This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA starts off the week in style with 11 games on the schedule Monday. That leaves us with a lot of options to wade through, so let's get right to it. Here are some players to consider targeting, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Malcolm Brogdon, IND at WAS ($26): This is a matchup to target with the Wizards sporting the sixth-worst defensive rating in the league. Brogdon has been one of the most consistent sources for production on the Pacers, scoring at least 32.3 Yahoo points in seven of his last eight games. Add in his reasonable mid-tier salary and he could provide value.
Theo Maledon, OKC vs. DAL ($13): Maledon had a stellar performance in a blowout loss to the Celtics on Saturday, scoring 41.6 Yahoo points. He logged 37 minutes in the defeat, which should come as no surprise given the state of the tanking Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (foot) will be out again Monday and Luguentz Dort's status is up in the air with him being in the league's concussion protocol, so expect Maledon to once again be busy.
Guard to Avoid
Derrick Rose, NY vs. MIA ($23): After a 10-game absence because of COVID-19, Rose made his return Saturday against the Bucks. He logged 29 minutes, attempting 15 shots on his way to scoring 23.7 Yahoo points. The Knicks desperately need him to provide an offensive spark, but that could be difficult for him to deliver against a Heat team that has the eighth-best defensive rating.
FORWARDS
DeMar DeRozan, SA vs. SAC ($35): DeRozan's scoring numbers are down a tick this season, but it's not as if he's struggled in that department considering he's averaged 20.5 points per game. He's also been spectacular in other areas, averaging 4.4 rebounds and a career-high 7.1 assists per game. With his ability to contribute in multiple areas, he has the potential to thrive against a Kings team that has the worst defensive rating.
Trevor Ariza, MIA at NY ($12): When the Heat traded Kelly Olynyk, they seemed like a prime target to sign LaMarcus Aldridge after he was bought out by the Spurs. However, after he landed with the Nets, Ariza could be in line for a prominent role moving forward. He's logged at least 31 minutes in back-to-back games and is coming off of an excellent performance against the Hornets on Friday in which he scored 43.3 Yahoo points. That feat will be difficult for him to duplicate, but he can still provide value at his reduced salary.
Forward to Avoid
Buddy Hield, SAC at SA ($21): Hield has never been an overly efficient player, but he's struggled more so this season, shooting just 39.6 percent from the field. Given his reliance on the scoring column to provide value in DFS, that makes him a risky option. With the Spurs having the ninth-best defensive rating, Hield has the makings of a risky option.
CENTERS
Robert Williams, BOS vs. NO ($28): The Celtics dealt Daniel Theis at the trade deadline and missed out on signing Andre Drummond on the buyout market, which means Williams is going to continue to play more moving forward. Tristan Thompson (COVID-19) is also expected to remain out, leaving even more minutes on the table for Williams. His salary is on the rise after he scored at least 39.8 Yahoo points in three of the last four games, but Williams is still an appealing option based on his expanded role.
Moses Brown, OKC vs. DAL ($25): The Thunder have decided to keep Al Horford out for the rest of the season, which means Brown has the potential to play a lot down the stretch. He started Saturday against the Celtics and dominated with 21 points and 23 rebounds. Across five games as a starter, he's averaged 14.2 points, 15.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.
Center to Avoid
Brook Lopez, MIL at LAC ($19): With so many games on the schedule, taking a chance on Lopez seems unnecessary. His last five games are a perfect example of his volatility. During that stretch, he scored at least 33 Yahoo point twice. However, he scored 20.9 Yahoo points or fewer in each of the other three games. If you're looking for a center in this salary range, it might be better to just allocate a little more of your salary to the position and roll with Brown.
