This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA returns from a one-day hiatus with 12 games. The Suns will be going for their 15th straight win on the road against the Knicks. Another potentially exciting game features the Bucks traveling to face the Nuggets. Nikola Jokic (wrist), who has missed the last three contests, is listed as questionable. Denver's lost all three, so they could really use him tonight. Let's dive into all of the DFS options and highlight some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Ja Morant, MEM vs. ATL ($40): Morant has recently been at the top of his game scoring at least 43.2 Yahoo points in eight of his last nine outings. He even topped 50 four times during that stretch. The Hawks enter with the sixth-worst defensive rating and have allowed the second-most assists per game, leaving Morant with significant upside.
Malik Beasley, MIN at CHA ($10): Patrick Beverley was limited to five minutes before going down with a groin injury Tuesday against the Heat. Beasley logged a season-high 38 minutes as a result and cashed in with 38.6 Yahoo points. Beverley has already been ruled out today, which could help Beasley provide value given the Hornets have played at the third-fastest pace in the league.
Guard to Avoid
Jaylen Brown, BOS at SA ($33): Brown is listed as questionable as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. He carried the same designation heading into Tuesday's matchup, but ultimately played and was limited to 24 minutes. That came on the heels of only managing 23 minutes the previous game. Even if Brown plays, expect his minutes to be low.
FORWARDS
Josh Giddey, OKC vs. WAS ($26): Giddey has used his ability to contribute in multiple areas to score at least 30.1 Yahoo points in six straight contests. He averaged 32 minutes during that stretch, which is an increase of two compared to his season average. Expect Giddey to see added court time and an expanded role in the Thunders' offense with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) set to miss his third straight game.
Jarred Vanderbilt, MIN at CHA ($13): Are the Timberwolves finally ready to give Vanderbilt extended minutes? He's averaged 25 across their last six outings, which has propelled him to averages of 7.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals. Vanderbilt shot 61.5 percent from the field over that span, which isn't all that unexpected given he went 60.6 percent last season. His rebounding prowess could really make a difference given the Hornets have allowed the most rebounds per game.
Forward to Avoid
Caris LeVert, IND vs. TOR ($22): A couple of recent blowouts have limited LeVert's playing time. And even in a close contest against the Lakers on Tuesday, he only logged 27 minutes. LeVert was on a minutes restriction entering that contest due to a back injury, so it's difficult to see him going at least 30 minutes tonight.
CENTERS
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at CHA ($43): Outside of Mason Plumlee, the Hornets don't offer much size up front. Even Plumlee is listed as questionable with a calf injury. Regardless if he plays, this is a stellar matchup for Towns having averaged 42.7 Yahoo points on the season.
Precious Achiuwa, TOR at IND ($14): Achiuwa's numbers usually don't jump off the page, but he's recorded at least 26.1 Yahoo points in five of his last six games. He played at least 24 minutes in each of those contests as the Raptors have dealt with injuries. They will again be shorthanded with Khem Birch (knee) having already been ruled out and OG Anunoby (hip) listed as questionable. If you're looking to fade the top-tier center options in tournament play, Achiuwa should at least be on your radar.
Center to Avoid
Steven Adams, MEM vs. ATL ($18): Adams is only averaging 25 minutes this season, which would be his lowest mark since 2015-16 when he was in OKC. Over his last 13 outings, he's scored double-digit points just once and hauled in double-digit rebounds three times. There are plenty of viable center options for this slate, so avoiding Adams shouldn't be too difficult.
