This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We're looking at a limited schedule in the NBA on Thursday that consists of only four games. While we don't have a ton of options on Yahoo, that doesn't mean you can't end the night with some extra money in your pocket. Here are some players to consider for your entry, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, HOU vs. LAC ($48): This should be a fun game. Both the Rockets and the Clippers are finally healthy, so we could see a preview of what to expect if these teams meet in the playoffs. Westbrook continues to thrive with his new team, scoring at least 53.1 Yahoo points in five of his last eight games. With his ability to contribute in so many different areas and the Rockets playing at the fourth-fastest pace in the league, expect him to remain productive in this matchup.
Shake Milton, PHI at SAC ($19): Milton didn't exactly shine against the Lakers on Tuesday, scoring 26.2 Yahoo points. He had five turnovers and only played 29 minutes because of foul trouble. As long as he can stay out of foul trouble in this contest, he should receive plenty of playing time with the Sixers still very shorthanded. While his price is climbing, he's still cheap enough to be able to provide value
Guard to Avoid
Stephen Curry, GS vs. TOR ($44): Curry (hand) is finally set to make his return from injury for this game. He was reportedly targeting last Sunday for his return, but the team wanted to get him more practice time before clearing him. As exciting as it is to get him back on the floor, he hasn't played in a game since October. The Warriors are going to ease him back into action, so this is not the night to pay the hefty price tag that comes with adding him to your entry.
FORWARDS
Kawhi Leonard, LAC at HOU ($45): Despite all of the talent around him, Leonard is the clear offensive leader for the Clippers. In fact, his 33.5 percent usage rate is the seventh-highest mark in the league. With the Rockets playing at such a fast pace and the potential for this to be a close contest, Leonard should have an extremely high floor.
Norman Powell, TOR at GS ($22): Fred VanVleet (shoulder) has missed the last three games for the Raptors and is questionable for this contest. Powell started all three games in his absence, averaging 24 points, three rebounds and 2.3 assists. If VanVleet is out again, Powell could thrive against a Warriors team that has the sixth-worst defensive rating in the league.
Forward to Avoid
Paul Millsap, DEN at CHA ($15): The Nuggets shockingly lost to the Warriors at home by 16 points Tuesday. While that had the makings of a blowout in the other direction, the Nuggets will get another opportunity to try and beat a bad team here in the Hornets. If they do jump out to a big lead early, we might not see much of Millsap, who already is averaging just 22 minutes across his last eight games.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN at CHA ($46): Jokic was productive despite losing to the Warriors, scoring 46.1 Yahoo points in that contest. With his ability to contribute across the board, not much of an argument needs to be made to deploy him in DFS on any given night. However, this matchup particularly leans in his favor since the Hornets have allowed the seventh-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers.
Harry Giles III, SAC vs. PHI ($16): Richaun Holmes (shoulder) seems to finally be making some progress, so his return from injury might be on the horizon. With that being said, he's already been ruled out against the Sixers, which should leave Giles in the starting lineup. He's settled into that role nicely, scoring at least 25.7 Yahoo points in each of the last six games.
Center to Avoid
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. DEN ($14): The Hornets have been rotating DNP's for their centers, which included Zeller recently sitting out a three-game stretch. He did return to action Tuesday against the Spurs, but only logged 19 minutes. With how volatile this situation has been, there's not point in taking a chance on Zeller when Giles is only two dollars more.
