This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There may only be seven games in the NBA tonight, but there are still several injury situations to monitor. The Lakers, who are coming off of a disappointing loss to the Thunder, are waiting to see if LeBron James (ankle) can avoid missing his third straight. The Mavericks, on the second game of a back-to-back, will check if Kristaps Porzingis (back) is ready to return after sitting out Thursday. The Pacers will be in a tough spot against the Nets since Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) has already been ruled out. As we wade through all the injuries, here are some healthy players to consider deploying on Yahoo and a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, NO vs. SAC ($24): Alexander-Walker couldn't get anything going from the field Wednesday against the Hawks with just six points on 3-for-14 shooting. However, he entered that contest having scored at least 31.9 Yahoo points in four straight. NAW's averaging 32 minutes and 15.8 shot attempts per game in his new starting role, so look for him to rebound with a better performance against a Kings team that entered Thursday with the league's seventh-worst defensive rating and the lowest mark last season.
T.J. McConnell, IND at BKN ($20): McConnell operated as a key member of the Pacers' second unit last year averaging 8.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.9 steals across 26 minutes. He's only averaged 22 minutes this season, which has left him with some disappointing stat lines. However, expect McConnell to step into the starting line with Brogdon out and that could result in him receiving at least 30 minutes.
Guard to Avoid
James Harden, BKN vs, IND ($46): Harden has had a difficult time adjusting to the new league rules that don't allow offensive players to generate so many fouls. He averaged 7.3 free-throw attempts per game last season, but only 3.0 in the current campaign. Harden may also still be trying to shake off the rust from a hamstring injury. With all of that in mind, allocating this much of your budget to get him into your lineup may not be a wise idea.
FORWARDS
Kevin Durant, BKN vs. IND ($52): There has been no slowing down Durant, who has scored at least 45.2 Yahoo points in all five games this season. He's not only averaging 29.8 points to go along with his 32.8 percent usage rate, but he's also producing 10.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists. A matchup against a Pacers team that entered Thursday with the fifth-worst defensive rating in the league should leave Durant with a very high floor.
Michael Porter Jr., DEN vs. DAL ($26): Porter has been cold out of the gate only shooting 34.6 percent from the field. He went 54.2 percent last year, so don't expect his struggles to continue for much longer. The big news surrounding the Nuggets is the status of Nikola Jokic (knee), who is listed as questionable. If he's unable to play, then Porter could approach 20 shot attempts tonight.
Forward to Avoid
Kelly Oubre Jr., CHA at MIA ($19): After a disappointing season with the Warriors, Oubre seemed destined for a bench role with the Hornets. But injuries have resulted in him averaging 31 minutes and starting four of their five games. Oubre hasn't been able to take advantage of his opportunity shooting just 37.9 percent from the field. The Heat entered Thursday with the best defensive rating in the league, so this could be another uphill battle for him.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, NO vs. SAC ($34): Valanciunas continues to churn out monster stat lines having hauled in at least 15 rebounds in three consecutive contests while scoring at least 16 in four straight. With Zion Williamson (foot) out, he's averaging a career-high 35 minutes per game. With that heavy dose of playing time, Valanciunas could crush a Kings side that came into Thursday allowing the fifth-most rebounds per game in the NBA.
Richaun Holmes, SAC at NO ($25): It's tough to find a center who is near minimum salary and worth taking a chance on, even in tournament play. It might be best to try and spend a little extra of your budget at the position. If you can't squeeze Valanciunas into your lineup, Holmes represents another decent option at a more reasonable salary. Despite the Kings' rebounding issues as a team, he's posted at least 32.0 Yahoo points in each of their outings.
Center to Avoid
Myles Turner, IND at BKN ($26): Turner produced one big performance against the Wizards where he exploded for 63.0 Yahoo points. However, he's counted 26.9 YP or less in each of the Pacers' other four games. Turner isn't a great rebounder for his size and has never averaged more than 10.7 shot attempts per game during his career, so rolling with him at this valuation might be too risky especially with Holmes on a lower salary.
