This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Sunday brings a two-game playoff slate in the NBA that includes two crucial Game 4s. The Blazers and Sixers will both have their eyes set on winning at home to gain 3-1 leads in their respective series. With these games bringing another opportunity to play Yahoo DFS, here are some players to target and avoid for your entry.
GUARDS
C.J. McCollum, POR vs. DEN ($32): McCollum stepped up during the Blazers epic quadruple-overtime win in Game 3, scoring 70.6 Yahoo points across a whopping 60 minutes. While he was obviously aided by the extra playing time, his 39 shot attempts in that game illustrate his importance to the team. With the Blazers looking to hold serve at home in Game 4, expect McCollum to be plenty involved and produce a productive stat line.
Danny Green, TOR at PHI ($13): The Raptors could be in a tough spot with Pascal Siakam (calf) listed as doubtful. His loss would be huge considering he's averaged 22.9 points and 18.1 shot attempts per game during the playoffs. Green normally doesn't receive a ton of scoring chances, but he might be asked to contribute more in that department if Siakam sits, making him someone to at least consider in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Ben Simmons, PHI vs. TOR ($41): The Sixers may have the edge in this series, but Simmons has scored 33.3 Yahoo points or fewer in all three contests. Looking back even further, he's scored 35.6 Yahoo points or fewer in six of eight games during the Sixers playoff run. At this price, buyer beware.
FORWARDS
Kawhi Leonard, TOR at PHI ($42): Leonard is a must for this slate. He's having a great series with at least 40.3 Yahoo points in all three games, and he will be asked to shoulder even more of the offensive load if Siakam sits. While pricey, he arguably has the highest floor of any player in either of these two games.
Paul Millsap, DEN at POR ($20): Millsap came through with another valuable performance in Game 3 with 17 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks. He's now averaging 16.7 points, 10 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks in the series after having plenty of success against the Blazers in the regular season, as well. While he's not overly cheap, he's still a great target at this budget-friendly price.
Forward to Avoid
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR vs. DEN ($18): Aminu is a key part of the Blazers' success, but he isn't very involved offensively. His limited scoring chances have been a big reason why he's scored 26.4 Yahoo points or fewer in seven of their eight playoff games. With Millsap playing so well and priced only two dollars more, there's not much appeal in rolling with Aminu.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN at POR ($46): As disappointing as Friday's loss was for the Nuggets, Jokic absolutely dominated. He ended up logging 65 minutes, finishing with 33 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists and two blocks. With only one day of rest before Game 4, it's fair to question if such heavy playing time will impact him. However, with the Nuggets staring at the potential to be down 3-1 in the series, look for him to step up with another well-rounded stat line.
Serge Ibaka, TOR at PHI ($15): Ibaka has been a nonfactor in this series, averaging 4.3 points and four rebounds across the first three games. The problem is that he hasn't logged more than 19 minutes in any contest. However, if Siakim is out, Ibaka is likely going to replace him in the starting five and receive significantly more playing time. He's no stranger to that role, so he could provide tremendous value at this price.
Center to Avoid
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. TOR ($50): With the injury to Siakam, it's hard not to like any of the five-highest priced centers. Since they all could provide value, maybe the best route to take would be to avoid the most expensive one in Embiid. He did finally break out in Game 3, but having Marc Gasol guarding him can make things incredibly difficult. Jokic has similar upside with a higher floor, so rolling with him and saving the four dollars to use elsewhere could prove to be beneficial.
