This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Despite there being eight games Sunday, we'll focus on the four night games. What makes this slate interesting is the players impacted by trades, as many listed below find themselves in better roles after the deadline.
GUARDS
Reggie Jackson, DET vs. BOS ($18): Jackson has been terrible recently and he deserves this price, but his upside is too high to fade him. Last season, Jackson was a $30 player who regularly dropped 30 fantasy points per game. The ability and role are still there, but he has to find some rhythm. The reason that could change Sunday is the matchup, as Isaiah Thomas ranks as one of the worst defenders in the NBA. So, while Jackson is one of the riskiest options on the board, he becomes a great tournament play because of the matchup.
Cory Joseph, TOR vs. POR ($10): With Kyle Lowry expected to miss out again, Joseph should continue starting. When he's given that opportunity, Joseph is a fantastic option and what's even better is the fact that he comes at a minimum price. Additionally, Portland ranks 26th in defensive efficiency and Damian Lillard, who should be Joseph's counterpart, is one of their worst defenders.
Guard to Avoid
Kyle Lowry, TOR vs. POR ($40): Lowry is dealing with a wrist injury and he's far too risky to use. While he hasn't been ruled out yet, it seems like a strong possibility. Even if he does suit up, it's hard to trust a guard dealing with wrist issues.
FORWARD
Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. POR ($27): The Raptors made a huge splash by trading for Ibaka and they're going to need to lean on him with Lowry potentially missing out. Where Portland really struggles is down low, so Ibaka will need to be a presence if Toronto wants to win. In fact, Portland is allowing the third-most fantasy points to power forwards this season.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, CHA at LAC ($17): MKG is one of the best "glue guys" in the NBA and he's one of few players who provides value without scoring. Not only does he have at least 30 fantasy points in three straight games, he's done that damage while averaging just eight points per outing. Meanwhile, one of the Clippers' big weaknesses is at the small forward position, as they're allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to small forwards this season.
Forward to Avoid
Jae Crowder, BOS at DET ($23): Crowder is the highest-priced small forward on the slate, but he hasn't scored more than 30 fantasy points since Feb. 1, and he's averaging just 20 fantasy points per game over his last five. Meanwhile, Detroit has stifled small forwards this season, allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to the position this season.
CENTER
Andre Drummond, DET vs. BOS ($34): Whenever Boston is on the schedule, you have to look to play centers against them. What makes them such a good matchup is that they rank 27th in rebounding differential. Drummond has abused this matchup too, averaging 22.7 points, 18.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.2 steals per game in three outings against the Celtics this season.
Jusuf Nurkic, POR at TOR ($11): Nurkic has taken over the starting center role in Portland after being traded last week and he's thriving in his new role. With 68 combined fantasy points in his first two games with the Blazers, he's established himself as their go-to big man. It's his price that makes him so intriguing, as $11 is indicative of his Denver form rather than his new role with Portland.
Center to Avoid
DeMarcus Cousins, NOP at OKC ($58): Cousins is the second-highest priced player on the slate and he deserves that level. It's just difficult to know what to expect from him with his new team, as he'll surely regress some with Anthony Davis taking so many touches. Additionally, the Thunder allow the fifth-fewest fantasy points to centers this season. Cousins will need at least 60 fantasy points to provide value at this price and that seems unlikely with all the factors against him.
