This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We've reached the final week of the NBA regular season. It starts off with kind of a whimper considering there are just six games on the schedule Monday. There is still money to be won on Yahoo, though, so let's highlight some players to consider for your entries, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, WAS at ATL ($59): Westbrook needs one more triple-double to set the NBA record. Considering he has one in 25 of his last 30 games and that Bradley Beal (hamstring) will be out for this game, it seems like a pretty favorable spot for him to achieve the feat. He's not just squeaking by with triple-doubles, either, averaging 22.7 points, 13.9 rebounds, 12.9 assists and 1.5 steals during that 30-game stretch.
Armoni Brooks, HOU at POR ($12): The Rockets don't have many guard options left because of a bevy of injuries. Brooks has been forced to log at least 31 minutes in three straight games, which he converted into at least 24.9 Yahoo points in each contest. Facing a Blazers team that has the second-worst defensive rating in the league makes him an even more appealing option.
Guard to Avoid
Andrew Wiggins, GS vs. UTA ($28): This is a tough matchup for Wiggins with the Jazz posting the third-best defensive rating in the league. His salary isn't all that cheap, and there are a few players in the same range who have more favorable matchups, including Bogdan Bogdanovic ($28) against the Wizards. Also, if you want to deploy Westbrook, rolling with both him and Wiggins does a number on your budget, limiting your options at the other positions.
FORWARDS
Domantas Sabonis, IND at CLE ($48): Sabonis hasn't been in Westbrook's rarified air, but he does have two triple-doubles over the last five games. During that stretch, he's averaged 27.0 points, 14.4 rebounds, 10.6 assists and 2.0 steals. If you want to fade Westbrook in tournament play, then you could pursue Sabonis, who has similar upside at a cheaper salary.
Kenyon Martin Jr., HOU at POR ($24): Martin's salary is climbing, but that was to be expected for a player who has scored at least 42.9 Yahoo points in three straight games. He logged at least 39 minutes in each of those contests, which helped him thrive despite tough matchups against the Sixers, Bucks and Jazz. With all of the Rockets' injuries, he should be busy in this matchup, as well.
Forward to Avoid
Robert Covington, POR vs. HOU ($18): Covington's upside is very limited given his 11.7 percent usage rate. This game could also be a blowout against an inferior foe, which might limit his playing time in the second half. If you're hunting for a player in this salary range, it might be better to take a chance on Rui Hachimura ($19), who could be asked to provide more scoring with Beal out for the Wizards.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA at GS ($33): The last time we saw Gobert take the floor against the Warriors, he provided 24 points, 28 rebounds and four blocks on his way to 77.1 Yahoo points. The Warriors are lacking talent at center, which has contributed to them allowing the third-most rebounds per game in the league. While it will be difficult for Gobert to replicate his monster performance from their last meeting, he still enters this contest with a high floor.
Jaxson Hayes, NO at MEM ($12): Even with Steven Adams (toe) out, Hayes hasn't been starting at center for the Pelicans. However, he has logged at least 24 minutes in four of the last five games. That helped him average 13.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks during that span. At such a cheap salary, he's worth considering in tournament play if you want to load up at guard and forward.
Center to Avoid
Brook Lopez, MIL at SA ($20): Lopez is coming off of a big night against the Rockets in which he scored 38.9 Yahoo points. The Rockets surprisingly kept the game fairly close, which meant Lopez played his normal allotment of minutes. He can go off on any given night, but he's only averaging 24.4 Yahoo points per game for the season. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Hayes provide similar Yahoo points at a much cheaper salary.
