This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It was a wild first day of the NBA playoffs Saturday when three of the four lower seeds pulled out a victory. Sunday brings four more games for us to enjoy. We also have another opportunity to play DFS, so let's discuss some players to target and avoid while creating your Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, OKC at POR ($53): With the Thunder fighting for playoff seeding, Westbrook played a ton down the stretch and scored at least 50.1 Yahoo points in each of their last eight games. He recorded six triple-doubles during that stretch and averaged a triple-double for the third consecutive season. Paul George (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Game 1, so the Thunder might really need Westbrook if George unable to play. Even if George does take the floor, Westbrook has a tremendously high floor.
Sterling Brown, MIL vs. DET ($12): On the plus side for the Bucks, Nikola Mirotic (thumb) is expected to play in Game 1. However, Malcolm Brogdon (foot) and Tony Snell (ankle) will remain out. That should leave Brown as a member of the starting five and with added playing time. Across his final seven starts during the regular season, he averaged 13.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists. At near the minimum price, he's an intriguing option.
Guard to Avoid
Darren Collison, IND at BOS ($21): The Pacers have depth at point guard, which contributed to Collison averaging just 28 minutes a game this year. That was his lowest mark since the 2013-14 season when he was a member of the Clippers. His usage rate this year was also just 17.7 percent, which doesn't leave him with a high ceiling when combined with his limited playing time. Since he doesn't come at much of a discount, it might be best to spend elsewhere.
FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. DET ($55): While there were some surprising wins by lower seeds Saturday, it sure would be a shocker if the Pistons could pull out a win here. The Bucks are heavy favorites, especially with Blake Griffin slowed by a knee injury. Giannis had another tremendous season and was aided by the Bucks playing at the fifth-fastest pace (103.6 possessions per game) in the league. Look for him to start off the series with a juicy stat line.
Jerami Grant, OKC at POR ($19): Grant is not a flashy option, but he's a key part of the Thunder's success based on their limited depth. After averaging just 20 minutes a game as a member of their second unit last year, he's averaged 33 minutes while starting 77 of his 80 games played this year. The added playing time boosted him to averages of 13.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. His scoring numbers were suppressed due to his 15.4 percent usage rate, but if George sits, he should receive more scoring opportunities.
Forward to Avoid
Nikola Mirotic, MIL vs. DET ($20): Getting Mirotic back is huge for the Bucks. Even though they have enough talent to get past the Pistons without him, they are going to need him healthy if they are going to achieve their ultimate goal of winning a championship. The problem is, he missed 11 straight games. It might take him some time to get into a rhythm again, making him risky Sunday.
CENTERS
Enes Kanter, POR vs. OKC ($21): The Blazers addition of Kanter proved to be huge after Jusuf Nurkic (lower leg) was lost for the season. He's played extremely well since Nurkic went down, averaging 18.1 points and 11.4 rebounds across eight games. Don't expect much from him in the way of assists or defensive stats, but he's a walking double-double when given extended playing time.
Al Horford, BOS vs. IND ($20): With Horford battling a knee injury, he ended up sitting out four of the Celtics final 10 games. However, he was productive in the six games that he did play during that stretch, averaging 17.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, five assists and one block. With him expected to play in this contest, he provides another cost-effective option with upside based on his ability to contribute in multiple categories.
Center to Avoid
Clint Capela, HOU vs. UTA ($30): The Rockets fell to the fourth seed in the West, setting up a tough matchup against the Jazz in the first round. This series could be especially hard on Capela since he'll have to do battle with Rudy Gobert. During the regular season, Capela averaged just nine points and 12 rebounds over three games against the Jazz. Since he doesn't come cheap, it might be best to avoid him when compiling your lineup.
