This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Guard
James Harden, HOU vs. BRK ($57): Harden has been on another level the last month, as he's averaging over 30 points and 10 assists in November alone. He's been especially good over the last few games, averaging 60 fantasy points across his last nine. The best part about using Harden may be his matchup though, as he faces a Brooklyn defense who rank 29th in defensive efficiency.
Austin Rivers, LAC vs. LAL ($14): With Patrick Beverley injured and Chris Paul out of town, Rivers has had to take on a bigger role this season. What's particularly intriguing about Rivers is his court time, as he's played at least 31 minutes in 10 straight games. That's a huge role for a $14 player and the production's been there too. Rivers has 61.6 fantasy points across his last two games, as he's been asked to handle the ball more than ever. Not to mention, the Lakers rank in the bottom 10 in fantasy points allowed to opposing guards.
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Guard to Avoid
Dennis Smith Jr., DAL at SAN ($24): The Rookie of the Year candidate has been struggling over recent weeks, and he has the unenviable task of facing the Spurs here. Over his last five games, Smith hasn't surpassed 28 fantasy points, while barely averaging 20 fantasy points a game in that span. The reason for that is the fact that Harrison Barnes and Dirk Nowitzki have been playing better recently, with both players seeing a higher usage and taking touches away from Smith. The real issue here is the matchup though, as he faces a Spurs defense who rank fourth in defensive efficiency.
Forward
Blake Griffin, LAC vs. LAL ($43): Griffin has taken over this team over recent weeks and it shows in his fantasy production. In fact, Griffin has at least 32 fantasy points in 12 straight games, while combining for 96 fantasy points across his last two games. It's his usage that's really made him an elite option, as he leads this team with a usage rate just shy of 30 percent. The matchup is tasty as well, with the Lakers allowing the eighth most fantasy points to opposing power forwards.
Lance Stephenson, IND vs. ORL ($11): Stephenson has been much better over the last two weeks, as he's been asked to play a bigger role. Not only does he have at least 21 fantasy points in six of his last seven games, he's coming off a 30-point gem in his most recent outing. The reason for the outburst was an injury to Victor Oladipo, as Stephenson was asked to fill in for him while Oladipo deals with a knee bruise. If Oladipo ends up sitting again here, Stephenson is a must use at a near minimum price with his boost in minutes and ability to stuff the stat sheet.
Forward to Avoid
Tobias Harris, DET at BOS ($26): The inconsistency from Harris makes him tough to use right now, as you never know what you're going to get. In fact, Harris has yet to surpass 37 fantasy points in 13 straight games. That limited upside looks even worse when you consider his floor, as he's scored less than 21 fantasy points six times this season. The worst part about using Harris may be the matchup though, as he faces the Boston Celtics, the team with the best defense in the NBA.
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Center
Al Horford, BOS vs. DET ($28): Horford is the opposite of Harris, as he's been the model of consistency. In fact, Horford has at least 26 fantasy points in every game this season but one. That comes with great upside too, as Horford is averaging over 32 fantasy points per game. The matchup is spectacular as well, as he'll be matched up with Andre Drummond, who has been called out for his defense throughout his career.
Kyle O'Quinn, NYK vs. POR ($12): With Enes Kanter and Kristaps Porzingis both dealing with back injuries, O'Quinn may be asked to play big minutes yet again. He actually had his best game of the season Saturday, as he collected 20 points, 15 rebounds and four assists en route to 50 fantasy points. That's amazing upside from a guy who is approaching a minimum price. He's actually been formidable with those two in the lineup too, as he's averaging 20 fantasy points a game for the season. He's just someone you can't overlook if those frontcourt studs are to sit out this matchup.
Center to Avoid
Brook Lopez, LAL at LAC ($24): Lopez has been playing below expectations all season, and the minutes simply aren't there for him to live up to this price. Over his last nine games, Lopez has only played more than 24 minutes twice, and he's scored 21 or less fantasy points five times in that stretch. That's terrible production from a player who was once an All-Star, and it's clear this team wants to ride their youngsters. That doesn't even take into consideration the matchup, as he'll be squared up with DeAndre Jordan, arguably the best defensive center in the league.
