This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA is finally back! Our long summer nightmare with no basketball ends Tuesday with two games that will have four exciting teams take the floor in the Warriors, Thunder, Sixers and Celtics.
Although it's a limited slate, there's still the opportunity to start the season off strong with a winning entry on Yahoo. Here are some players to target and avoid as you craft your lineup.
GUARDS
Stephen Curry, GS vs. OKC ($41): Not exactly a bold play on a two-game slate, but Curry is as reliable as it gets. He's averaged at least 25.3 points, 6.1 assists, 1.6 steals and 4.1 three-pointers per game in three straight seasons and, when healthy, is still the most dangerous three-point shooter in the league by a decent margin. While this game could get out of hand -- especially if Russell Westbrook (knee) doesn't play -- if the Warriors build a substantial lead, it's a good bet that Curry is a big reason why.
Dennis Schroder, OKC at GS ($27): The Thunder had terrible depth last season and although they no longer have Carmelo Anthony, they did make some moves to help lengthen their roster. One of their key additions will be Schroder, who could be in line for a significant role in this game if Russell Westbrook (knee) is unable to play. Schroder had the best season of his career with the Hawks last year, averaging 19.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. His 30.4 percent usage rate from last year likely won't be sustainable, but he could be one main offensive compliments to George in this contest if Westbrook sits.
Guard to Avoid
Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. PHI ($22): Brown is one of the bright emerging players in the league. He stepped up for the Celtics after they suffered some significant injuries last year, averaging 14.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 three-pointers per game. However, with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward now back in the fold, it will be difficult for Brown to match his average of 31 minutes per contest or his 21.4 percent usage rate. It might be best to avoid him at this price -- at least until we get a better look at what his nightly role will be.
FORWARDS
Paul George, OKC at GS ($35): George saw a slight decline in production during his first season with the Thunder, but he still averaged 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He continued to be a monster on the defensive end by averaging two steals per contest and he also averaged a career-high 3.1 three-pointers. With Anthony no longer on the squad and the potential for Westbrook to sit, George could be poised for an extremely high-usage rate Tuesday. That's great news considering the Warriors played at the fifth-fastest pace (100.4 possessions per game) in the league last year.
Jerami Grant, OKC at GS ($10): Although the Thunder did make some key additions with Schroder and Nerlens Noel, their frontcourt still isn't overly deep. Grant should have a chance to be one of the main contributors up front, even if he comes off the bench behind Patrick Patterson. His numbers last year weren't anything to write home about, but he did average 9.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and one block across 45 games in which he logged at least 20 minutes. At the minimum price, he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Draymond Green, GS vs. OKC ($34): It will be interesting to see how Green meshes with Cousins, but that's obviously not a concern Tuesday. What is a concern is that Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Green will likely start the season playing in shorter spurts as he works back from a sore left knee. He may not end up playing fewer minutes overall, but there's some uncertainty here, and Green didn't look overly comfortable in his lone preseason contest last week, going 0-of-3 from the floor in 21 minutes.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI at BOS ($41): Without question, Embiid is one of the most talented centers in the league. He's a monster when he's on the floor, averaging 22.9 points, 11 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 blocks per contest last season. The Sixers lost to the Celtics in the playoffs, but Embiid thrived in that series, putting up 23 points, 14 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
Steven Adams, OKC at GS ($21): The Warriors could be incredibly thin up front depending on how much Green's minutes are capped. Behind him are the likes of Kevon Looney, Jordan Bell and Damian Jones. That's not exactly an imposing trio for Adams (back), who is coming off the best season of his career by averaging 13.9 points, nine rebounds, 1.2 steals and one block per contest. Note: Adams is listed as questionable, but if he plays, he'll be in a position to be productive coming off of a monster preseason.
Center to Avoid
Al Horford, BOS vs. PHI ($30): The Celtics really leaned on Horford to help their young club succeed after Irving and Hayward went down. His numbers weren't flashy, but he was a valuable overall contributor by recording 12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.3 three's and 1.1 blocks per game. He likely won't be relied upon as heavily with both players back and will have the tough task of trying to slow down Embiid, making him a risky option at this price.
