This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA brings five games to the table Tuesday, including a huge matchup between the Warriors and Suns. The Warriors are an NBA-best 18-2 and the Suns are right behind them, posting a 17-3 mark on the strength of 16 consecutive victories. We'll also have a battle of New Yok when the Nets play host to the Knicks. The Knicks made some headlines Monday when they said that Kemba Walker has not only lost his starting job but will be removed from their rotation altogether. Let's discuss some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARD
Fred VanVleet, TOR vs. MEM ($33): OG Anunoby (hip) doesn't have a timeline for his return, meaning the Raptors will once again have to play without one of their primary scoring options. To make matters worse, Khem Birch (knee) is also out, while Gary Trent Jr. (calf) is listed as questionable. That means VanVleet, who has scored at least 40.0 Yahoo points in three consecutive games, should remain busy. This matchup also works in his favor given that the Grizzlies have the lowest defensive rating in the league.
Patty Mills, BKN vs. NY ($13): An ankle injury to Joe Harris has left Mills to average 34 minutes the last seven games. He doesn't contribute much outside of the scoring column, but the added playing time helped him average 18.4 points and 5.1 three-pointers during that stretch. With the news that Harris will be out for at least another four weeks, Mills could continue to provide value.
Guard to Avoid
Jordan Poole, GS at PHO ($23): Poole can explode in the scoring column any given night. However, his averages of 3.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists can limit his upside. Case in point, he's scored 26.6 Yahoo points or fewer in seven of his last 10 games. The Suns have the third-highest defensive rating in the league, so points might not be as easy to come by for Poole in this matchup.
FORWARD
Dillon Brooks, MEM at TOR ($23): Brooks is never one to shy away from taking shots. With Ja Morant (knee) out, Brooks has the potential to lead the Grizzlies in usage rate. He only logged 21 minutes in a blowout win over the Kings on Sunday, but that didn't stop him from scoring 21 points on 17 shot attempts. If this game is close, Brooks could easily surpass 20 points, while also providing production on the glass and with steals.
Alec Burks, NY at BKN ($12): Walker's demotion means Burks will be the new starting point guard for the Knicks. He started Saturday's win against the Hawks, scoring 38.9 Yahoo points across 39 minutes. While that kind of production might be difficult to duplicate, he could be well worth the risk at near the minimum salary.
Forward to Avoid
Draymond Green, GS at PHO ($28): A hard fall Sunday against the Clippers left Green with some back soreness, but that's not expected to keep him out of this marquee matchup. The good news with Green is that he averages 7.8 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game. The bad news is that he only averages 8.2 points despite shooting 55.5 percent from the field. He's barely involved in the Warriors offense, evident by his 14.2 percent usage rate. Given that his salary doesn't come at much of a discount, his already limited scoring contributions could make him even riskier in a matchup against the Suns' stout defense.
CENTER
Anthony Davis, LAL at SAC ($48): Although Davis (head) is on the Lakers' injury report, there isn't much to be concerned about given that he's probable. These two teams just faced off last week, a game in which Davis thrived with 57.6 Yahoo points. He's scored at least 53.0 Yahoo points in three of the last four games and averages 49.6 Yahoo points per game for the season. The Kings are battling injuries up front, so Davis could be poised for another big stat line.
Deandre Ayton, PHO vs. GS ($27): Ayton enters on a bit of a cold streak after scoring 28.3 Yahoo points or fewer in three straight games. That's helped reduce his salary to the lowest it's been since Opening Night. Given that he scored at least 33.2 Yahoo points in eight consecutive games before his recent struggles, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him provide value.
Center to Avoid
Mitchell Robinson, NY at BKN ($13): Robinson just can't stay healthy. He's already missed three games this season and has averaged just 26 minutes. While his 79.7 percent shooting from the field is excellent, it comes on just 3.5 shots per game. The Nets don't have a ton of size up front, so it wouldn't be a surprise if the Knicks played small, rolling with Julius Randle at the five more, leaving Robinson to spend added minutes on the bench.
