This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Monday brings two playoff series that are both tied. However, the game between the Celtics and Raptors will have a little more pressure since that series is knotted at two games apiece, as opposed to the Clippers and Nuggets being tied 1-1. We have more Yahoo DFS action on the table, as well, so here are some players to consider for your lineup, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Kyle Lowry, TOR vs. BOS ($33): Lowry has been on point in this series, shaking off an ankle injury to score at least 34.2 Yahoo points in all four games. He's even scored at least 52.7 Yahoo points in each of the last two games. He logged at least 44 minutes in both of those contests and should continue to have a high floor with how much time he spends on the court.
Marcus Smart, BOS at TOR ($19): While Smart doesn't have nearly the upside that Lowry does, they do see similar workloads. Smart has logged at least 37 minutes in each of the last three games and played 41 minutes in Game 4. That's enabled him to score at least 25.1 Yahoo points in all four games of the series despite not being one of the focal points of the Celtics' offense.
Guard to Avoid
Kemba Walker, BOS at TOR ($29): Walker has attempted 11 shots or fewer in two of the four games against the Raptors, which is a bit of a surprise since he averaged 15.9 shot attempts per game during the regular season. He's had his ups and downs during the playoffs, scoring 32.8 Yahoo points or fewer in four of eight games. Lowry is playing much better right now and his salary is only four dollars more, so there might not be a need to take a chance on this being one of Walker's better performances.
FORWARDS
Kawhi Leonard, LAC at DEN ($49): The Clippers were mostly dominated by the Nuggets in Game 2, and a lot of that had to do with Leonard only shooting 4-for-17 from the field. Despite his poor offensive showing, he still scored 45 Yahoo points thanks to his 10 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and one block. His floor is as high as anyone's on this slate.
Jerami Grant, DEN vs. LAC ($17): Grant was terrible from the field Saturday, scoring five points on 1-for-9 shooting. However, he's not on the Nuggets to score. He still played well, overall, in their defeat with seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks. He also played 40 minutes in that game and has logged at least 35 minutes in five of the last six games. At this salary, he has the potential to provide excellent value.
Forward to Avoid
Norman Powell, TOR vs. BOS ($12): When the Raptors faced several injuries during the regular season, they relied heavily on Powell for production. However, with Lowry and Fred VanVleet healthy and logging extensive playing time, there hasn't been a ton of minutes available for Powell. He's logged 19 minutes or fewer in each of the last three games, which doesn't afford him with many opportunities to contribute.
CENTERS
Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. BOS ($23): After laying an egg in Game 3, Ibaka bounced back with 18 points, seven rebounds and a block in Game 4. He was extremely efficient, shooting 7-for-9 from the field and 4-for-4 from behind the arc. As one of the key members of the Raptors' second unit, his floor is relatively high given his salary.
Daniel Theis, BOS at TOR ($15): There's no question that Theis doesn't have the same scoring upside that Ibaka does. However, he's a great source for rebounds and blocks, which has enabled him to score at least 22.9 Yahoo points in five straight games. If you want to load up on the likes of Lowry, Leonard and VanVleet, deploying Theis at center can help balance your budget.
Center to Avoid
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at DEN ($16): When Harrell made his return at the start of the playoffs, it seemed like his limited playing time was just a result of trying to get him back into shape. However, an increase in minutes doesn't seem to be on the horizon with him playing 19 minutes or fewer in each of the last three games. Spending a dollar more on his salary compared to Theis feels like an unnecessary risk.
