This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA will have just its second off day of the season Monday, so the schedule is packed Sunday with 11 games. There are a couple of early start times, leaving nine games left to choose from for the main slate on Yahoo. Here are some players to target and avoid as you work your way through the bevy of options.
GUARDS
Kris Dunn, CHI at CLE ($25): The Bulls can't catch a break when it comes to injuries this season. Just as it looked like they would be back to full strength, Zach LaVine (ankle) became yet another member of the team to go down. He's missed the last four games, leaving Dunn as the offensive leader in the Bulls' backcourt. He's stepped up in a big way, scoring at least 36.1 Yahoo points three times during that stretch. The Bulls don't have much of a choice but to play him a lot, so expect him to have a relatively high floor again Sunday.
Tyus Jones, MIN at OKC ($10): Speaking of injuries, the Timberwolves are running out of point guards. Jeff Teague (ankle) is out for at least another week and Derrick Rose (ankle) left Friday's game against the Spurs and did not return. He's considered a game-time decision for this contest, but considering his history with injuries, it might not make sense for the Timberwolves to push him to play. If he sits, Jones has a clear path to a ton of playing time, which would make him a bargain at the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
Rajon Rondo, LAL vs. MEM ($18): Rondo recently returned from a hand injury, logging 22 minutes Friday against the Pelicans. He came away with nine assists, but his lack of overall production left him with just 24.3 Yahoo points. Lonzo Ball and Rondo should continue to split minutes at point guard, leaving Rondo with limited upside.
FORWARDS
Lauri Markkanen, CHI at CLE ($28): LaVine has a 31.8 percent usage rate, so his absence leaves a huge void in the Bulls' offense. Markkanen is their next best scoring threat, so he should get all the shots he can handle moving forward. He's scored at last 42.9 Yahoo points in three of four games without LaVine, making him an excellent option to consider at this reasonable price.
Rodions Kurucs, BKN vs. PHO ($12): The Nets will continue to be short handed Sunday with Allen Crabbe (knee) already ruled out. He's missed the last five games, which has opened up a starting role for Kurucs. His production hasn't been off the charts, but he did score at least 21.2 Yahoo points three times during that stretch. The Suns are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, making Kurucs a viable cheap option in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Gordon Hayward, BOS vs. CHA ($18): Hayward has had the occasional productive game, but he's still a long way away from providing the type of production that he did with the Jazz. Part of the problem is that he's played 29 minutes or fewer in eight of his last 10 games. It's no coincidence that he's scored 22.8 Yahoo points or fewer six times during that stretch. With so many other great options during a busy slate, Hayward seems like an unnecessary risk to take.
CENTERS
Larry Nance Jr., CLE vs. CHI ($26): For some reason, the Cavaliers have seemed reluctant to give Nance substantial playing time. They don't have much of a choice now, though, with Kevin Love (toe) and Tristan Thompson (foot) on the shelf. Nance has fully capitalized on his expanded role, scoring at least 39.4 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. He logged at least 30 minutes in all five of those contests and should receive similar playing time Sunday. That's great for his potential upside, considering the Bulls allow the most Yahoo points per game (56.1) to opposing centers.
Deandre Ayton, PHO at BKN ($24): This could be a rough game for the Suns. They just played a triple-overtime game on the road against the Wizards on Saturday and now they have to travel to Brooklyn for a 6 p.m. EST tip off. It wouldn't be surprising to see some of their better players log limited minutes or sit out altogether. Devin Booker and T.J. Warren both played at least 53 minutes Saturday. Ayton logged 39 minutes, so at least he wasn't completely run into the ground. The Nets allow the third-most Yahoo points per game (51.8) to opposing centers, setting up Ayton with the potential to dominate.
Center to Avoid
Bam Adebayo, MIA at ORL ($18): Saturday's game against the Bucks brought another quiet performance from Adebayo, who scored just 13.3 Yahoo points. He was excellent while Hassan Whiteside was away from the team, but that contributed to his currently inflated price tag. However, with Whiteside back in the fold, Adebayo just doesn't receive enough minutes to justify adding him to your lineup.
