This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Tuesday doesn't bring a ton of action in the NBA with four games on the schedule. Still, there are some key injuries to keep an eye on. Luka Doncic (ankle) reportedly might have aggravated his injury during practice Monday and is questionable for the Mavericks matchup with the Clippers. Nikola Jokic (wrist), who has missed the last two games for the Nuggets, is questionable against the Trail Blazers. One star that we know will be out is LeBron James, who was suspended one game for his fight with Pistons' center Isaiah Stewart. Here are some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARD
Jalen Brunson, DAL at LAC ($27): If Doncic starts, who knows how many minutes he actually plays, or if he can get through the end of the game. Brunson has been excellent in his absence, averaging 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.0 assists ants 1.3 steals in three games. In his last 10 games, he's averaged 18.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.0 steals. He likely would receive a boost in production if Doncic is out, but he's worth considering even if Doncic retakes the floor.
Cory Joseph, DET vs. MIA ($10): Killian Hayes (thumb) is set to miss his second straight game, which should lead to another start for Joseph. Joseph has taken on an expanded role lately, averaging 33 minutes in the last three games. While his number don't jump off the page, he did score at least 20.9 Yahoo points in all three games. That should at least make him worth considering in tournament play at the minimum salary.
Guard to Avoid
Kyle Lowry, MIA at DET ($27): This game has blowout written all over it. The Pistons will also be without Stewart, who was suspended two games for his altercation with James. If the Heat race to a big lead early, Lowry could spend added time on the bench in the second half. That makes him a somewhat risky option. If Doncic is out, Brunson has a much higher upside than Lowry and they have the same salary.
FORWARD
Kristaps Porzingis, DAL at LAC ($36): Porzingis has been locked in since returning from injury, averaging 23.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.4 blocks in his last eight games. He's even shot 50.4 percent from the field and 91.2 percent from the charity stripe during that stretch. These teams also played each other Sunday and Porzingis thrived with 43.6 Yahoo points. Whether Doncic plays, Porzingis could exploit a Clippers team that doesn't have much size up front.
Luke Kennard, LAC vs. DAL ($11): The Clippers likely will have to play small in this game with Nicolas Batum (COVID-19) and Marcus Morris (knee) out. Kennard already averages 27 minutes per game and he could surpass 30 minutes in this game. His 14.6 percent usage rate limits his upside, but for a slate with so few viable cheaper options, Kennard's high minutes floor could help him provide value.
Forward to Avoid
Saddiq Bey, DET vs. MIA ($22): The Heat have the fifth-best defensive rating in the league, so points could be hard to come by for the Pistons. That's particularly troublesome for Bey, who shoots an ugly 37.0 percent from the field. His struggles in that department have contributed to him scoring 25.2 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last six games.
CENTER
Anthony Davis, LAL at NY ($49): The Lakers previously had an eight-game stretch that James missed with an injury, so they are used to playing without him. Despite being limited to seven minutes in one of those games, Davis still averaged 22.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks during that stretch. His floor is as high as any center included in this slate.
Nerlens Noel, NY vs. LAL ($11): Injuries continue to be a problem for Mitchell Robinson (concussion), who is set to miss his third game of the season. Taj Gibson (groin) is doubtful, which further cuts into the Knicks' depth at center. Despite not being much of an offensive threat, Noel should receive enough playing time in this game to make an impact on the boards and with defensive stats.
Center to Avoid
Jusuf Nurkic, POR vs. DEN ($23): Nurkic is starting to see his playing time decline, logging 23 minutes or fewer in five of the last six games. That contributed to him scoring 21.8 Yahoo points or fewer three times. Since his salary doesn't come at much of a discount, adding him to your entry comes with plenty of risk.
