This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Tuesday brings six games in the NBA and the potential for some lopsided scores. That might make things a little tricky to navigate in DFS, so let's try to make that task a little easier by highlighting a couple of players to target at each position, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
James Harden, HOU at MEM ($58): The Rockets will play a back-to-back set Tuesday and Wednesday, so they've decided to rest Russell Westbrook for the first game. That will leave the bulk of the scoring responsibilities squarely on the shoulders of Harden, who scored 75 Yahoo points in a game that Westbrook sat out last week. With both of these teams ranked inside the top-three in the league in pace of play, the sky is the limit for Harden.
De'Anthony Melton, MEM vs. HOU ($11): Melton's lack of playing time makes him a risky option, so he's only someone to consider in tournament play. With that being said, this is a favorable matchup and he has scored at least 24.5 Yahoo points in four of his last six games. That's despite him playing no more than 22 minutes in any of those contests.
Guard to Avoid
Elfrid Payton, NY at MIL ($21): Working in Payton's favor is that Dennis Smith Jr. (oblique) won't take the floor in this game. However, this is not a good matchup against Eric Bledsoe, who has helped the Bucks allow the sixth-fewest Yahoo points per game to opposing point guards. Since he isn't all cheap, it might be best to look elsewhere.
FORWARDS
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO at ATL ($33): Oubre has taken his game to the next level in his first full season with the Suns, averaging 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals. He's been even better than that lately, averaging 23.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 steals across his last eight contests. With both of these teams ranked inside the top-10 in the league in pace of play, Oubre should have plenty of opportunities to stuff the stat sheet.
Omari Spellman, GS vs. DAL ($14): Although he is listed at forward on Yahoo, Spellman is the new starting center for the Warriors. He's played the last two games in that role, scoring 34.5 and 28.3 Yahoo points, respectively. He's been productive for a longer stretch than that, as well, scoring at least 28.2 Yahoo points in four of his last five contests. At this cheap price, he's difficult to pass up.
Forward to Avoid
Bobby Portis, NY at MIL ($17): Portis had a couple of strong games lately, which is the reason for his inflated price tag. However, they came with Julius Randle unavailable. With Randle back in action against the Heat on Sunday, Portis scored 9.7 Yahoo points across 17 minutes. Expect him to log limited minutes in this contest, as well.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA at BKN ($35): This has the potential to get ugly in a hurry for the Nets given their inability to slow down opposing centers. Gobert comes into this game on fire, scoring at least 46.2 Yahoo points in three straight contests. The last time he faced the Nets, he torched them for 18 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Expect him to have a high floor in their rematch.
Dwight Powell, DAL at GS ($11): Kristaps Porzingis (knee) is listed as questionable for this game, but it would be a bit surprising to see him play considering the Mavericks also play Wednesday. If he does indeed sit out, that should leave added minutes for Powell. Across the seven games in which Porzingis has missed, Powell has averaged 12 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 30 minutes a night.
Center to Avoid
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. NY ($16): The Bucks have been involved in some lopsided scores lately, which has resulted in Lopez seeing some added time on the bench late in games. That's also dealt a blow to his production, leaving him to score 15.8 Yahoo points or fewer in three of his last four games. The Bucks should win this one going away at home against the lowly Knicks, so don't be surprised if Lopez provides another muted stat line.
