This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday brings six more games in the NBA, five of which will make up the main slate on Yahoo. The matchups are off the charts with the Heat taking on the Bucks, the Lakers facing the Rockets and the Clippers going up against the Mavericks. Let's try to add to the excitement with a winning DFS entry. Here are some players to consider for your entry, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Luka Doncic, DAL vs. LAC ($54): Doncic has put up insane numbers since the league restarted. He's posted two triple-doubles across three games, averaging 34 points, 13.7 rebounds, 11 assists and one block across those three contests. Even though the Clippers are a good defensive team, Doncic has averaged 29 points, nine rebounds and 7.5 assists against them in two previous meetings this season. With his ability to contribute in so many areas, expect his floor to remain extremely high.
Cameron Payne, PHO vs. IND ($10): It's been a strange season, but Payne emerging as a key contributor off the Suns' bench in the bubble is certainly up there in terms of unexpected story lines. After a strong campaign in the G League, Payne has scored at least 21.3 Yahoo points in all three games with the Suns. He wasn't just logging garbage time minutes, either, considering two of their games have been decided by two points. At the minimum price, he's someone to at least consider in tournament play.
Guard to Avoid
Victor Oladipo ($24). IND at PHO: Oladipo was originally ruled out for the bubble, but then he changed his mind and decided to join the Pacers during their push for the playoffs. They have been cautious with his workload in order to preserve his knee, even sitting him out of the first game of their recent back-to-back set. He's scored 27 Yahoo points or fewer in both of the two games that he has played in and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him somewhat limited in this contest, either.
FORWARDS
T.J. Warren, IND at PHO ($37): Warren may never want to leave the bubble. He's been locked in offensively through three games, averaging 39.7 points and shooting 65.3 percent from the field. Not only that, but he's averaged 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, two steals and 2.3 blocks. This is a favorable spot for him to keep things rolling against the Suns, who have played at the ninth-fastest pace in the league.
Michael Porter Jr., DEN vs. POR ($14): The Nuggets have been missing several key contributors, which has forced Porter to take on an expanded role. He's absolutely exploded the last two games, scoring 55.9 and 49 Yahoo points, respectively. Not only did he log at least 36 minutes in both contests, but he also took a combined 35 field goal attempts and 13 free throws. If the Nuggets are still dealing with a limited depth chart, Porter is almost too good to pass up.
Forward to Avoid
Dario Saric, PHO vs. IND ($18): Saric hasn't exactly been anchored to the bench in Orlando, but he's logged 27 minutes or fewer in all three games. That's contributed to him scoring 26.7 Yahoo points or fewer in each contest. His upside is nowhere near that of Porter, so it's difficult to justify paying four dollars more to put him into your lineup.
CENTERS
Jusuf Nurkic, POR at DEN ($37): Talk about returning with a vengeance. The league being put on pause has certainly helped Nurkic, who was almost ready to return before everything was shut down. Now with the added time off, he's jumped right back into the starting center job and thrived, scoring at least 55.3 Yahoo points in all three games. His price is climbing, but he could still be worth it.
Ivica Zubac, LAC at DAL ($12): Zubac tested positive for COVID-19 during the break and didn't have his legs back under him during the Clippers first game against the Lakers, which contributed to him playing only 15 minutes. However, he's logged at least 24 minutes in back-to-back games, scoring at least 29.3 Yahoo points in both contests. With Montrezl Harrell (personal) still out, there should still be added opportunities for Zubac to be productive.
Center to Avoid
Hassan Whiteside, POR at DEN ($21): Whiteside's price is falling, but not fast enough. He's been relegated to the bench with Nurkic back in the fold, logging 18 minutes or fewer in each of the last three games. As a result, he didn't score more than 20.4 Yahoo points in any of those contests. As good as he was before the league went on pause, he's someone to avoid based on his new role.
