This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Wednesday brings us two more Game 5's in the NBA playoffs. The Bucks will be looking to eliminate the Celtics while the Warriors will try to get back on track with a win at home against the Rockets. These contests also leave us with another chance to play Yahoo DFS, so here are some players to target and avoid for your entry.
GUARDS
James Harden, HOU at GS ($59): Harden was a dominant force in the two games that were played in Houston, scoring 60.8 and 60 Yahoo points, respectively. He's really only had one quiet performance, which came in Game 3 when he was forced to miss extended minutes due to eye injuries. Still, he came away with 40.4 Yahoo points in that contest. While pricey, Harden's upside will be off the charts once again.
Eric Gordon, HOU at GS ($18): After averaging just 13.8 shot attempts per game during the regular season, Gordon has averaged 17.3 shots per contest in this series. Considering most of his value comes from the scoring column, that significant increase in usage is huge. He's scored at least 29.3 Yahoo points in three of the four games, making him a great option at this reasonable price tag.
Guard to Avoid
Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. BOS ($28): Outside of a strong performance in Game 2, Bledsoe has not had a good series. He produced well-rounded averages of 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals during the regular season, but the Celtics have limited him to 12.3 points, two rebounds, four assists and 0.8 steals. He's also shooting just 40.9 percent from the field and 52.9 percent from the charity stripe. While not overly expensive, Bledsoe is just too risky based on his recent struggles.
FORWARDS
Kevin Durant, GS vs. HOU ($43): The Warriors lost both games in Houston, but Durant shined with 58.6 and 52.9 Yahoo points, respectively. Even with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in the fold, Durant has averaged a whopping 24.5 shot attempts per game since DeMarcus Cousins (quadriceps) went down. With the Warriors looking to avoid falling down 3-2 in the series, expect Durant to be aggressive and have a monster performance.
P.J. Tucker, HOU at GS ($17): Tucker has been a thorn in the side of the Warriors all series. While he's not the biggest of names playing alongside Harden and Chris Paul, he's almost as important to the Rockets success with his ability to rebound and defend multiple positions. After scoring at least 30.9 Yahoo points in three straight games, he's a great cost-effective forward to target.
Forward to Avoid
Gordon Hayward, BOS at MIL ($17): Hayward has had some bad games this season, but his performance in Game 4 might take the cake. He was just 1-for-5 from the field, finishing with two points and three rebounds. He logged 27 minutes, so it wasn't as if he just couldn't find his way onto the floor. With the Celtics having their backs up against the wall and Marcus Smart being available, Hayward could have a short leash if he gets off to a slow start again Wednesday. Keep him out of your entry.
CENTERS
Al Horford, BOS at MIL ($25): Horford has done his part in this series by averaging 18 points, 8.3 rebounds, four assists and a block while shooting 52 percent from the field. He's even hit three three-pointers in each of the four games. With their season on the line, expect the Celtics to rely heavily on Horford to try and send the series back to Boston.
Clint Capela, HOU at GS ($23): Horford is the safest center option, but if you want to be different in tournament play, Capela is worth considering. He's scored 16.8 Yahoo points or fewer twice in this series, but he scored at least 33.7 Yahoo points in both of the other two games. The Warriors have proven to be a tough matchup for him, but he's at least a threat to finish with a double-double.
Center to Avoid
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. BOS ($21): Nothing to see here. Lopez can't get anything going against the Celtics, scoring 21.7 Yahoo points or fewer in all four games. Since he struggled against them in the regular season, as well, don't even think about adding him to your entry at this price. Pay the extra four dollars for Horford.
