This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday brings three more Game 2's in the NBA playoffs with each of the higher seeds looking to take 2-0 series leads. While there aren't a ton of options for such a limited slate, we still have the opportunity to win some cash on Yahoo. Let's dig into the matchups and discuss some players to target and avoid while creating your lineup.
GUARDS
James Harden, HOU vs. UTA ($60): The Rockets made a statement in Game 1 by blowing out the Jazz by 32 points. Harden was at the center of it all, scoring 53.6 Yahoo points across 33 minutes. To illustrate his tremendous scoring upside, he finished the regular season with a league-leading 40.5 percent usage rate. The next highest player was Joel Embiid at 33.3 percent. Despite his lofty price tag, Harden is someone to build your entry around.
Sterling Brown, MIL vs. DET ($13): Speaking of blowouts, the Bucks destroyed the Pistons by 35 points in the first game of their series. Brown started and logged 25 minutes with Malcolm Brogdon (foot) and Tony Snell (ankle) out, which helped propel him to 37.1 Yahoo points. With Brogdon out for at least the duration of this series, Brown makes a ton of sense at this cheap price.
Guard to Avoid
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. IND ($20): This series is a battle of two excellent defensive teams. Offense was certainly at a premium in Game 1 when they combined to score 158 points. Rozier continued to serve his limited role off the bench with Kyrie Irving healthy, which resulted in him scoring just 13 Yahoo points across 18 minutes. With another low-scoring affair likely in the cards, stay away from Rozier and his limited playing time.
FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. DET ($55): The Pistons had no answer for Giannis in Game 1 as he steamrolled them for 52.4 Yahoo points in just 23 minutes. He finished 9-for-17 from the field and dominated the glass with 17 rebounds. It's not often that you have to mention potential blowout factors during the playoffs, but that's something that has to be considered in this series. However, Giannis clearly showed that he can stuff the stat sheet even in limited playing time, so start him with confidence.
P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. UTA ($13): Tucker is one of the unsung heroes for the Rockets. His ability to defend multiple positions is key considering their propensity to use small lineups. He also helps with their spacing on offense, finishing with a career-high 1.8 three-pointers per game during the regular season. His high minutes floor helps him maintain value despite his lack of shot attempts, making him another intriguing option who can help provide relief for your budget.
Forward to Avoid
Domantas Sabonis, IND at BOS ($24): Sabonis couldn't get much going in Game 1, scoring just seven points on 3-of-9 shooting from the field. While he's clearly a key part of the Pacers success, his ceiling is somewhat limited whenever Myles Turner is healthy. With the defensive slugfest that is set to play out in this series, it might be wise to spend elsewhere.
CENTERS
Al Horford, BOS vs. IND ($22): Horford didn't show any signs of his knee limiting him in Game 1 when he scored 30.7 Yahoo points. The key is he logged 32 minutes, so expect the Celtics to use him as normal moving forward. This is what they rested him at the end of the season for. With his ability to contribute in multiple areas, he can still provide value despite the Pacers' defensive prowess.
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. DET ($22): Lopez (32.6 Yahoo points) actually outperformed Andre Drummond (29.4 Yahoo points) in Game 1. Despite grabbing just three rebounds, he impacted the game by hitting a couple of three-pointers and blocking four shots in his 25 minutes. With the Bucks playing at the fifth-fastest pace (103.6 possessions per game) in the regular season, Lopez should continue to see plenty of opportunities to contribute Wednesday.
Center to Avoid
Myles Turner, IND at BOS ($27): Like Sabonis, Turner had a rough night Monday with 20.6 Yahoo points despite playing 30 minutes. While he's an excellent rim protector, Turner had just a 20 percent usage rate during the regular season and provided very little in the way of assists. Both Horford and Lopez at least have similar upsides as Turner, so rolling with either of them at five dollars cheaper is the more advisable route to take.
