This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Tuesday's six-game slate in the NBA could feature the return of two star young players who have been out for the majority of the season. If that wasn't exciting enough, we also have an opportunity to win some cash on Yahoo. Here are some players to consider for your Yahoo entry, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
LeBron James, LAL at IND ($52): James destroyed the Hawks on Sunday, scoring 66.1 Yahoo points in the process. He's now scored at least 51.4 Yahoo points in five straight games and is averaging 52.5 Yahoo points per contest for the season. Not only does he once again carry a high floor into this matchup, but his ceiling would be through the roof if Anthony Davis (ankle), who is listed as questionable, is unable to play.
Elfrid Payton, NY vs. ATL ($19): The change from David Fizdale to Mike Miller as the Knicks' head coach appears to have left Dennis Smith Jr. without a spot in the rotation. He did miss one game due to an illness, but he has not taken the floor in either of the last two contests despite being healthy. That has led to some more playing time for Payton, who has scored at least 29.8 Yahoo points in back-to-back contests. With the Hawks allowing the fourth-most points per game in the league, Payton might be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Jeremy Lamb, IND vs. LAL ($19): The Pacers were one of the most injured teams in the league to start the season, which is part of the reason why Lamb is averaging 31 minutes a night. However, they are relatively healthy right now, which might be why he has logged 27 minutes or fewer in four straight games. Add the potential for reduced playing time again with the Lakers being one of the best defensive teams in the league and this doesn't have the makings of a productive performance from Lamb.
FORWARDS
Brandon Ingram, NO vs. BKN ($36): Despite only playing 27 minutes against the Magic on Sunday, Ingram produced 21 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal. He's scored at least 20 points in all but two of his 23 games, averaging seven rebounds and 3.7 assists along the way. He torched the Nets for 55.5 Yahoo points earlier this season is once again in a favorable spot to be productive considering both teams are inside the top-nine in the league in pace of play.
Josh Hart, NO vs. BKN ($15): The Pelicans will be shorthanded for this contest with J.J. Redick (groin) already ruled out. He's averaged 32 minutes across his last 17 games, so there will be a lot of added playing time for others to fill, including Hart. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Hart play at least 30 minutes in this contest, especially since the Nets like to deploy a lot of small lineups. That threshold is key considering Hart has averaged 13.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals across nine games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes.
Forward to Avoid
Marvin Bagley III, SAC at CHA ($26): Bagley has come off the bench in each of the three games that he has played since returning from injury. He didn't log more than 23 minutes in any of those contests, which deals a significant blow to his upside. Until we receive confirmation that he is back in the starting five, it might be best to avoid him given his price tag. The Kings might also get De'Aaron Fox (ankle) back for this game, which could leave Bagley with fewer scoring chances.
CENTERS
Deandre Ayton, PHO at LAC ($27): The other big name returning to action Tuesday is Ayton, who has been out for 25 games due to a suspension. Since nothing was ailing him, expect him to jump right back into his regular workload. The Clippers might seem like a tough matchup based on their defensive prowess, but they have actually allowed the fifth-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers. At this reasonable price, Ayton could provide excellent value.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. SAC ($15): The Hornets lost one of their promising young players recently when P.J. Washington went down with a finger injury. He's expected to be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks, leaving them with a hole at power forward. Zeller started the first game that Washington missed Sunday against the Pacers and scored 39.4 Yahoo points across 29 minutes. The Hornets will likely need him to play a lot again here based on all of the size that the Kings have up front, making him an intriguing cheap option if you need to save money at center.
Center to Avoid
Aron Baynes, PHO at LAC ($15): Baynes did a tremendous job filling in for Ayton when he was suspended. Not only did he provide a tough defensive presence, but he also averaged 14.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists a game. However, with Ayton back in the fold, expect him to return to a limited role off the bench. If you're looking in this price range, Zeller figures to have more upside.
