This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
After a quiet Sunday, the NBA brings nine games on the schedule Monday. There are some great matchups among them, including the Raptors taking on the Bucks and the Nuggets facing the Pelicans. The packed slate also leaves plenty of options to choose from in Yahoo, so let's examine some players to target and avoid as you craft your entry.
GUARDS
Jimmy Butler, MIN vs. LAL ($36): Butler was questionable heading into Friday's game with an illness, but was ultimately able to play. It looked to impact his production with him finishing with 22 Yahoo points. He only played 24 minutes because they were getting blown out by the Bucks, but he was also an uncharacteristic 2-for-11 from the field. With at least 49.9 Yahoo points in three of his first four games, expend him to play much better Monday now that he's had time to recover. Both the Lakers and Timberwolves are in the top-10 in the league in pace of play, so this could be a high-scoring affair in which Butler thrives.
D'Angelo Russell, BKN at NY ($17): Injuries marred Russell's first season in Brooklyn, limiting him to 48 games. Even when he was healthy, he only averaged 26 minutes per contest. His playing time has jumped to 29 minutes per game this year, leading him to average 17 points, 4.2 rebounds, six assists and three three-pointers. His 48.6 percent shooting from behind the arc won't hold up, but he has averaged at least 1.6 three-pointers in each of the first three seasons of his career. After scoring at least 29.7 Yahoo points in five straight games, Russell could provide value at this price Monday.
Guard to Avoid
Lonzo Ball, LAL at MIN ($25):Rajon Rondo returned from his suspension Saturday, and even though Ball remained in the starting lineup, he logged only 27 minutes. Ball finished with 9.9 Yahoo points and has scored 27.2 Yahoo points or fewer in each of the three games that Rondo has played in this year. Even if Ball remains a starter going forward, the presence of Rondo eats into his upside.
FORWARDS
Khris Middleton, MIL vs. TOR ($33):Giannis Antetokounmpo (concussion) has been ruled out for Monday, setting up Middleton to have an even larger role in the Bucks' offense. That's great news for his value, especially since he has already scored at least 32.4 Yahoo points in five of six games. To make this an even more appealing situation to play Middleton, the Raptors are also going to rest Kawhi Leonard, leaving them without their best defender.
Rodney McGruder, MIA vs. SAC ($18): The Heat have been one of the more injury-plagued teams to start the year, which has opened up minutes for McGruder. He hasn't let the opportunity go to waste, averaging 16 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.6 three-pointers. What's even more encouraging is that he logged 33 minutes against the Blazers on Saturday even with the returns of Justise Winslow and Wayne Ellington. The Kings play at the third-fasted pace (107.3 possessions per game), leaving McGruder with another favorable chance of providing value for your entry.
Forward to Avoid
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at NY ($23): Hollis-Jefferson missed the first three games of the season with a hip injury and has played 21 minutes or fewer in each game since he has returned. He's an important part of the Nets future, so they are likely taking a cautious approach with him since it's so early in the season. However, until he shows signs of getting more consistent playing time, he's too risky at this price.
CENTERS
DeAndre Jordan, DAL at SA ($32): The Mavericks desperately needed help at center after last year and made a big splash by signing Jordan. The move has paid early dividends with Jordan scoring at least 32.9 Yahoo points in all six games. Not only is he averaging 15.3 points, 14.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks, but he's shooting a stellar 86.7 percent on free-throws. That won't last considering he's shot 45 percent from the charity stripe in his career, but it's encouraging to see that he's improving. With plenty of minutes likely in the cards again Monday, Jordan is a safe option at a reasonable price.
Jarrett Allen, BKN at NY ($18): After playing just 20 minutes per game during his rookie season, Allen is averaging 28 minutes per contest this year. His numbers don't jump off the page, but he's scored at least 28.6 Yahoo points in five of six games. In his first matchup of the season against the Knicks, he finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks across 33 minutes. His floor isn't nearly as high as Jordan's, but Allen is still someone to consider at this price.
Center to Avoid
Wendell Carter Jr., CHI vs. GS ($16): The Bulls have high hopes for Carter and made him their starting center right out of the gate. However, he's only averaging 23 minutes per contest. In a matchup against a Warriors team that likes to use a lot of small lineups, this might not be a game where Carter gets significant run, either. Allen is only two dollars more expensive, making him the far better option if you want to take a cost-effective route at center.
