This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Sunday's NBA slate features a modest four games starting at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. While there isn't much selection to choose from, certain players stand out as options to target or avoid. Read on to find out who they are.
GUARD
Eric Gordon, HOU at IND ($27): Gordon's value resides primarily in his scoring ability, as he's averaging a robust 22.8 PPG. That skill should translate to fantasy success against a Pacers team that allows 108.4 points per game. With Indiana likely to keep this one close at home, Gordon's minutes should wind up in the high 30s once again after reaching 37 in four of the last seven games.
Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. TOR ($19): Brown has embraced his increased responsibilities on both ends in Year 2, averaging 26.4 fantasy points in 32 minutes per game. He's shown no signs of slowing, topping 26.0 in six of his past seven appearances. The third overall pick in the 2016 draft likely will see his price rise before long, so grab him in the sub-$20 range while you still can given his consistent contributions in points and rebounds.
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Guard to Avoid:
Kyrie Irving, BOS vs. TOR ($45): Assuming Irving suits up after taking an elbow to the face from teammate Aron Baynes on Friday, he'll have a hard time living up to his lofty valuation against Kyle Lowry and the Raptors. Lowry's elite defense has helped Toronto hold opposing point guards to 40.9 fantasy points per game, which is the sixth-lowest mark in the league. Irving's average of 36.6 fantasy points per game is well short of expectations for a $45 player, and this tough matchup will make it even harder for him to live up to his price.
FORWARD
Paul George, OKC vs. DAL ($36): George had his best game since joining the Thunder on Friday, piling up 69.3 fantasy points. That performance was the latest chapter in a five-game stretch during which George has averaged 43.7 fantasy points in 40 minutes per game. He's starting to look more comfortable in his new surroundings, so expect George's performance and price to keep steadily climbing. While there's a risk of Oklahoma City getting up big and resting its starters, the team's 5-7 record suggests it's unlikely to do so.
Domantas Sabonis, IND vs. HOU ($20): Sabonis has proven capable of significantly outplaying his $20 price, topping 32.0 fantasy points in five of his last 10 appearances while scoring more than 38.0 three times over that span. While he lacks the brute force of his dad Arvydas, Domantas inherited his father's touch and playmaking skills, as he has three games with at least five assists while averaging a double-double in points and rebounds. While Houston's been surprisingly effective defensively, Sabonis' versatile skill set should allow him to make fantasy owners happy once again.
Forward to Avoid:
Carmelo Anthony, OKC vs. DAL ($31): While George has begun to adapt to playing in OKC, Melo continues to struggle. Anthony has failed to reach 30 fantasy points in three of his last four games and hasn't shown a high enough ceiling as the third option to justify the low floor created by the combination of his recent form and the possibility of low playing time if this one gets out of hand.
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CENTER
Salah Mejri, DAL at OKC ($12): Mejri has topped 30 fantasy points in two of his last four games, piling up double-digit rebounds and five blocks in both of those outings. His rim protection should earn Mejri more minutes with Nerlens Noel struggling, making him a low-risk, high-reward pick at $12.
Hassan Whiteside, MIA at DET ($39): The slightly cheaper option in this high-profile center battle should provide strong bang for the buck after topping 47 fantasy points in three of his last four appearances. Whiteside's shot-blocking ability (1.9 blocks per game this year, 2.1 last year and 3.7 the year before) gives him the slight edge over Andre Drummond, as both are good bets to easily crack double digits in both points and rebounds.
Center to Avoid:
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at BOS ($17): Valanciunas is an offensively inclined center, which makes the Celtics a tough matchup. Al Horford's strong individual defense coupled with Boston's excellent team scheme has given much more skilled big men fits, as the Celtics have held centers to a league-low 12.9 PPG. Look elsewhere for a center.
