This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There are plenty of all-stars to choose Monday night, including two of the NBA's best point guards. Reigning MVP Steph Curry and the Warriors draw a tough Grizzlies defense, while Russell Westbrook and the high-powered Thunder offense travel to Houston to take on James Harden and the Rockets. Both floor generals have been playing out of their skulls lately, averaging more than 60 fantasy points per game through the first week of the season.
Rolling with high-priced guards in your lineup is usually a solid plan in Yahoo Daily Fantasy Basketball, but it's those scarcely used value plays that can make the difference. With seven games on tap, they shouldn't be hard to find.
GUARD
Jarrett Jack, BKN vs. MIL ($21) - There doesn't figure to be much defense in this one, and Jack has been the Nets' most productive guard in his two games. He posted 30 fantasy points in both those games, averaging 13.5 points, eight assists and 4.5 rebounds. Brooklyn doesn't have the luxury of a quality backup point guard, as the undersized Shane Larkin has struggled to keep up with tougher defensive assignments this season. Jack should see big minutes in a high-scoring game.
Andrew Wiggins, MIN vs. POR ($26) - Wiggins battled through a minor back injury to score 18 points Friday against the Nuggets. Despite a poor shooting night, Wiggins got to the line 10 times, nailing eight free throws. The Trail Blazers likely can't handle Wiggins' freakish athletic ability, and he should cause some matchup problems. Portland will be focused on containing rookie Karl-Anthony Towns on the interior, which should provide Wiggins will plenty of open shots. I've got the kid from Canada busting out a big performance.
Guard to Avoid:
Ty Lawson, HOU vs. OKC ($27) - The Rockets haven't played well out the gate, and Lawson is experiencing some growing pains with his new team. He's averaging big minutes, but isn't translating that into fantasy points. James Harden has shot 25 percent from the field in two games, which has limited Lawson's assists. There's no way Lawson can keep up with Russell Westbrook all game, so Kevin McHale likely will use Patrick Beverley to slow him.
FORWARD
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. BKN ($26) - "The Greek Freak" returned from suspension Friday against the Wizards and made his presence felt immediately. He poured in 27 points with nine rebounds, two assists and three steals in 34 minutes. The defensive struggles for Brooklyn are well documented, so expect Antetokounmpo to take full advantage. It's unclear if O.J. Mayo's hamstring will be healthy enough to get him on the court, but regardless of Mayo's status, Antetokounmpo will be the Bucks' best scoring option.
Montrezl Harrell, HOU vs. OKC ($15) - Harrell was incredibly efficient in Houston's 20-point loss to the Nuggets on Friday, posting 17 points, three rebounds and a block in 21 minutes, and is deserving of more minutes. If his playing time increases at all Monday against the Thunder, he should have a decent shot at reaching fantasy value, as the game figures to be a high-scoring affair. Harrell averaged 9.2 rebounds per game for Louisville last season, so his production on the glass also figures to increase as the season progresses.
Forward to Avoid:
Serge Ibaka, OKC vs. HOU ($27) - Ibaka will have to deal with Dwight Howard all night -- assuming Howard returns from a minor back injury -- which could mean he'll be in a bit of foul trouble. On top of that, Ibaka's offensive game just isn't very good. He can't be trusted to score more than eight to 10 points a night, so unless he pulls down a ton of rebounds, it's hard for him to hit salary value.
CENTER
Tyson Chandler, PHX vs. LAC ($22) - The Clippers have been miserable at limiting opponents in the rebounding department this season, allowing 51 rebounds per game. Chandler has a combined 24 rebounds in his last two contests while averaging 29.5 minutes. It's never easy going up against Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, but Chandler has been around the league for a while and knows how to deal with tough matchups. Betting on a double-double with a couple blocks doesn't seem crazy for Chandler's final stat line.
Center to Avoid:
Enes Kanter, OKC vs. HOU ($24) - While Kanter has been an asset on the offensive side of the ball, his defense is concerning. This could prevent him from seeing the minutes he needs to be productive. It's also hard to pay this kind of money for a bench player, as there are plenty of appealing options at center for about the same price, such as rookies Karl-Anthony Towns ($24) and Jahlil Okafor ($23).
