This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
This Sunday slate is one of the most unique in the DFS season and it's become one of the NBA's most valuable days. With all of the league off on Christmas Eve, 10 teams have been asked to show their talents on Christmas to showcase the wonderful product of the NBA. What makes this slate so different is the fact that all the games are spread out evenly. That means there are some much bigger risks than usual, but it also opens the door to take advantage of some strange rotations. Many of the elite teams are in action as well, which makes it tougher to navigate through all of these strong defenses.
GUARDS
Kyrie Irving, CLE vs. GS ($33): Many people overlook what Irving did in the Finals last season aside from his big shot in Game 7, but some would argue that he was the Finals MVP over LeBron James. In fact, Irving averaged 27.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals per game in the Finals last season. Those numbers, along with the fact that he's averaging nearly 50 fantasy points per game over his last four, makes him a a fascinating option here.
Isaiah Thomas, BOS at NYK ($31): Not many people are looking at Thomas like an elite point guard, but he's averaging 31.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 0.8 steals per game since returning from injury. Amazingly, he has nearly 200 fantasy points over his last three games, and he'll now face a Knicks team that ranks 24th in defensive efficiency.
Guard to Avoid
Dwyane Wade, CHI at SAN ($25): Betting against Wade in an important game like this is risky, but he's showing signs of regression. Over his last four games, Wade is averaging under 26 fantasy points per game and barely playing over 26 minutes. The fact that his minutes and usage are decreasing becomes even more worrisome, considering they have to face a Spurs defense that ranks top-three in every defensive category.
FORWARDS
LaMarcus Aldridge, SAN vs. CHI ($23): Aldridge has been a huge disappointment this season, but his price has fallen too far. He has scored at least 34 fantasy points in three of the last four games, and he's seen his usage and shot attempts increase. This price is a gift from Santa though, as a $23 Aldridge allows you to build a stud-filled lineup around a consistent player who is a near-guarantee to reach value. This matchup isn't scary either, as Aldridge will be leaned on heavily to match up with a deep Chicago frontcourt. Pau Gasol has also been improving over recent weeks, and he and Aldridge make for a nice value pair at affordable prices.
Jae Crowder, BOS at NYK ($21): Crowder just recently got healthy and now's the time to hop on while his price is on the rise. What's so likable about Crowder is the minutes he gets, as he's averaging 36 per game over his last six. That level of playing time is important, as Crowder will be asked to cover Carmelo Anthony, and the Knicks rank 23rd in fantasy points allowed to small forwards this season.
Forward to Avoid
Andrew Wiggins, MIN at OKC ($28): Wiggins is hit or miss because he relies so much on scoring and there's reason to believe that could be a struggle Sunday. Andre Roberson is one of the better defensive stoppers in the league and he'll be tasked with shutting down the volatile Wiggins. He is also shooting under 40 percent from the field over his last 18 games.
CENTER
Al Horford, BOS at NYK ($26): Boston has used Horford as a point-center, as much of the offense is run through the big man. That has given him the ability to provide elite numbers in every statistic, and that makes him one of the best fantasy centers in the league. It's evident through his numbers, as he is averaging 16.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.5 blocks per game over his last 10. If that's not enough incentive, the matchup should be, as the Knicks allow the second-most fantasy points per game to centers this season.
Center to Avoid
Robin Lopez, CHI at SAN ($15): Over his last five games, Lopez hasn't surpassed 22 fantasy points, and he is barely averaging 15 fantasy points per game over that span. That sort of form becomes even more discouraging when you consider the matchup, as the Spurs allow the second-fewest fantasy points per game to centers this season. While Lopez is a solid bet to score 20 fantasy points and reach cash value, he simply has no higher ceiling.
