This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA starts off the week with eight games on the schedule Monday. Among the exciting matchups are the Warriors hosting the Lakers and the Mavericks facing off against the Clippers. Let's try to add to the fun of the night by winning some cash on Yahoo. Here are some players to consider for your entries, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
LaMelo Ball, CHA vs. SAC ($38): The Kings have the worst defensive rating in the league, which makes them a team to target in DFS. Ball has continued to thrive in his rookie season, scoring at least 36.9 Yahoo points in seven of his last eight games. That included when he scored 46.8 Yahoo points versus these same Kings. Look for him to carry a high floor into their rematch.
Immanuel Quickley, NY at BKN ($13): Expect the Knicks to be shorthanded at point guard for this game with Derrick Rose (COVID-19) out and Elfrid Payton (hamstring) listed as doubtful. With both players out Saturday against the Thunder, Quickley scored 35.6 Yahoo points across 33 minutes. At this cheap salary, adding him to your entry could be well worth the risk when you also factor in that the Nets have the sixth-worst defensive rating.
Guard to Avoid
Malik Monk, CHA vs. SAC ($15): Monk recently had a seven-game stretch in which he averaged 19.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists. The key was that he averaged 26 minutes per game during that stretch while Devonte' Graham was out with an injury. However, with Graham back both of the last two games, Monk failed to log more than 19 minutes in either contest. Despite this favorable matchup, the potential lack of playing time might make Monk someone to avoid.
FORWARDS
Julius Randle, NY at BKN ($42): Randle is coming off of a monster triple-double Saturday against the Thunder that resulted in him scoring 61.4 Yahoo points. He's scored at least 51.6 Yahoo points in four of his last six games as he tries to keep the Knicks in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Look for him to capitalize on the Nets' lack of depth up front like he did the last time he faced them, scoring 49.9 Yahoo points in what was a seven-point loss for the Knicks.
Rudy Gay, SA at DET ($15): Nothing went right for the Spurs on Sunday during their 35-point loss to the Sixers. Gay only played 13 minutes in the contest, so don't read too much into his bad performance. Prior to that, he had scored at least 30.7 Yahoo points in back-to-back games. With LaMarcus Aldridge not playing while the team tries to trade him and DeMar DeRozan (personal) possibly set to miss his third straight game, Gay should see enough playing time to have a bounce-back performance.
Forward to Avoid
Joe Harris, BKN vs. NY ($16): Even with Kevin Durant (hamstring) out, there haven't been a lot of scoring opportunities for Harris. He hasn't attempted more than 10 shots in any of the last six games, which resulted in him scoring 24.4 Yahoo points or fewer in each contest. A matchup against a Knicks team that has the fourth-best defensive rating doesn't exactly help his chances of having a breakout performance.
CENTERS
Richaun Holmes, SAC at CHA ($22): The Hornets have had problems slowing down centers this season, allowing the eighth-most Yahoo points per game to the position. They could have plenty of problems trying to slow down Holmes, who has scored at least 30.3 Yahoo points in six straight games. He averaged 33 minutes per game during that stretch and should continue to be busy with Hassan Whiteside (COVID-19) ruled out again.
Montrezl Harrell, LAL at GS ($20): The Warriors were just demolished by Rudy Gobert on Sunday, who finished with 24 points, 28 rebounds and four blocks. They have size issues up front, especially with James Wiseman going through plenty of rookie pains. Harrell should be busy with Anthony Davis (calf) and Marc Gasol (COVID-19) still out, making him a very appealing option at such a reasonable salary.
Center to Avoid
DeAndre Jordan, BKN vs. NY ($18): It looks like Blake Griffin isn't close to making his debut with the Nets after a report came out over the weekend that he could be sidelined for another week while he continues to get acclimated to his new team. When he does play, he could steal some minutes from Jordan. While Jordan doesn't have to worry about that Monday, this tough matchup, combined with Holmes and Harrell being available at similar salaries, might still make Jordan someone to stay away from.
