This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
After a busy night Wednesday, the NBA quiets down with four games on the schedule Thursday. The evening isn't short on excitement, though, with the Bucks taking on the Warriors. We also have another opportunity to win some cash on Yahoo, so let's take a look at some players to target and avoid as you create your entry.
GUARDS
Dennis Schroder, OKC vs. HOU ($23):Russell Westbrook (ankle) sat out Wednesday against the Cavaliers, opening up a spot in the starting lineup for Schroder. He didn't let the opportunity go to waste, scoring 40.4 Yahoo points across 34 minutes. It appears that Westbrook avoided what looked to be a potentially serious injury, but it would be a lot to expect him to come back in time to play Thursday. If he does indeed sit again, Schroder has a great chance to out produce his price point.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at POR ($11): One of the most injury-plagued back courts in the league last year, the Clippers are shorthanded again right now with Avery Bradley (ankle) out. Gilgeous-Alexander moved into the starting lineup with Bradley out Monday against the Timberwolves and logged 25 minutes. His numbers weren't off the charts, but he contributed enough across the board to score 21.1 Yahoo points. Even though his upside is limited, he's worth considering in tournament play at near the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
Jaylen Brown, BOS at PHO ($17): Brown's usage rate hasn't plummeted this year with the Celtics finally healthy, but he's shooting just 37.9 percent from the field. Without significant contributions in terms of assists and defensive stats, either, Brown has scored 24.4 Yahoo points or fewer in seven of his nine games. Until he can correct his shooting woes, it might be best to avoid him altogether.
FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at GS ($56): This game is going to be fun. Winning on the road against the Warriors won't be an easy task for the Bucks, but the Warriors' interior defense was dealt a tough blow when Draymond Green (foot) was ruled out. Both of these teams are in the top-10 in the league in pace of play, so this could be a high-scoring affair where Giannis thrives. He has a tremendously high floor, scoring at least 53.6 Yahoo points in six of his nine games, so don't hesitate to pay up to get him into your lineup.
Jerami Grant, OKC vs. HOU ($14): Grant isn't flashy, but he's starting now and going to get plenty of playing time with the Thunder's lack of depth. He doesn't excel in any one particular area, but he's averaging 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals as a starter. With at least 24.7 Yahoo points in four straight contests and with the Thunder playing at the sixth-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game), Grant is a viable option if you're looking to save some money at forward.
Forward to Avoid
Gordon Hayward, BOS at PHO ($18): Hayward still hasn't seen extended time on the floor, logging no more than 27 minutes in a game this season. His 20.4 percent usage rate is also down significantly from his career mark, which is to be expected with all of the talent the Celtics have on their roster. Until Hayward starts playing at least 30 minutes a night, his upside will be limited.
CENTERS
Jusuf Nurkic, POR vs. LAC ($25): Nurkic might not get a lot of headlines playing with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, but he's off to a great start with 15 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Even though he's only averaging 25 minutes a game, his 25.5 percent usage rate and stellar work on the glass makes him a productive option. This could be a matchup to exploit since the Clippers allow the most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers (56.9).
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at POR ($17): Since the Clippers benched Marcin Gortat, they are 2-0 with wins over the Magic and Timberwolves. Even though Boban Marjanovic has moved into the starting lineup, Harrell actually played more minutes than him in both contests. Harrell also out produced him, scoring 34.9 and 29.4 Yahoo points, respectively, across those two games. Both are great options Thursday, but since they are only priced one dollar apart, Harrell might be the better play.
Center to Avoid
Clint Capela, HOU at OKC ($29): This is more about Capela's price than his production. He's certainly playing well, scoring at last 31.4 Yahoo points in eight straight games. However, his offensive upside is somewhat limited now that both Chris Paul and James Harden are back on the floor. Nurkic, Harrell and even Steven Adams ($26) could all finish with around the same amount of Yahoo points Thursday, so going with one of the cheaper options might be the best route to take for your overall lineup.
