This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA quiets down a bit Thursday with just four games on the schedule. One of the eight teams in action will have a limited depth chart because of players in the health and safety protocols, which makes for a bit of a tricky DFS slate. Let's discuss some of the better options to consider, as well as a few players to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Victor Oladipo, HOU vs. POR ($33): Oladipo has posted a couple of duds lately, scoring 23.9 and 24.5 Yahoo points, respectively, across his last two games. However, he attempted at least 16 shots in both contests and is averaging 20.5 shot attempts a night since joining the Rockets. That type of volume could leave him with a big performance against a Blazers team that has the second-worst defensive rating in the league.
Reggie Jackson, LAC at MIA ($17): The Clippers are the team that will be shorthanded because of COVID-19. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Patrick Beverley have all been ruled out for the second straight game and it's still unclear when they might be able to return. Jackson started with them out Tuesday against the Hawks and he took full advantage of his opportunity, posting 20 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals across 39 minutes.
Guard to Avoid
Dennis Schroder, LAL at DET ($17): While Schroder has been a key addition for the Lakers, the move to Los Angeles has had a negative impact on his production. He's only averaging 13.7 points a night, which has contributed to him scoring 25.6 Yahoo points or fewer in four straight games. Considering Jackson should have a much larger role than Schroder and he is available at the same salary, it's tough to make a case for deploying Schroder.
FORWARDS
Kelly Oubre Jr., GS at PHO ($19): Oubre was dialed in against the Timberwolves on Wednesday, scoring 20 points across only 24 minutes in what turned out to be a lopsided win. He finished 7-for-9 from the field and is now shooting 35.9 percent from behind the arc across his last eight contests. That came after he shot 13.7 percent from deep through his first 10 games. It was only a matter of time before he righted the ship, so now that he's playing better, it might be time to capitalize on his reasonable salary.
Carmelo Anthony, POR at HOU ($18): All of the injuries on the Blazers have forced Anthony to take on a more prominent role. Across the last seven games, he's averaged 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks across 28 minutes a night. He even started against the Thunder on Monday, scoring 39.7 Yahoo points over 35 minutes. Expect him to continue to play more in this game, as well.
Forward to Avoid
Blake Griffin, DET vs. LAL ($19): The good news is that Griffin will be fresh for this game after sitting out Wednesday for rest. The bad news is that he's in a slump, shooting 37.6 percent from the field. Facing a Lakers team that has the best defensive rating the league is not likely going to help him in that regard.
CENTERS
Christian Wood, HOU vs. POR ($38): Wood has missed the last three games with an ankle injury, but has declared himself completely healthy and ready to return. He's in the midst of a monster season, averaging 23.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. With James Harden no longer in town, Wood should continue to be one of the leaders in the scoring department for the Rockets as the season wears on.
Serge Ibaka, LAC at MIA ($18): Entering Tuesday, Ibaka had attempted eight or fewer shots in five straight games. However, with George and Leonard out, he attempted 15 shots on his way to 31.5 Yahoo points versus the Hawks. Expect him to receive added shot attempts on this game, as well.
Center to Avoid
DeMarcus Cousins, HOU vs. POR ($28): Cousins feasted with Wood out, scoring at least 34.5 Yahoo points in three straight games. The key was that he logged at least 30 minutes in each contest, which was a big boost from his season average of 18 minutes a night. With Wood set to return, it's difficult to envision a scenario in which Cousins plays 30 minutes Thursday, which would limit his upside.
