This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Tuesday brings a robust eight-game slate, and some value has opened with the myriad injuries across the league. Taking advantage of some of these plays will give you the option to also roster elite players. We'll highlight a few, along with some solid mid-tier selections.
GUARD
Archie Goodwin, PHO at PHI ($12) - Goodwin should get another healthy heaping of minutes Tuesday with Brandon Knight (groin) and Ronnie Price (toe) out, providing him with ample opportunity to once again return outstanding value on his near-minimum price. The 21-year-old has posted 27.6 and 36.2 fantasy points in the last two games, and while playing 39 and 41 minutes, respectively. The opportunity to nab a player with his upside at a bargain basement price is rare, and also provides tremendous roster flexibility.
C.J. McCollum, POR at SAC ($36) - McCollum is a bit pricey but worth it, especially considering he's facing the most generous defenses versus two-guards in the league. The Kings surrender league-high figures of 23.2 points and 3.1 made three-pointers per game to the position. McCollum has also been running hot, tallying 31.4, 37.1 and 38.1 fantasy points over the last three games, respectively, and has drained 12 treys in that span as well.
Guard to Avoid:
John Wall, WAS at TOR ($50) - The biggest issue here is Wall's price, which puts him only behind Russell Westbrook ($59) at point guard in terms of cost. His recent production simply hasn't lived up to that price. Wall has tallied 27.4 to 35.3 fantasy points in his last three, and his elevated price is largely the result of some of the gaudy totals he managed while Bradley Beal was out.
FORWARD
Chandler Parsons, DAL at LAL ($23) - Parsons remains bargain priced, especially considering his recent torrid stretch. He's managed 30.5, 45.1, 39.5 and 48.2, respectively, while playing at least 32 minutes. Tuesday, he draws a matchup that will be ripe for continuing that streak, as the Lakers check in as a bottom-10 defense versus small forwards in points (19.4), rebounds (7.6) and assists (3.7) allowed per game to the position.
Chris Bosh, MIA at BKN ($40) - DeMarcus Cousins is undeniably a terrific play at virtually any price, and he'll find himself in a favorable matchup against the Trail Blazers to boot. However, for those looking to pivot to some less expensive upside, Bosh is worth a look Tuesday. He faces the Nets' bottom-10 defense versus power forwards in points allowed (20.7), and already put together an impressive 24-point, 12-rebound double-double that yielded 45.4 fantasy points against the Nets on Dec. 28.
Forward to Avoid:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, ORL at MIL ($36) - The Greek Freak is another example of a talented player whose recent production has nevertheless failed to match his price. He's totaled 20.2 to 34.7 fantasy points over his last four, respectable figures that don't quite make it worth the expense to acquire him. He also finds himself in a tough matchup against a stingy Magic defense that averages just 17.8 points per game to small forwards, ranking in the top 10.
CENTER
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at MIL ($34) - Vucevic gets the call as our high-priced center, talling 41.2 to 47.4 fantasy points in four of his last six, and very respectable 26.7 and 33.7 totals in the other two games in that stretch. He's also recorded four consecutive double-doubles and has piled up the defensive stats, including six blocks in his last outing. His matchup Tuesday is the icing on the cake, as the Bucks' frontcourt has particularly struggled defending centers in its last 10.
Myles Turner, LAC at IND ($12) - Turner's price and recent production dictate a mention for him as one of two appealing options for those who want to go cheap at center on Tuesday. He's tallied 41.4, 26.8, 45.6 and 30.2 fantasy points in his last four games. Ian Mahinmi is questionable to play, and given Turner's recent production, he would likely receive a solid allotment of minutes even if the former makes it back on the court.
Tyson Chandler, PHO at PHI ($10) - Nabbing a player who's posted 38.0 and 56.9 fantasy points in his last two games at stone-minimum is essentially a no-brainer for those looking to go cheap at center. The Suns' frontcourt is thin and banged up, likely leaving Chandler with healthy minutes again against a weak frontcourt.
Center to Avoid:
Robin Lopez, OKC vs. NY ($15) - Lopez is certainly cheap enough, but as we just pointed out, there are two more viable (and cheaper) alternatives if you're looking to save at the position. He's underwhelmed in two favorable matchups coming into Tuesday, managing only 15.4 and 20.6 fantasy points against the Clippers and Hornets, respectively. Now he'll draw a Thunder defense that is stouter in the frontcourt than those two teams, even if Steven Adams (elbow) can't overcome his questionable designation and take the court.
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