This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Sunday presents a bit of an odd main evening slate on Yahoo. Although there are only three games, there are a lot of top-tier players available. Let's discuss some options across the price scale to target, as well as some that might be best left alone based on their matchups.
GUARDS
Malcolm Brogdon, IND at MIL ($31): Brogdon has been hit-or-miss lately. Although he's scored 28.2 Yahoo points or fewer in two of his last five games, he also scored at least 43.6 Yahoo points two times during that stretch. After getting off to a terrific start, the Pacers haven't needed to rely on him as heavily with the improving health of their roster. However, they might need Brogdon to step up Sunday with both Jeremy Lamb (groin) and Domantas Sabonis (hip) listed as questionable. Even if they do play, he is still an appealing option against a Bucks' team that will be without the services of the defensive-minded Eric Bledsoe (lower leg).
Rajon Rondo, LAL vs. DEN ($12): The biggest injury news for this slate is LeBron James (ribs) being listed as doubtful. If he is indeed unable to take the floor, it would be the first game he has missed all season. Rondo will likely start in his place at point guard, taking charge of running the Lakers' offense. Playing time hasn't always been easy for Rondo to come by, but he did record 14 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists in the one game he played at least 30 minutes. At near the minimum price, he represents one of the top value options to consider at any position.
Guard to Avoid
Patrick Beverley, LAC at OKC ($19): Beverley came back down to Earth after a strong performance against the Rockets, scoring 26 Yahoo points against the Spurs on Saturday. With that effort, he's scored 26 Yahoo points or fewer in eight of his last 10 games. Lou Williams ($22) and Dennis Schroder ($23) both carry significantly more scoring upside and aren't much more expensive, leaving Beverley as a fairly uninspiring option.
FORWARDS
Anthony Davis, LAL vs. DEN ($53): With James likely to sit out, Davis will be forced to carry the offensive load with the Lakers. He's already been extremely productive playing alongside James, averaging 54 Yahoo points per game. With all the minutes and shot attempts he can handle likely coming his way, paying up for his services could be key.
Donte DiVincenzo, MIL vs. IND ($15): The Bucks will be playing the second night of a back-to-back set, but they didn't need to push their starters Saturday in a blowout win against the Knicks. DiVincenzo once again played well in place of Bledsoe, recording 13 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block across 25 minutes. He only attempted eight shots, but he did nail three three-pointers. With secure playing time moving forward, he's one of the safer cheap options at forward.
Forward to Avoid
Will Barton, DEN at LAL ($24): Barton is one of those players who can either carry or crush your entry. He only scored 15.8 Yahoo points against the Timberwolves on Friday despite playing 34 minutes. However, Barton scored 54.9 Yahoo points against the Sixers last week and has scored at least 37.2 Yahoo points in three of his last six contests. With that being said, this is not a great matchup against a Lakers' team that has allowed the third-fewest points per game in the league.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN at LAL ($41): Jokic has firmly put his slow start in the rearview mirror. He's returned to his dominant self lately, averaging 22.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists across his last eight games. Jokic has been more aggressive offensively, averaging 16.9 shots attempts a night during that stretch compared to 14.4 for the season. With his ability to contribute across the board, he should once again carry an extremely high floor.
Myles Turner, IND at MIL ($19): Turner has started to show signs of turning a corner, scoring at least 32.6 Yahoo points in three straight games. There's no question he can provide a lot of blocks, but his averages of 11.6 points and 5.7 rebounds a game are disappointing. If Sabonis can't take the floor, Turner would likely see an increase in playing time. If Sabonis is able to play, Turner is still a viable target on a night with so few appealing cheaper options.
Center to Avoid
JaVale McGee, LAL vs. DEN ($13): When the Lakers' frontcourt is healthy, McGee doesn't play enough to warrant consideration in DFS. He's logged more than 20 minutes only one time over his last 10 contests, so it's not a surprise he scored 13.2 Yahoo points or fewer five times. If you want to fade Jokic, it might be wiser just to pay a little extra to add Turner or Brook Lopez ($18) to your entry as opposed to McGee.
