DFS: 5 Elite Players to Avoid Early On

Though these players have the talent to be extraordinary fantasy performers, they face some early season challenges that may strain production. These players are too talented to completely abandon, but be more selective when you choose to roster them as the 2015-16 season gets underway.

1. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs

Aldridge can be a monster in fantasy. But, welcome to San Antonio where individual stats are irrelevant and players are conserved for playoff time.

In typical San Antonio fashion, expect Aldridge to see reduced minutes and days off. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will be carefully watching over his new big man throughout the season.

The presence of Tim Duncan, David West, and Boris Diaw also allows Popovich options in the front court. With these proven players at his disposal, Aldridge will see limited game action and reduced scoring opportunities.

In San Antonio, Aldridge will not be the offensive focal point like he and Lillard were in Portland. San Antonio posses great depth as always and never relies on on one or two players to lead the team. Aldridge is likely to see his scoring reduced as he will be one of many options in San Antonio.

When to Roster: Look for games when Pop decides to rest Duncan or West and leaves Aldridge in.

2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

When healthy, James is an elite fantasy player and a must-roster. But as he ages, James is always in danger of limited minutes and nights off. At this point in his career, even James knows that the first few games aren't vital.

Even when James does play, the issue of limited minutes is a major concern as no player can produce from the bench. In a soft Eastern Conference where Cleveland can win without him, James may play in the early and middle portions of games, but in blowout games, he'll happily cheerlead in sweats.

James is also dealing with health issues. Already, James has received anti-inflammatory injections to reduce discomfort in his back. Last year, James received similar anti-inflammatory injections for back and knee issues that hampered him last season. He missed 13 games last season.

Yes, James is an elite fantasy option when playing at 100% in terms of health and effort. But his constant maintenance and long-term desire to be fit for the playoffs forces you to analyze his status and matchup on a nightly basis.

When to Roster: In notable games against top competition. LeBron loves facing the best and brings his best in those moments.

3. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, Wesley Matthews, and Robin Lopez all jumped ship this offseason, leaving Lillard to fend for himself in Portland.

Last year, Lillard was the leading scorer in Portland and that will not change this year. However, losing four starters that ranked second through fifth in team scoring leaves opposing defenses with little to worry about outside of Lillard. The Portland depth chart hardly inspires fear in opposing defenses:

With little proven NBA support, Lillard should be the defensive focus for opponents every night. Lillard should expect to see more attention from defenses than ever before and double teams in order to get the ball out of his hands and into the hands of his less talented teammates.

Lillard is an elite talent and with the opportunity he will get this year, he will put up strong performances. But with only one scorer to defend, opposing defenses should be able to stifle Lillard and the Blazers. The Western Conference is simply too strong and Portland too weak at the other positions for Lillard to shoulder the load every night.

When to Roster: Against weaker teams or ones that struggle to guard the point.

4. Ty Lawson, Houston Rockets

Lawson leaves Denver on a sour note and moves to Houston, where he should play a secondary scoring role on the Rockets.

Lawson was sensational last season, averaging 15.2 points and 9.6 assists per game. He also had a usage rating of 20.6% last year, but without the ball in his hands as much expect him to be involved less on a well-rounded Rockets squad.

James Harden is the focal point of this team and Lawson will not be running the offense in Houston like he did in Denver. The Rockets also have Terrance Jones, Trevor Ariza, and Dwight Howard. Expect everyone to contribute to the offense and Lawson to be in a limited portion of the scoring.

When to Roster: Garbage time. Look for games against weaker competition when the Rockets will be comfortably ahead and resting Harden.

5. Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls

Gasol put together one of the best years of his career in 2014-15 - but at 35, he's due for some regression.

Gasol, like others on this list, could face the possibility of resting throughout the season when the opportunity presents itself. The Bulls are virtually a lock for a playoff spot in the soft East and should be able to crush some of their weaker conference foes.

A forgotten element of Gasol's strong season last year is that he played in 78 games; in the two seasons prior to 14-15, Gasol only played in 109 of 164 games, and has only eclipsed 70+ games in seven of 15 non-lockout seasons. Gasol enters this season without any current health concerns but his maintenance is something to monitor.

Finally, and most importantly, Chicago is a strong team with talented players across the board. With stars like Jimmy Butler, Derrick Rose, Nikola Mirotic, and Joakim Noah, the Bulls have plenty of options on offense. Gasol will still be an offensive contributor for the Bulls but it's best to take a wait-and-see approach this year after last year's great output.

When to Roster: Let the first 10 games pass and monitor the offensive approach from new head coach Fred Hoiberg. Then look for matchups against smaller centers where Gasol can put his experience and length to use.