This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Sunday brings another busy slate of playoff action in the NBA with four games set to be played throughout the day. If the Celtics and Raptors can pull off a win, they would both sweep their respective series. Let's discuss some players to consider while filling out your Yahoo entry, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Fred VanVleet, TOR at BKN ($33): VanVleet remains a huge reason why the Raptors are on the brink of advancing to the next round. He's been excellent in just about every facet of the game, averaging 25.3 points, four rebounds, 8.7 assists and one steal during the series. He's also shot 54 percent from the field. VanVleet plays a lot of minutes and frequently handles the ball, so expect him to also see plenty of opportunities to contribute in this contest.
Seth Curry, DAL vs. LAC ($10): The important news to watch out for in this game is the status of Luka Doncic (ankle), who is likely to be a game-time decision. He was limited to 29 minutes in Game 3, but he still came away with a triple-double. If he is unable to play or is limited, the Mavericks could turn to Curry for added offense. During a stretch in which Doncic missed time earlier this season, Curry averaged 18.4 points, four rebounds and 2.8 assists across five games. He could well be worth the risk at the minimum salary.
Guard to Avoid
Paul George, LAC at DAL ($36): George has looked dreadful offensively the last two games, shooting 7-for-33 from the field. His struggles have mostly come from behind the arc, where he went 3-for-18. Considering how hot VanVleet is and that his salary is three dollars less than George's, it doesn't seem like taking a chance on George breaking out of his slump here is necessary.
FORWARDS
Kawhi Leonard, LAC at DAL ($47): Leonard has dominated during this series, scoring at least 50 Yahoo points in all three games and averaging 33.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and two steals while logging at least 38 minutes. The Clippers were cautious with him all season so they could unleash him in the playoffs, so expect him to continue to offer an extremely high floor.
Tim Hardaway Jr., DAL vs. LAC ($18): Like Curry, Hardaway could be asked to provide more offense if Doncic is limited or is forced to sit. He's already performed well in this series by scoring at least 26.9 Yahoo points in each contest while averaging 19 points and 3.7 three-pointers.
Forward to Avoid
Joe Ingles, UTA vs. DEN ($18): The Jazz smoked the Nuggets in Game 3 by a 124-87 count. Ingles only played 22 minutes in that contest and counted 19.4 Yahoo points. The Jazz received a big boost in that contest when Mike Conley Jr. appeared in his first game of the series after having to leave the bubble for the birth of his child. Ingles could see fewer minutes and ball handling opportunities with Conley back in the fold, so it might be wise to keep him out of your lineup.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA vs. DEN ($33): The two most popular center options on this slate will likely be Joel Embiid ($49) and Nikola Jokic ($43). They have both played well in their respective and it's difficult to make an argument against adding them to your entry. However, if you want to take a different route in tournament play, don't forget about Gobert. His salary is much more reasonable and he's also playing well, racking up at least 36.9 Yahoo points in all three playoff games.
Serge Ibaka, TOR at BKN ($21): Ibaka bounced back from a quiet performance in Game 2 to score 39.6 Yahoo points in Game 3 while playing only 23 minutes. The Nets don't offer much talent at center outside of Jarrett Allen and they struggle to slow down opposing centers, allowing the 10th-most Yahoo points per game to the position during the regular season. If you decide to use the majority of your budget at other positions, Ibaka could be the center for you.
Center to Avoid
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at DAL ($16): Harrell wasn't a regular starter for the Clippers during the regular season, but he still averaged 28 minutes a night. But after arriving to the bubble late because of personal matter, the Clippers have eased him back into action during this series. He didn't log more than 22 minutes in any of the three games and will likely be limited in this contest too.
