This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Tuesday brings Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals with the Suns looking to extend their lead in the series over the Clippers. This matchup also provides an opportunity to play Yahoo's single game contest.
In addition to selecting two flex players, there are three multiplier positions in this single-game format. A player slotted into the Megastar spot will earn double their fantasy points scored. The Superstar spot will earn 1.5X their fantasy points scored. Finally, the Star will earn 1.2X their fantasy points scored. With that in mind, let's discuss some players to consider.
MULTIPIERS
Devin Booker ($37): Booker stole the show in Game 1 with Chris Paul (COVID-19) out. Not only did he score 40 points, but he also logged a triple-double on his way to 70.1 Yahoo points. He had the ball in his hands more with Paul out and should continue to have an expanded role with Paul sidelined again for Game 2. It's also helped Booker's cause that he's logged at least 38 minutes in five of the last six games.
Paul George ($43): George was able to get the Clippers into the Western Conference Finals despite having to play the last two games of the previous round without Kawhi Leonard (knee). While the Clippers lost in Game 1 against the Suns, George scored 54.3 Yahoo points. He's scored at least that many Yahoo points in all three games since Leonard went down, so expect him to continue to have a high floor with Leonard out for Game 2.
Reggie Jackson ($20): Jackson has been asked to provide more scoring with Leonard out and he's certainly been up to the task, averaging 24.3 points and 3.3 three-pointers over the last three games. He averaged 16.7 shot attempts per game during that stretch, which was nearly double his average from the regular season. He has also taken on more of a playmaking role with Leonard out, including dishing out 10 assists in Game 6 against the Jazz.
FLEX PLAYS
Nicolas Batum ($15): The Clippers playing small and starting Batum at the five has worked out well for them during the playoffs. Batum is versatile defender and has been a key contributor on the boards, averaging 7.6 rebounds over the last five games. The result was him scoring at least 30.4 Yahoo points four times. At this cheap salary, he could be well worth the risk, especially with Leonard out and Marcus Morris Sr. battling knee soreness.
Cameron Payne ($13): Payne stepped into the starting five in Game 1 and played 29 minutes with Paul out. He chipped in 11 points and nine assists on his way to scoring 33.1 Yahoo points. He's played at least 25 minutes in a game four times during the Suns playoff run and he scored at least 28.8 Yahoo points in each contest. With Paul out again, Payne could provide excellent value.
PLAYER TO AVOID
Jae Crowder ($18): Crowder has been a key addition for the Suns, taking on tough defensive assignments and helping them from behind the arc on the offensive end. However, he's only averaging 8.9 shot attempts per game in the playoffs, which limits his scoring upside. The result has been him scoring 23.0 Yahoo points or fewer in four of the last five games. With Jackson having a far higher upside than Crowder and Batum checking in with at least a similar floor, taking a chance on Crowder having a breakout performance seems unnecessary.
