This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It's trade deadline day, which could make for wild times in the NBA. In addition to more players possibly being on the move, there are also seven games on the schedule. It will be important to monitor for updates throughout the day, as players situations could improve if their team swings a deal. The Nets have certainly been at the center of the rumor mill, and they will have to play the Wizards on Thursday without James Harden (hamstring), who will miss his fourth straight game. The Pelicans will host the Heat in what is expected to be CJ McCollum's debut in New Orleans. Let's dive into the matchups and highlight some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Fred VanVleet, TOR at HOU ($37): VanVleet had another productive night in a blowout win over the Thunder on Wednesday, finishing with 21 points, six assists and two steals across 36 minutes. He's averaging 39 minutes per game, which is a big reason why he's been able to provide 41.7 Yahoo points per game. This is another favorable matchup for him given that the Rockets have played at the fastest pace and have the worst defensive rating in the league.
Cam Thomas, BKN at WAS ($15): Although Harden will be out for this game, at least Kyrie Irving will be able to play. Still, the Nets are going to be thin at guard, which means Thomas should see additional playing time. With Harden out the last three games, Thomas scored at least 28.5 Yahoo points each time, and that includes Irving playing in two of those games.
Guard to Avoid
Kyle Lowry, TOR at NO ($23): Lowry has been quiet since returning from a nine-game absence because of a personal matter. He's scored 25.3 Yahoo points or fewer in two of three games and he didn't attempt more than six shots from the field in any of those contests. He's only averaging 10.4 shot attempts per game for the season, which would be his lowest mark since the 2012-13 season.
FORWARDS
Kyle Kuzma, WAS vs. BKN ($30): With Bradley Beal out for the season, Kuzma is arguably the best scoring that the Wizards have left. He's coming off of a disappointing total of 21 points scored across his last two games, but he faced two of the best defensive teams in the league in the Suns and Heat. The same can't be said for the Nets, who have the 11th-worst defensive rating.
Garrison Mathews, HOU vs. TOR ($10): The most likely player on the Rockets to be dealt is Eric Gordon (heel), who doesn't fit with the rebuilding mode that the Rockets are in. He's still playing well, so the Rockets hope to get a first-round pick for him. If he is dealt, and no significant players come back in the deal, Mathews would stand to play more down the stretch. He's already 22.7 Yahoo points in three of the last four games, so he could be worth a look at the minimum salary.
Forward to Avoid
Cameron Johnson, PHO vs. MIL ($16): Jae Crowder has a firm grip on a starting spot and significant playing time for the Suns. The result has been limited minutes for Johnson, who has scored 18.6 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last six games. While his salary won't destroy your budget, his limited upside still makes him an unappealing option.
CENTERS
Pascal Siakam, TOR at HOU ($42): Siakam destroyed the Thunder on Wednesday, recording 27 points, 16 rebounds and five assists across 40 minutes. Like VanVleet, he plays a ton at 38 minutes per game. In fact, he's logged at least 40 minutes in seven of the last eight games. Given the fast pace at which the Rockets have played, Siakam could thrive.
Alperen Sengun, HOU vs. TOR ($11): A big question surrounding the Rockets is, do they trade Christian Wood? If they do, a lot of minutes could open up for Sengun. Even if they don't, though, he's scored at least 22.1 Yahoo points in four straight games. That should at least put him on your radar at his cheap salary.
Center to Avoid
Jonas Valanciunas, NO vs. MIA ($29): Having to face Bam Adebayo is not a good matchup for Valanciunas. The Heat are a good defensive team, in general, considering they have the sixth-best defensive rating. Add in McCollum potentially stealing some of Valanciunas' shot attempts and it might be best to keep him out of your entry.
