This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Tuesday brings three more playoff games for us to enjoy. Unfortunately, injuries will play a prominent role in the slate. With that in mind, here are some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR at DEN ($43): Lillard had a rare off night from the field in Game 4, shooting just 1-for-10 on his way to 10 points. On the bright side, he did help make up for his lack of scoring with eight rebounds and 10 assists. The surprising part was that even with his struggles, the Blazers still won by 20 points. Look for him to bounce back in the scoring column in this game, especially considering that he averaged 37.7 points over the first three games of this series.
Marcus Smart, BOS at BKN ($25): With Kemba Walker (knee) out, the Celtics needed Smart to step up in Game 4. He did just that, dishing out nine assists on his way to 40.7 Yahoo points. With Walker doubtful to play in Game 5, Smart should continue to take on an expanded role within the Celtics' offense, making him appealing at this mid-tier salary.
Guard to Avoid
CJ McCollum, POR at DEN ($30): McCollum isn't having a bad series, by any means. However, playing alongside Lillard can sometimes limit his ceiling. The result has been him scoring no more than 39.3 Yahoo points in any of the four games against the Nuggets. Given that his salary can limit you from rostering a few of the top-tier options who have higher upsides, it might be best to keep McCollum out of your entries.
FORWARDS
LeBron James, LAL at PHO ($43): The Lakers could be in trouble. Anthony Davis went down with a groin injury in Game 4, which they ultimately loss. Now with the series tied at 2-2, Davis is unlikely to play in Game 5. That means it will be up to James to try and carry the Lakers to a win. Add in James' ability to contribute in multiple categories and he has arguably as high of a floor as any player on this slate.
Jae Crowder, PHO vs. LAL ($15): Crowder had his best offensive showing of the series in Game 4, scoring 17 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field. He also contributed two steals and a block, leaving him with a total of six steals and four blocks for the series. That's helped him score at least 24.2 Yahoo points in three of the four games. His playing time should be steady with the Suns needing his defensive capabilities, so he could continue to provide value.
Forward to Avoid
Mikal Bridges, PHO vs. LAL ($19): Bridges was an efficient shooter during the regular season, shooting 54.3 percent from the field. He's gone cold in the playoffs, though, shooting 34.3 percent in this series. Given his limited 14.9 percent usage rate during the regular season, he can ill-afford to be inefficient if he's going to provide value in DFS. With Crowder's salary coming in at four dollars cheaper, taking a chance on Bridges breaking out in Game 5 seems unnecessary.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. POR ($51): With the Nuggets getting blown out, Jokic only played 27 minutes in Game 4. He contributed just 16 points and nine rebounds, his worst game of the series. However, he still attempted 18 shots despite his limited playing time and is now averaging 22.3 shot attempts per game in the series. If the Nuggets can keep this game close, Jokic has the ability to provide monster production.
Montrezl Harrell, LAL at PHO ($10): Rolling with Harrell is a risk that should only be considered in tournament play. He's fallen out of favor lately, not playing at all in Games 2 or 3. However, with Davis out, the Lakers might need him to provide a spark off the bench. He showed that he can do that in Game 1, posting 12 points, three rebounds and two steals across 15 minutes.
Center to Avoid
Jusuf Nurkic, POR at DEN ($31): Nurkic is having a strong series, scoring at last 33.7 Yahoo points in three of the four games. However, he doesn't have nearly the upside that Jokic does. If you decide to fade Jokic, then it might be better to roll with Deandre Ayton ($29) instead of Nurkic. He's scored at least 40.2 Yahoo points in three of four games against the Lakers and he checks in with a cheaper salary.
