This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday brings a fairly quiet slate with just six games, but the big headline of the day is the trade deadline. Several of the teams in action have been involved in trade rumors that could significantly shake up their rosters, so be sure to keep an eye out for news. As things currently stand, here are some players to target and avoid while creating your Yahoo lineup.
GUARDS
Kyrie Irving, BOS vs. LAL ($44): Irving (hip) will play Thursday after sitting out Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers. Considering the opponent, that was likely just an opportunity to get him some extra rest. Don't expect him to be hindered in this very favorable matchup against the Lakers, who play at the fourth-fastest pace (103.7 possessions per game) in the league. There is some concern that this game could become a blowout if the Lakers make a big trade and have a limited roster, but it's hard to pass up on Irving based on his scoring upside in this contest.
D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. MIN ($11): It will be interesting to see if the Magic make a deal to add a point guard at the deadline. They've continued to get by with Augustin as their starter and he's been fairly productive with at least 20.2 Yahoo points in seven of his last 12 games. Even if they do make a move, Augustin is still going to start in this game unless he's part of the deal. With the Timberwolves decimated at point guard, Augustin is worth considering in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. LAL ($25): Rozier had a disappointing start in place of Irving on Tuesday when he finished with just 24 Yahoo points in what was a great matchup against the Cavaliers. With Irving back in the fold for this game, Rozier will retreat to his role with the second unit. He's just too expensive to be worth taking a chance on when he's not starting.
FORWARDS
Jaren Jackson Jr., MEM at OKC ($22): The Grizzlies are one of the teams looking to drastically shake up their roster at the deadline. Ideally, they'd like to trade Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. Gasol was reportedly close to being on the move earlier this week and he might be the more likely of the two to be dealt. He did not make the trip for this game, so the Grizzlies frontcourt is going to be thin whether they make a deal or not. Jackson scored 40.7 Yahoo points with Gasol out Tuesday and should have a high floor again in this contest against a Thunder team that plays at the second-fastest pace (104.1) in the league.
Davis Bertans, SA at POR ($10): Bertans started and played 23 minutes against the Warriors on Wednesday in what was an embarrassing 39-point defeat. He still managed to score 22.4 Yahoo points and has now scored at least that many Yahoo points in four of his last six games. Even though DeMar DeRozan (rest) and LaMarcus Aldridge (rest) are both expected to play in this game, Bertans could still start with Derrick White (heel) out. At the minimum price, he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Kyle Kuzma, LAL at BOS ($20): The Lakers are the team to keep an eye on Thursday, although it appears their pursuit of Anthony Davis (finger) may have hit an impasse. Kuzma (hip) would likely be involved if a deal was made, so this is definitely a situation to watch closely. With that being said, even if no trade is made, Kuzma has been battling a hip injury and has scored 19.8 Yahoo points or fewer in five straight games. This is a tough matchup since the Celtics are tied for the fourth-fewest points allowed per game (105.8) in the league, so buyer beware.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND vs. LAC ($25): Turner's season hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows, but he's playing well right now and has scored at least 30.1 Yahoo points in eight of his last nine games. He's had some great matchups during that stretch and will get another one Thursday against the Clippers, who allow the most Yahoo points per game (48.6) to opposing centers. They also play at the ninth-fastest pace (102), which should help with Turner's upside.
Ivan Rabb, MEM at OKC ($15): Gasol isn't the only big man who could be missing for the Grizzlies since both JaMychal Green (knee) and Joakim Noah (heel) are listed as questionable. With all three players out Tuesday, Rabb cashed in his 33 minutes for 42.7 Yahoo points. If Green and Noah don't play, it's hard to justify not putting Rabb into your lineup.
Center to Avoid
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at IND ($22): The Clippers recently traded away Boban Marjanovic and newly acquired Mike Muscala will not play in this contest, so Harrell and Marcin Gortat will be left to man the center position. Harrell has scored at least 30.1 Yahoo points in six straight games, but this is a tough matchup considering Turner and the Pacers allow the fourth-fewest Yahoo points per game (37.6) to opposing centers. It might be better to just pay the extra three dollars and roll with Turner if you're looking to deploy a center in this price range.
