This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday brings another busy night in the NBA with nine games on the schedule. Among the potentially exciting matchups in the Suns hosting the Trail Blazers. Let's dive into the matchups and discuss some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Zach LaVine, CHI vs. TOR ($33): The Bulls' faint playoff hopes were kept alive after the Wizards collapsed in the fourth quarter during a loss to the Hawks on Wednesday. The Bulls have a favorable opportunity to get a win here against a Raptors team that will be resting most of their best players. LaVine has caught fire since returning from a bout with COVID-19, scoring at least 40.0 Yahoo points in each of the last three games.
Malachi Flynn, TOR at CHI ($15): Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet both sat out for rest Tuesday against the Clippers, which opened up a starting job for Flynn. He responded by scoring 29.6 Yahoo points across 29 minutes. Lowry and VanVleet will be out again for this matchup, which makes Flynn an appealing option given that he's averaged 12.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.3 steals across 11 games as a starter.
Guard to Avoid
Reggie Jackson, LAC at CHA ($16): The Clippers have been getting healthy at point guard as the playoffs approach. While that's a good thing for their championship aspirations, it's not for Jackson's fantasy output. In fact, he's scored 22.3 Yahoo points or fewer in five of the last seven games. Flynn arguably has a higher upside with the Raptors resting so many players, so when you combine that with his cheaper salary, taking a chance on Jackson seems unnecessary.
FORWARDS
Domantas Sabonis, IND vs. MIL ($50): Sabonis was dominant in a win over the Sixers on Tuesday, recording 16 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists. That marked his third triple-double over seven games since returning from a back injury. During that stretch, he averaged 24.6 points, 15.0 rebounds, 11.0 assists and 1.7 steals. The Bucks aren't a pushover on defense, but with both of these teams ranked inside the top-five in the league in pace of play, Sabonis should have plenty of opportunities to stuff the stat sheet.
Moritz Wagner, ORL at ATL ($13): With Chuma Okeke (ankle) out, Wagner has stepped into a starting role for the Magic. He's responded well, averaging 13.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks over the last seven games. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Hawks rest some players here after clinching a playoff spot Wednesday, so Wagner might not have to battle with John Collins and Clint Capela in the paint. At his cheap salary, he could be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Oshae Brissett, IND vs. MIL ($18): It's been all sunshine and rainbows for Sabonis since his return from injury, but when he rejoined the team, Brissett's role took a significant hit. He's only averaged 25 minutes over the last six games, which resulted in him failing to score more than 24.6 Yahoo points in each contest. As long as Sabonis is healthy and rolling like this, Brissett should remain limited.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, CHI vs. TOR ($41): Vucevic had a rare off night against the Nets on Tuesday, shooting 5-for-18 from the field on his way to 12 points. However, he still chipped in 12 rebounds and six assists, which is further proof of his incredibly high floor. He's averaged 46.6 Yahoo points per game for the season, so expect him to be one of the safer center options for this slate.
Ivica Zubac, LAC at CHA ($17): Serge Ibaka (back) seems to be nearing a return, but he'll remain out for this contest. Zubac has been the starter in his absence and is coming off of an excellent game against the Raptors in which he scored 37.5 Yahoo points. Don't be surprised if he provides value against the underwhelming Hornets' center duo of Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo.
Center to Avoid
Richaun Holmes, SAC at MEM ($25): Holmes has been quiet down the stretch, scoring 28.6 Yahoo points or fewer in five of the last six games. He may be missing the playmaking skills of De'Aaron Fox (COVID-19), who will remain out Thursday. Add in a tough matchup against a Grizzlies team that has the ninth-best defensive rating in the league and it might be wise to avoid Holmes.
