This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA brings six games to the table Tuesday. As far as big names go, two of the brightest stars in the league face off when LeBron James and the Lakers play host to Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. The Timberwolves play the second of a back-to-back against the visiting Warriors, which is certainly not an ideal situation. Two Eastern Conference teams with playoff aspirations face off when the Celtics entertain the Hawks. The same can't be said for the matchup between the Pistons and Wizards, both of whom are falling down the standings. Let's get down to business and highlight some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well a few to avoid.
GUARD
Luka Doncic, DAL at LAL ($56): Doncic has put up some pretty gaudy numbers during his career, but the streak that he is on now has reached another level. In the last 13 games, he has averaged 31.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 10.0 assists and 1.5 steals. With little offensive talent around him he averaged 21.7 shot attempts and 9.5 free-throw attempts per game during that stretch. Don't expect his gaudy usage rate to decline in a favorable matchup against the reeling Lakers.
Reggie Jackson, LAC at HOU ($25): Despite all their injuries, the Clippers are still in the playoff hunt. By producing 16.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, Jackson is one of the main reasons why they have stayed afloat. This is a great matchup for him against the Rockets, who play at the league's fastest pace and have the worst defensive rating in the league. The last two times Jackson faced them, he scored 37.6 and 40.8 Yahoo points.
Guard to Avoid
Russell Westbrook, LAL vs. DAL ($29): Westbrook isn't a great fit with the Lakers. He's not a good shooter, and playing alongside James limits the impact he can make in terms of rebounds and assists. It's really been ugly for Westbrook lately given that he has averaged only 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists in his last eight games. Given that his salary doesn't come at much of a discount, he's awfully risky.
FORWARD
Kyle Kuzma, WAS vs. DET ($35): Kristaps Porzingis (knee) still isn't ready to make his debut with the Wizards, so Kuzma remains their top scoring option. Since the trade deadline, he has averaged 23.0 points, 10.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists in seven games. He has the potential to dominate a Pistons team that has the sixth-worst defensive rating in the league.
Marcus Morris, LAC at HOU ($18): Morris struggled when these teams met Sunday, scoring 13 points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field. However, this is still a great matchup for him — he scored 27 points when these teams a couple weeks ago. At this cheap salary, it could be worth taking a chance on him to have a bounce-back performance.
Forward to Avoid
Al Horford, BOS vs. ATL ($20): Horford has the potential to go off on any given night considering his ability to contribute in so many different areas. However, he's been inconsistent, which has resulted in him scoring 23.5 Yahoo points or fewer in three of his last five games. That included 18.2 Yahoo points the last time he faced the Hawks.
CENTER
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN vs. GS ($41): Although the Warriors are a good defensive team, their lack of size up front makes Towns a tough matchup. In the three previous times that Towns faced them this season, he scored 43.4, 45.7 and 58.4 Yahoo points. Expect a high floor in this matchup, as well.
Ivica Zubac, LAC at HOU ($19): Zubac enters this game playing well, posting a double-double in four of his last six games. He achieved that feat in both of his previous two games against the Rockets, leading him to score 28.5 and 53.5 Yahoo points, respectively. If you're looking to fade Towns and save money at the center spot, Zubac should be on your radar.
Center to Avoid
Christian Wood, HOU vs. LAC ($30): This is not a fantasy-friendly matchup for the Rockets because the Clippers have the seventh-best defensive rating in the league. With Zubac and Isaiah Hartenstein manning the middle, they can also present a problem on the glass for the opposition. They have certainly proved to be tough for Wood, who didn't surpass 27.9 Yahoo points in either of their last two meetings.
