This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA tips off the week with eight games on the schedule Monday. Several key players are dealing with injuries, which could have a significant impact in DFS. Let's discuss some of the top options to consider, as well as a few players to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Jrue Holiday, MIL vs. IND ($24): The big news for this game is that Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is listed as doubtful. If he does indeed sit out, it will only be the second game that he has missed all season. Holiday has already scored at least 33.5 Yahoo points in three of the last four games, and could now be looked upon to provide more scoring. At this reasonable salary, he could end up being a significant value.
Devonte' Graham, CHA at SA ($13): Another big injury of note is that to LaMelo Ball (wrist), who is reportedly going to miss the rest of the season. Graham had taken on a limited role this season after the Hornets drafted Ball, but now he should be thrust back into the starting five at point guard. In that role last season, he averaged 18.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 7.5 assists across 35 minutes per game. This matchup isn't great, but his likely increased role, combined with his cheap salary, make him difficult to resist.
Guard to Avoid
Coby White, CHI vs. UTA ($18): White has averaged 32 minutes per game for the season, but he's only averaged 24 minutes across five games since being moved to the second unit. The result was him scoring 25.3 Yahoo points or fewer in each contest. A matchup against a Jazz team that has the seventh-best defensive rating in the league likely won't help his cause.
FORWARDS
Anthony Edwards, MIN vs. OKC ($31): Edwards finally had an off night in the scoring column, finishing with just 11 points on 4-for-18 shooting Friday against the Suns. Still, he helped salvage his stat line with 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. He's scored at least 31 Yahoo points in 10 straight games and should be able to get back on track in the scoring column against a Thunder team that isn't nearly as stout on the defensive end as the Suns.
Buddy Hield, SAC at CLE ($23): This has the potential to be a high-scoring game between two of the worst defensive teams in the league. Hield is riding a hot streak heading into this matchup, averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 5.3 three-pointers over his last nine games. He averaged 37 minutes per game during that stretch and should continue to play a ton, especially with the Kings going small because of the absence of Marvin Bagley III (hand).
Forward to Avoid
Kyle Anderson, MEM vs. BOS ($19): Anderson doesn't really excel in any one particular area, which doesn't always make him an appealing option. He's been especially quiet lately, scoring 28.6 Yahoo points or fewer in each of his last nine games. For a slate with so many other viable options, taking a chance on Anderson having a breakout performance seems unnecessary.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA at CHI ($36): This one will require some monitoring since Gobert is listed as questionable with a hip injury. If he plays, he could demolish a Bulls team who has been eaten alive by the likes of Moses Brown, Jakob Poeltl and Mason Plumlee lately. If Gobert isn't able to play, then Derrick Favors ($10) could be worth a look in tournament play.
Ivica Zubac, LAC vs. ATL ($13): Serge Ibaka (back) has missed three straight games and has already been ruled out for Monday, which means another start should be coming for Zubac. Across the previous three games that Ibaka missed, Zubac averaged 13.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals. The key is that he averaged 32 minutes per game during that stretch, which is a significant increase from his season average of 20 minutes per game.
Center to Avoid
Wendell Carter Jr., CHI vs. UTA ($18): Carter is in the same boat as White. He had started for much of the season, but was recently moved to the bench. He's struggled in the role, averaging 8.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in 19 minutes per game. With Zubac set to have a much larger role for the Clippers, and having a salary that is $5 cheaper, there's no need to think about rolling with Carter.
