This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We have two more playoff games in the NBA on Thursday, leaving us with an interesting DFS slate. Let's dive into the matchups and discuss some players to consider for your lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Donovan Mitchell, UTA vs. LAC ($39): Mitchell put the Jazz on his back in Game 1, scoring 45 points in a key victory. He attempted 30 shots from the field, 15 of which came from behind the arc. Even with that kind of usage, he still dished out five assists, as well. He's scored at least 49.4 Yahoo points in three straight games and should carry a high floor into Game 2, as well.
Mike James, BKN at MIL ($10): James barely saw the floor in the first round against the Celtics, but the injury to James Harden (hamstring) appears to have opened up a role for him in this series. He's logged at least 24 minutes in both of the first two games, scoring 24.9 and 21.1 Yahoo points, respectively. If you want to load up on some of the big names for this slate, taking a chance on James at his minimum salary could make sense.
Guard to Avoid
Reggie Jackson, LAC at UTA ($16): Jackson only made it through 17 minutes before fouling out in Game 1. He finished with 12.5 Yahoo points as a result, which may have been a key reason why the Clippers loss. They need his scoring behind Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and he was a difference-maker after being inserted into the starting five in the first round. He has tough defensive assignments in this series, so it might be best to take a wait-and-see approach before deploying him in DFS again.
FORWARDS
Kevin Durant, BKN at MIL ($48): The Nets have the Bucks reeling despite not having Harden available. Durant has dominated with him out, shooting 55.8 percent from the field on 43 total shot attempts. He was only needed to play 33 minutes in their blowout win in Game 2, but he still scored 32 points. He hasn't scored fewer than 40.9 Yahoo points during the Nets' playoff run, so expect another monster performance in Game 3.
Bruce Brown, BKN at MIL ($11): Brown might not be one of the biggest names on the Nets, but he's been a key contributor for them during their injury-plagued season. He's continued to find success in the playoffs, scoring at least 24.3 Yahoo points in four straight games. With Harden still out, Brown should play enough to have another opportunity to provide value.
Forward to Avoid
Khris Middleton, MIL vs. BKN ($28): The struggling Middleton is one of the main reasons why the Bucks are down 0-2 in this series. He's only shot 30.2 percent from the field, including 23.1 percent from behind the arc. The result was him scoring no more than 32.6 Yahoo points in either contest. With so many attractive high-salary options, it might be best to pass on Middleton until he shows signs of getting back on track.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA vs. LAC ($33): Gobert didn't exactly thrive in Game 1, finishing with 10 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. On the bright side, he's now recorded a double-double in five of the Jazz's six playoff games, also averaging 3.0 blocks during that stretch. The center options for this slate are not very appealing, which makes Gobert the clear leader of the group.
Ivica Zubac, LAC at UTA ($11): Zubac played a reduced role in the first round against a Mavericks team that didn't have much of a presence at the center spot. The Clippers will need more from him in this series against Gobert and he responded with 31.7 Yahoo points across 20 minutes in Game 1. If you want to fade Gobert, Zubac's cheap salary and expanded role makes him appealing.
Center to Avoid
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. BKN ($19): Based on salaries, the decision at center for this slate should probably come down to either Gobert or Zubac. If you don't want to spend up for Gobert's salary, then rolling with Zubac makes more sense than paying eight dollars more for Lopez's salary. They have arguably the same upside after Lopez has scored 25.5 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last five games.
