This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday brings four games in the NBA playoffs with the Raptors, Sixers and Blazers all with the potential to close out their respective series. This could be the last four-game slate we see if some teams can't climb back into their series. Let's try to take advantage by cashing in on Yahoo.
GUARDS
C.J. McCollum, POR vs. OKC ($31): The Blazers look determined to avenge their embarrassing first round loss to the Pelicans last season. McCollum has helped Damian Lillard shoulder the offensive burden, which has resulted in him scoring at least 39.9 Yahoo points in each of the last three games. He hasn't been just about scoring, either, with averages of 6.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists during this series. At this reasonable price, he's a great player to target.
Jamal Murray, DEN vs. SA ($24): Despite playing 31 minutes in Game 3, Murray was awful by finishing with a line of six points, one rebound, two assists and four turnovers. That was a strange considering he had scored exactly 35.4 Yahoo points in each of the first two games. He quickly shook off his struggles with 34.4 Yahoo points in Game 4 and should continue to be productive as one of the top running mates for Nikola Jokic.
Guard to Avoid
Spencer Dinwiddie, BKN at PHI ($19): The Nets rely on Dinwiddie to provide a scoring punch off the bench and he's done just that by averaging 17.5 points and 2.3 three-pointers per game in this series. However, he's also averaging just three rebounds, one assist and 0.3 steals. With the majority of his production only coming in the scoring column, his upside just isn't high enough to warrant this price tag.
FORWARDS
Caris LeVert, BKN at PHI ($24): One of the bright spots for the Nets in this series has been the play of LeVert, who has scored at least 36.8 Yahoo points in three of the four games. He's been significantly more involved offensively, averaging 15.3 shot attempts per game compared to 12.1 per contest during the regular season. His assists are slightly down, but he's also averaging five rebounds a game. With the Nets looking to stave off elimination, expect them to lean on LeVert for another productive night.
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR vs. OKC ($16): Aminu had his best game of the series in Game 4, scoring 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds across 30 minutes. He attempted 16 shots after having a total of 21 shot attempts across the first three games. Although he might not be as involved in the scoring department Tuesday, his ability to at least approach a double-double makes him a great option at this cheap price.
Forward to Avoid
Rudy Gay, SA at DEN ($18): This has been a rough series for Gay, who is averaging just eight points while shooting 30.3 percent from the field. He's still chipped in 7.8 rebounds a night, but his lack of assists and defensive stats make it nearly impossible for him to provide value if his shot isn't falling. Since the Nuggets allowed the sixth-fewest points per game (106.7) during the regular season, Gay's offensive struggles could continue Tuesday.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. BKN ($53): Embiid completely dominated Game 4, scoring 31 points to go along with 16 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and six blocks. He also played a series-high 32 minutes, which is very encouraging considering his recent battle with a knee injury. The Sixers would likely love to close this one out to get Embiid some extra rest, so look for him to shine against a Nets team that allowed the sixth-most Yahoo points per game (42.6) to opposing centers during the regular season.
Jakob Poeltl, SA at DEN ($10): If you decide to pay up at guard or forward, Poeltl is a cheap center worth considering. He's scored at least 21.1 Yahoo points in three straight games and has even logged at least 30 minutes in back-to-back contests. While he's not involved much in the offense, he can do enough in rebounds and blocks to provide value.
Center to Avoid
Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. ORL ($19): Ibaka had another quiet showing in Game 4 with 26.1 Yahoo points in large part because he only logged 20 minutes. That's been a problem for him the entire series since he hasn't played more than 24 minutes in any game. With Marc Gasol and Pascal Siakam eating into his minutes, there just isn't enough playing time left for Ibaka to make him someone worth taking a chance on.
