This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
With only four games to choose from, fantasy managers will have to pick out just the right combination to not only score plenty of points but also differentiate from the crowd. Here are a few players who could solve both problems:
GUARDS
DeMar DeRozan, TOR vs. DEN ($37): The Raptors' leading scorer, DeRozan has a solid matchup against the Nuggets on a short slate. He dropped 40 points in a season-opening win against the Pistons and followed that up with 32 against the defending champion Cavaliers. DeRozan is the most likely guard playing Monday to go off in the scoring department and is still conveniently priced below $40, making him a solid cash-game option.
Dennis Schroder, ATL vs. SAC ($23): The Hawks' lead guard is coming off a 11-point and career-high 11-assist double-double against the Sixers on Saturday, and he now gets a favorable matchup against the Kings, who have struggled to play defense the past couple of seasons. Schroder is practically the only pure point guard on the Hawks' roster and should see plenty of minutes. His price is cheap and he offers plenty of upside.
Guard to Avoid
Eric Bledsoe, PHO at LAC ($36): Bledsoe is the third-highest priced point guard but hasn't shown much upside so far this season, averaging just 31.5 fantasy points per game in three starts. The Suns get a tough draw on the road against the Clippers and Bledsoe's scoring has been down enough to shy away in any contest.
FORWARDS
Nikola Jokic, DEN at TOR ($27): Arguably the Nuggets' best option on offense, Jokic went off for 55.9 fantasy points with 23 points and 17 rebounds against the Trail Blazers on Saturday. He's trending up to start the season, and while the matchup against the Raptors might scare away prospective owners, Jokic makes for an extremely appealing tournament and cash-game play.
Doug McDermott, CHI at BKN ($11): McDermott offers high upside with very little risk considering his low price. He's coming off perhaps his best game with the Bulls, scoring 23 points in under 27 minutes in a win against the Pacers on Saturday. He hit five 3-pointers against Indiana and should continue his hot shooting against the defensively challenge Nets.
Forward to Avoid
Danilo Gallinari, DEN at TOR ($32): It'd be best to avoid Gallinari due to his high price. The Nuggets will likely try to beat the Raptors down low and Gallinari just isn't worth paying up for with other more valuable options at the position. Jimmy Butler ($42) and even Rudy Gay ($26) will provide a higher ceiling, with Butler contributing in more categories and Gay coming in with a lower salary.
CENTER
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. DEN ($28): The Raptors' center has posted back-to-back double-doubles and is providing tons of value at his current price, averaging 37.6 fantasy points per game. Toronto doesn't have many options down low outside of Valanciunas, and he's their primary go-to guy in the post. The chances of Valanciunas getting a third straight double-double are high, and he should be employed in cash games until his price becomes too expensive.
Center to Avoid
Dwight Howard, ATL vs. SAC ($31): Howard had a tough time handling Joel Embiid despite the Hawks' blowout win against the Sixers on Saturday, finishing with just two points, seven rebounds and three blocks in under 20 minutes. Howard isn't getting the consistent playing time or the production to warrant consideration at his current price.
