This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA returns Saturday with three games on the schedule. That means Yahoo DFS is back as well. Let's break down the matchups and discuss some players to target for your entry, while also mentioning a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
CJ McCollum, POR at LAL ($32): The Blazers are on the brink of elimination and it won't help their cause that Damian Lillard (knee) is out for Game 5. That should mean plenty of scoring opportunities for McCollum, who averaged 33.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists during a six-game stretch that Lillard missed earlier this season. Even though the Lakers have been solid on D, this still represents an ideal spot to deploy McCollum in DFS.
Dennis Schroder, OKC at HOU ($20): If there is one area of weakness on the Thunder, it's their bench - or lack thereof. Schroder is by far the most important member of their second unit, which propelled him to averages of 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and four assists during the regular season. He also struggled in Game 1, but has rebounded to average 24 points, 3.7 boards and 4.3 assists across the last three games. Schroder's salary won't destroy your budget, making him even more appealing.
Guard to Avoid
Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. ORL ($20): Between the Bucks blowing out so many teams during the regular season and their excellent depth, Bledsoe only averaged 27 minutes a night. That hasn't changed during the playoffs with him averaging 26 minutes across four games against the Magic. Bledsoe did register one strong performance in Game 3, but has mostly underwhelmed with 28.9 Yahoo points or fewer in each of the other three contests. Since Schroder can be added to your lineup at the same salary, it might be best to stay away from Bledsoe.
FORWARDS
Anthony Davis, LAL vs. POR ($51): The Lakers have listed Davis (back) as probable for Game 5 after he logged only 18 minutes in Game 4. The Lakers led by large margins in that game, so Davis was likely pulled as a precaution - although he still finished with 40.5 Yahoo points. His floor is as high as anyone's on this slate, so the lofty salary might be worth it.
Danuel House Jr., HOU vs. OKC ($16): The Rockets have needed someone to take some of the scoring pressure off James Harden with Russell Westbrook (quadriceps) out. House has certainly done his best to help in that area, averaging 18.3 points and 3.3 three-pointers over the last three while also chipping in 8.3 rebounds. Westbrook is expected to return for Game 5 but could be on a minutes limit, so House could still provide value.
Forward to Avoid
Robert Covington, HOU vs. OKC ($23): Covington enjoyed his best performance of the series in Game 4, but only scored 26.7 Yahoo points. He's only attempted 26 total shots over the series and has dished two assists across the last three games, combined. With the Rockets wanting him to focus his efforts on the defensive end, it wouldn't be surprising to see him produce another muted stat line in Game 5.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at MIL ($40): Vucevic "only" scored 20 points in Game 3, but bounced back with 31 in Game 4. He's dropped at least 31 in three of the four games this series and has averaged 21.5 shot attempts per contest - including an average of 8.5 three-point attempts. If the Magic are going to keep going in the playoffs, they'll likely have to do it on Vucevic's shoulders.
Jeff Green, HOU vs. OKC ($16): Green endured his worst offensive showing of the series in Game 4, scoring 10 points on 4-for-10 shooting from the field. He did add five rebounds and three assists, so his overall line wasn't a total disaster. The key is Green played 32 minutes while averaging 35 a night on the series. At this reasonable salary, he is someone to consider in tournament play if you want to fade Vucevic.
Center to Avoid
Steven Adams, OKC at HOU ($20): This represents a tough matchup for Adams with how small the Rockets like to play. After excelling in Game 1, he's gone on to score 24.7 Yahoo points or fewer in each of the last three games. Adams only logged 26 minutes in Game 4 and could continue to see his minutes fluctuate depending on who the Rockets put on the floor. Green at least offers similar upside and his salary is four dollars cheaper, making it difficult to add Adams to your entry.
