This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA returns from the All-Star break Wednesday, albeit with a limited two-game schedule. That doesn't leave us with a lot of options to consider in DFS. Still, here are some of the top players to consider for your entries, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Luka Doncic, DAL vs. SA ($53): Doncic sat out the Mavericks last game before the break because of a back injury, but since he played in the All-Star game, expect him to be a full-go for this contest. He's continued to provide excellent all-around production this season, including torching the Spurs for 36 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists the last time these two teams met. While he'll do a number on your budget, he's arguably the most appealing player on this slate, regardless of position.
De'Anthony Melton, MEM vs. WAS ($13): The Grizzlies will continue to be shorthanded at guard for this game with Grayson Allen (concussion) out. That could lead to more playing time for Melton, who has scored at least 35.1 Yahoo points in two of the last three games with Allen out. That included scoring 38.3 Yahoo points versus these same Wizards.
Guard to Avoid
Derrick White, SA at DAL ($19): White is set to return from a five-game absence while in the league's health and safety protocols. He had his best game of the season just before he was sidelined, scoring 25 points across 27 minutes versus the Hornets. In terms of his fantasy appeal, though, it's limited considering he hasn't played at least 30 minutes in a game this season. That has resulted in him averaging only 24.8 Yahoo points per game.
FORWARDS
Dillon Brooks, MEM vs. WAS ($21): With Brooks, it's all about his ability to score. He's not terribly efficient, though, shooting just 39.6 percent from the field. Still, his career-high 26.5 percent usage rate has enabled him to average 15.9 points per game. He's risky when he faces strong defensive teams, but given that the Wizards have the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league, this could be a night to take a chance on him.
Justise Winslow, MEM vs. WAS ($11): Winslow has only appeared in six games this season because of injury and he's come off the bench in each of those contests. The good news is, he's still scored at least 23 Yahoo points in two of his last three games. At near the minimum salary, he could be worth taking a chance on in tournament play, especially given the lack of options for this small slate.
Forward to Avoid
Rui Hachimura, WAS at MEM ($16): Playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal hasn't left Hachimura with a ton of scoring opportunities. His usage rate is only 17.2 percent, which is down nearly two percentage points compared to last season. Facing a Grizzlies team who has the eighth-best defensive rating doesn't exactly leave Hachimura in a favorable spot to provide value.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, MEM vs. WAS ($26): The Wizards don't have a lot of talent at the center position and have played at the fastest pace in the league, which has contributed to them allowing the fourth-most rebounds per game. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that Valanciunas recorded 11 points and 16 rebounds when these two teams met last week. Valanciunas has not just played well against the Wizards, though, recording a double-double in eight of his last nine games.
Jakob Poeltl, SA at DAL ($19): Poeltl has been huge for the Spurs this season, especially when filling in for LaMarcus Aldridge in the starting lineup. He's started each of the last 11 games, averaging 8.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks during that stretch. Aldridge is back now, which does leave Poeltl with the potential to see fewer minutes in this game. Still, with so few viable options at the center spot, he's at least someone to consider if you're looking to save some of your budget for other positions.
Center to Avoid
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA at DAL ($16): Between injuries and reduced playing time, it has not been a good season for Aldridge. He's only averaging 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, which would be his lowest marks since his rookie season. He can go off on any given night, but given his volatility, it might be wise to keep him out of your lineup.
