This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA now takes center stage in the sports world after the completion of the NFL season Sunday. We have eight games to tip off the week, leaving us with a busy DFS slate. Let's discuss some players to consider for your entry, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Zach LaVine, CHI vs. WAS ($40): This could be the perfect situation for LaVine to explode. He's already been the centerpiece of the Bulls' offense with his 29.6 percent usage rate, but they should need him even more in this game with Otto Porter Jr. (back) and Wendell Carter Jr. (quadriceps) out. On top of that, Lauri Markkanen (shoulder) is listed as doubtful. Finally, he'll play a Wizards team that has the second-worst defensive rating in the league.
Denzel Valentine, CHI vs. WAS ($11): A shallow depth chart and a matchup against a bad defensive team means LaVine isn't the only player on the Bulls worth considering. Valentine started with Markkanen out Saturday, scoring 32.6 Yahoo points across 37 minutes. Not only can Valentine be lethal from behind the arc, but he's also a very good passer, evident by the fact that he chipped in four assists during that contest. Expect him to start and play a lot of minutes in this game.
Guard to Avoid
Victor Oladipo, HOU at CHA ($34): Oladipo is in a slump, shooting 36 percent from the field across his last eight games. He's still had some big games during that stretch because of his high usage rate, but he's also scored 30.1 Yahoo points or fewer five times. LaVine has a much better matchup and it's priced a drastically amount higher, so it might be best to ride his hot hand instead of Oladipo's cold one.
FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at DEN ($53): This should be a fun game between Giannis and Nikola Jokic, two the best players in the league. The Bucks have been blowing teams out lately, which has left Giannis with limited minutes a few times. Still, he's scored at least 53.8 Yahoo points in six of his last eight contests. Regardless of position, Giannis has one of the highest floors of any player on this slate.
Patrick Williams, CHI vs. WAS ($13): The Bulls need Williams to be more aggressive because of their injures. He's stepped up, scoring at least 30.5 Yahoo points in back-to-back games. Adding both him and Valentine to your lineup is an intriguing idea because they both have increased production potential and have salaries that are so low that you can really load up elsewhere.
Forward to Avoid
Darius Bazley, OKC at LAL ($23): Efficiency is not Bazley's strong suit. He's shooting just 40.4 percent from the field and 72.3 percent from the charity stripe. Now he has to face a Lakers team that has the best defensive rating in the league. The last time he faced them, he was held to three points and five rebounds. Don't be surprised if he struggles in their rematch.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, MEM vs. TOR ($24): In his first game back since being in the league's health and safety protocols, Valanciunas played 24 minutes off the bench against the Pelicans on Saturday. He didn't show any signs of rust, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block. The Grizzlies would likely love for him to play more in this game with Brandon Clarke (calf) out, so there's a chance that he could log around 30 minutes.
DeMarcus Cousins, HOU at CHA ($20): It's pretty straight forward with Cousins. When he starts, he usually thrives. Across 14 games off the bench, he's averaged 6.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Over five starts, he's averaged 14.6 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.8 blocks. He's locked into the starting five with Christian Wood (ankle) out, making him an extremely appealing option.
Center to Avoid
Al Horford, OKC at LAL ($25): Horford has played really well since missing some time because of the birth of his child, averaging 18.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.4 blocks over five games. However, this game has significant blowout potential, which could leave him with limited playing time. Given that Valanciunas and Cousins are both available at cheaper salaries, taking a chance on Horford might not be necessary.
