This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It will be a small slate in the NBA on Monday consisting of only two games. However, there will be no shortage of excitement with the Rockets looking to eliminate the Thunder and the Bucks tipping off their series with the Heat.
We also have Yahoo DFS on the docket, so let's discuss some players to consider for your lineup, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Jimmy Butler, MIA at MIL ($37): Heading into Game 4 of the Heat's first-round series with the Pacers, Butler had played extremely well, posting averages of 24.3 points, six rebounds, 4.7 assists, three steals and one block across the first three games. However, a shoulder injury limited him to 27 minutes in that fourth game, which turned out to be another win for the Heat. Now with added time to rest, Butler is said to be entering this contest without any limitations. He relishes the underdog role and is the clear leader of the Heat, so look for him to start off this series with a big performance.
Dennis Schroder, OKC vs. HOU ($20): Schroder looked to be well on his way to another strong performance in Game 5 when he scored 19 points across 21 minutes. However, he was ejected because of an altercation with P.J. Tucker, which ruined his night. Before that, he had scored at least 33.7 Yahoo points in back-to-back wins for the Thunder. Staring down elimination here, expect Schroder to once again be one of the driving forces behind the Thunder's offense.
Guard to Avoid
Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. MIA ($20): There is already concern for Bledsoe since he is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. He didn't have a great series against the Magic, scoring 28.9 Yahoo points or fewer in four of the five games. Since Schroder can be had for the same salary, rolling with Bledsoe seems like an unnecessary risk.
FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. MIA ($56): Like most teams, the Heat had no answer for Giannis this season. In three matchups against them, he averaged 25 points, 14.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks. While his salary will do a number on your budget, his upside is also through the roof, so he could be worth it.
Eric Gordon, HOU at OKC ($20): The return of Russell Westbrook didn't hinder Gordon in Game 5 considering he scored 20 points to go along with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Just as encouraging is that he logged 32 minutes. He's a key support player for Westbrook and James Harden, so don't expect his role to diminish anytime soon.
Forward to Avoid
Duncan Robinson, MIA at MIL ($14): Robinson was all over the map in the first round. He had two games in which he scored at least 15 points, be he scored six points or fewer in the other two contests. He's a three-point shooter who provides very little in terms of rebounds, assists or defensive stats, which makes him a very risky option. The Bucks held him to an average of 13.0 points across three previous meetings this season.
CENTERS
Jeff Green, HOU at OKC ($16): The Rockets continue to receive important contributions from Green, who recorded nine points, 10 rebounds and a block in Game 5. For the series, he's now averaging 15.6 points, seven rebounds and 2.2 assists. If you decide to use the bulk of your budget at guard and forward, Green could be a key target at the center position.
P.J. Tucker, HOU at OKC ($10): If you really need someone with a cheap salary at center, Tucker is also worth a look. Despite getting ejected in Game 2, he still finished with five points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals across 21 minutes. Even though he doesn't get many shots drawn up for him, he can hit three-pointers, provide steals and rack up rebounds while playing center in small lineups.
Center to Avoid
Steven Adams, OKC vs. HOU ($18): Adams has taken advantage of the Rockets' small lineups, averaging 11 points and 11.6 rebounds for the series. However, with very little contributions in terms of assists and defensive stats, he's scored 28.8 Yahoo points or fewer in each of the last four games. Green may actually have a higher upside and his salary is two dollars cheaper, so it might be best to stay away from Adams.
