We might be almost halfway through the season, but the Warriors are still shuffling around their starting five. Spellman has been more productive lately, which resulted in him starting at center Friday against the Clippers. He did nothing to lose the job, recording 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals across 28 minutes. With at least 28.2 Yahoo points in three of his last four games, Spellman has the potential to provide significant value.
Forward to Avoid
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, TOR vs. SA ($15): The injury-riddled Raptors appear to finally be getting some reinforcements. Norman Powell (shoulder) is expected to play in this game while Pascal Siakam (groin) and Marc Gasol (hamstring) are listed as questionable. If either or both of their starting big men do return, it would leave Hollis-Jefferson with a significantly reduced role. However, even if they remain sidelined, it's difficult to justify rolling with him considering he's scored 22 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last eight contests.
CENTERS
Deandre Ayton, PHO vs. CHA ($29): What in the world are the Suns doing? Ayton is expected to be one of the centerpieces of the franchise for years to come, yet they decided to play him off the bench in their last game against the Magic. On the bright side, he still logged 30 minutes and finished with 33.3 Yahoo points. Ayton should still play a lot despite a non-starting role, which makes him a great option for this matchup against a Hornets' team that has allowed the second-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers.
Jarrett Allen, BKN vs. ATL ($19): Speaking of teams that struggle to slow down centers, the Hawks have allowed the fifth-most Yahoo points per game to the position. That puts Allen in play, as he's scored at least 29.4 Yahoo points in back-to-back contests. He's already faced the Hawks two times this season, scoring 52.6 and 26.1 Yahoo points, respectively. Among the cheap center options, Allen is the most appealing.
Center to Avoid
Willie Cauley-Stein, GS at MEM ($16): As a result of Spellman moving into the starting five, Cauley-Stein came off the bench in their matchup with the Clippers. He played just 16 minutes, posting four points and seven rebounds. That lack of playing time represents a major concern. So if you're looking to save some money at center, it might be wise just to pay the extra three dollars and roll with Allen and his much more stable role with the Nets.
