This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
With several early start times Sunday, only four games will make up the main evening slate on Yahoo. While that doesn't leave us with a ton of choices, that doesn't mean you can't finish the night a winner. Let's dive into the matchups and examine some players to target and avoid while crafting your entry.
GUARDS
James Harden, HOU at NO ($59): The Rockets are just half a game ahead of the Blazers for the third seed in the Western Conference, so they still have a lot left to play for. Harden is on another insane run that has seen him score at least 76.9 Yahoo points in three of his last five contests. The Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (103.9 possessions per game) and allow the third-most points per game (116.1) in the league, leaving Harden with tremendous upside once again.
Frank Jackson, NO vs. HOU ($11): With all of the injuries that the Pelicans have suffered, Jackson has become a key part of their backcourt down the stretch. He's started and played at least 32 minutes in seven straight games, averaging 17.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists during that stretch, His defensive contributions have been almost nonexistent, but the combination of his expanded role and the Pelicans playing at such a fast pace makes him worth a look in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. SA ($24): Rozier has been locked in at this price for each of his previous nine games. For the most part, he hasn't been able to provide value since he averaged just 20.9 Yahoo points during that stretch. Kyrie Irving is healthy, so Rozier will likely continue to see limited playing time Sunday. He's way too expensive to take a chance on against a Spurs team that plays at the ninth-slowest pace (99.1).
FORWARDS
Marvin Bagley III, SAC at LAL ($26): Bagley logged a double-double against the Suns on Saturday and has now scored at least 34.7 Yahoo points in four straight contests. He's an excellent rebounder and is shooting 51.9 percent from the field, which has helped him be productive despite not logging a ton of minutes. With the Kings and Lakers both inside the top-five in the league in pace of play, Bagley has the potential to provide plenty of value at this reasonable price.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL vs. SAC ($15): LeBron James (knee) is expected to play in this game, which will somewhat limit Caldwell-Pope's upside. However, with the Lakers officially eliminated from the playoffs, there is no point in pushing James to log a ton of minutes. With all of the injuries that the Lakers have dealt with lately, Caldwell-Pope has scored at least 24 Yahoo points in three of his last six games. There is plenty of risk here, but taking a chance on him in tournament play could pay off in this potentially high-scoring affair.
Forward to Avoid
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC at LAL ($17): Bogdanovic has shifted to the bench for the Kings, which has resulted in him averaging just 21 minutes across his last six games. That's dealt a massive hit to his production, resulting in him scoring 19.2 Yahoo points or fewer in five of those contests. While there are a lot of players worth targeting in this game, Bogdanovic is not one of them.
CENTERS
Clint Capela, HOU at NO ($31): With Harden running the show for the Rockets, Capela doesn't always have a high upside. However, he's been a safe option with a high floor who has scored at least 31.5 Yahoo points in each of his last 10 games. The Pelicans have allowed the third-most Yahoo points per game (56.4) to opposing centers across their last 10 contests, making Capela one of the safer options on this slate.
JaVale McGee, LAL vs. SAC ($19): McGee absolutely dismantled the Nets on Friday with 33 points, 20 rebounds and six blocks across 35 minutes. That matchup was about as good as it gets considering the Nets inability to slow down centers. While this isn't as juicy, McGee is still in a favorable spot to be productive since the Kings have allowed the fifth-most Yahoo points per game (41.8) to the position this season. He's a bit risky but he carries excellent upside at this price.
Center to Avoid
Al Horford, BOS vs. SA ($23): Despite not even currently having home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, the Celtics are taking a cautious approach with their veterans over the final couple of weeks. Horford (knee) sat out Saturday but will likely play in the second game of their back-to-back set. He has produced some excellent stat lines lately, but he's also scored 22.6 Yahoo points or fewer in three of his last six contests. The Spurs allow the second-fewest Yahoo points per game (35) to opposing centers, which doesn't exactly make Horford an appealing option.
