This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The Warriors have been one of the most polarizing teams, not only around the league but in fantasy. Kevin Durant's arrival has cut into Stephen Curry's value, as he hasn't scored more than 43.1 fantasy points in six games this season and his price ($51) has taken a hit. This shouldn't be considered a bad thing, though, since it gives owners the chance to get Curry as a rare value pick against the Pelicans on Monday. Head coach Steve Kerr is going to have to find a way for not only Curry and Durant to co-exist, but also Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. As a result, you'll have to weigh your options on the Warriors carefully.
GUARDS
James Harden, HOU at WAS ($55): It's only been six games, but Harden has easily been the MVP of fantasy basketball, never scoring fewer than 42.4 fantasy points in a game, and he's had at least 60.8 in his last three. The move to point guard has put the ball in Harden's hands even more, and he's putting up insane numbers, averaging 31.5 points, 12.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 3.7 3-pointers per game. The Wizards don't have anyone to contain Harden, and he should keep his ridiculous fantasy nights going.
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. IND ($27): The Pacers have had one of the worst defenses in the NBA this season, allowing 111.5 points per game, and Batum has 38 points, 16 rebounds and six 3-pointers over his past two games. Indiana will want to key in on point guard Kemba Walker, which should leave Batum with plenty of open looks from outside. Batum's price is affordable, and he's averaging more than his salary, making him a decent bet to hit value against the Pacers.
Tyler Johnson, MIA at OKC ($15): Johnson is averaging nearly 30 minutes per game and is starting to turn that into fantasy points. He has back-to-back games of at least 34.8 fantasy points, and the Heat will want Johnson's defense on the court to try and contain Russell Westbrook. Johnson is a very appealing play in both GPPs and cash games considering his low price, high floor and high upside.
Guard to Avoid
Klay Thompson, GSW vs. NOP ($35): Thompson has struggled to adapt to the new makeup of the Warriors and it has cost him in fantasy. He's only scored more than 30 fantasy points in two of six games this season and has made six three-pointers in his past four games. Thompson just isn't getting the same number of looks that he was accustomed to, and while mired in a shooting slump that doesn't bode well. He isn't incredibly expensive, but he is also not worth rolling out in a lineup until Golden State solves some of its chemistry issues and Thompson wakes up from downtown.
FORWARDS
Kevin Durant, GSW vs. NOP ($51): Durant is the same price as Stephen Curry but has been far more consistent to start his first season with Golden State. Even in the Warriors' two losses this season, Durant has put up 27 points in each, with 53.5 and 42.5 fantasy points, respectively, and the Pelicans are in the bottom half of the league in points allowed per game (107.5).
Gordon Hayward, UTA at PHI ($34): Hayward scored a team-high 28 points in his season debut Sunday against the Knicks, and he should build off that performance against the always-struggling Sixers. He did a nice job getting to the line Sunday (14-14), and while he struggled from beyond the arc (2-8), that number should jump up against Philadelphia. The Jazz will continue to run their offense through Hayward as he works back into form, so expect an elite level of touches for a middling price.
Markieff Morris, WAS vs. HOU ($21): Over the past two games, Morris has a combined 71.4 fantasy points on 36 points and 17 rebounds. There aren't many elite options at power forward Monday, with Blake Griffin ($43) facing a tough Pistons defense and Draymond Green ($39) having to deal with Anthony Davis down low. Morris is a cheap option in a game that figures to be high scoring, providing some cap flexibility to pay up for studs at other positions.
Forward to Avoid
Jimmy Butler, CHI vs. ORL ($42): The Bulls are on a three-game losing streak and their offense hasn't look nearly as efficient as it was during it's three-game win streak to start the season. Butler is clearly no longer the alpha dog, with Dwyane Wade on the roster and Chicago featuring more of a spread with shooters. This has caused Butler to lose some touches and his offensive production is inconsistent, at best. Playing off the ball has hurt his assist numbers, and though he is a solid rebounder, Butler has become too reliant on points in fantasy. It's hard to imagine Butler hitting value considering his price.
CENTERS
Anthony Davis, NOP at GSW ($55): Based on what Davis did to the Warriors last time around, it's hard not to instantly plug him into a lineup from the start. He had 45 points and 17 rebounds against Golden State earlier in the season, which added up to 77.4 fantasy points. The Warriors aren't the same team and Davis should be able to exploit the weak matchups in the front court against Green and Zaza Pachulia. The Pelicans are also running the majority of their offense through Davis, which will always give him a high number of touches.
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at CHI ($32): The Vuce may get loose against a shaky Bulls interior defense and could be in store for a big night. Vucevic has had at least nine rebounds in all six games this season, and he should be able to score with ease on Robin Lopez and Taj Gibson. In 13 career games against Chicago, Vucevic is averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds and has even made a pair of three-pointers.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. IND ($12): For basement pricing, Zeller sure is providing nice value. He's coming off a 10-6-6 stat line against the Nets in a close win and is averaging 22.8 fantasy points per game as a member of the Hornets' second unit. I've already noted the Pacers defensive woes and Zeller is an excellent cheap filler for use in tournaments and cash games.
Center to Avoid
DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs. DET ($31): Jordan has never been known for his offense, but it hasn't been up to par this season. He's averaging 9.0 points per game and has only scored in double figures once in six starts. He has failed to reach double-digit rebounds in two of six, and unless he explodes on offense or posts a handful of blocks, he'll have to put up 15-20 rebounds to be worth playing. He doesn't have the easiest matchup against a stout Pistons defense and Andre Drummond competing for rebounds. There are plenty of elite options at center who are safer plays.
