This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It might not be the matchup that everyone expected at the beginning of the season, but the NBA Finals has the potential to be an exciting one between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns. Game 1 of the series 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
Khris Middleton ($37): It looks like the Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), who is listed as doubtful. They are going to need to rely heavily on Middleton, who has shown the ability to dominate on the offensive end when Giannis has been out previously. The last two games with him out, Middleton scored 61.6 and 49.3 Yahoo points, respectively. Expect him to have a high floor in this game, as well.
Chris Paul ($34): The offseason acquisition of Paul is a big reason why the Suns are in a position to win the title. After a stellar regular season, he battled a shoulder injury in the first round against the Lakers and a bout of COVID-19 at the start of the Western Conference Finals. Fighting through all of that, he's still scored at least 42.4 Yahoo points in six of his last eight games. With his eyes on his first NBA title, look for him to start off the series on a high note.
Deandre Ayton ($30): Ayton has proven to be a rock in the middle for the Suns, scoring at least 32.8 Yahoo points in five of the last six games. He topped 41 Yahoo points three times during that stretch and produced four double-doubles along the way. He's also been excellent on the defensive end, averaging 0.7 steals and 1.6 blocks over the last seven games. With all of the playing time that he can handle likely coming his way in Game 1, his ability to contribute in so many different areas make him an appealing option.
FLEX PLAYS
Bobby Portis ($15): Portis started both games with Giannis out and logged at least 32 minutes in both contests. He provides a lot of energy and is never shy about jacking up shots, so it didn't come as a huge surprise that he scored 45.1 and 25.8 Yahoo points, respectively. With Giannis likely out, Portis feels like a lock at this cheap salary.
P.J. Tucker ($11): The Bucks don't exactly have a ton of quality depth, so Tucker has continued to see extensive run despite his lack of scoring upside. With his ability to rebound and rack up defensive stats, he's been able to parlay his consistent playing time into at least 20.6 Yahoo points in three of the last five games. That makes him someone to at least consider at near the minimum salary.
PLAYER TO AVOID
Mikal Bridges ($17): Playing time is not an issue for Bridges. He averaged 33 minutes per game during the regular season and he's averaged 32 minutes per game in the playoffs. However, he's not one of the focal points of the Suns' offense, posting just a 14.9 percent usage rate during the regular season and a 14.0 percent rate during the playoffs. That's contributed to him scoring 23.2 Yahoo points or fewer in four of the last five games.
