This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We have two more exciting playoff games in the NBA on Monday. First, the Raptors will look to build on their Game 1 performance with another victory before their series with the Sixers shifts to Philadelphia. After a wild seven-game series against the Spurs in the first round, the Nuggets will host the Blazers in the first game of their second round series. These contests another bring another opportunity to play DFS on Yahoo, so here are some players to target and avoid for your entry.
GUARDS
Jamal Murray, DEN vs. POR ($26): Murray played a key role in the Nuggets victory in Game 7 against the Spurs, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. He scored at least that 34 Yahoo points five of the seven games in that series, proving to be one of the main offensive weapons for the Nuggets. Considering the options at other positions, locking him in at point guard at this reasonable price is appealing.
J.J. Redick, PHI at TOR ($16): Redick couldn't get much going in the first round against the Nets, but he rebounded to score 23.4 Yahoo points in Game 1 versus the Raptors. He had success against them during the regular season, averaging 20 points, 2.3 rebounds and four assists across three games. His upside isn't all that high based on his lack of contributions outside of the scoring column, but he's still someone to at least consider for your entry.
Guard to Avoid
Kyle Lowry, TOR vs PHI ($29): This could be a rough series for Lowry since the Sixers allowed the fourth-fewest Yahoo points per game (39.3) to opposing point guards during the regular season. They held him in check during Game 1 with him scoring nine points on his way to 29.6 Yahoo points. His upside is similar to that of Murray's, but at three dollars more expensive, it might be wise to avoid him.
FORWARDS
Kawhi Leonard, TOR vs. PHI ($42): Leonard made a statement in Game 1. The Raptors lost their first game to the Magic in the previous round, but Leonard wasn't going to let that happen this time around. He shined with 45 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and a block. The Raptors are going to advance as far as Leonard can carry them, so he's going to receive all of the scoring attempts that he can handle in this series. While expensive, he has one of the highest floors of anyone set to play in either game Monday.
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at DEN ($18): It's been awhile since we've seen the Blazers. They made quick work of the Thunder in the first round, so they've had plenty of time to rest leading up to this series. While Aminu isn't the flashiest of options on the team, he had plenty of success against the Nuggets during the regular season by averaging 16 points, 11 rebounds and one steal across four games.
Forward to Avoid
Jimmy Butler, PHI at TOR ($30): With Joel Embiid leading the charge for the Sixers, Butler has a limited role in their offense. Case in point, he's only averaged 10 shot attempts across their last five games. He went just 4-for-12 from the floor in Game 1 and has the unenviable task of trying to slow down Leonard, which is going to require him to use a lot of energy on the defensive end. At this price, he's just too risky.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. POR ($45): If there is one player to build your lineup around, it's Jokic. He was a monster in the first round by averaging 23.1 points, 12.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists and 1.3 steals. Now he'll get to face a Blazers team that is missing Jusuf Nurkic (lower leg). Enes Kanter is also dealing with a separated left shoulder that is going to limit his effectiveness even if he is able to play. Don't overthink this one, roll with Jokic.
Zach Collins, POR at DEN ($10): If Kanter finds a way to play in this game, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him struggle. The Blazers are going to have to lean on Collins for added playing time, making him someone to target at the minimum price. Across the 26 games in which he logged at least 20 minutes this season, he averaged nine points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.
Center to Avoid
Marc Gasol, TOR vs. PHI ($20): Gasol is only averaging six shot attempts per game during the Raptors playoff run, which is not a surprise since he recorded a 16.3 percent usage rate after being traded to the team. They brought him in to play defense, specifically against Embiid if they were forced to face the Sixers in the playoffs. There's not enough upside here to warrant his price tag.
