This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
We have three more games in the NBA playoffs Wednesday, two of which are potential elimination games with the Bucks looking to close out the Magic and the Lakers trying to dispatch the Blazers. Let's try to make the day even more exciting with a winning entry on Yahoo. Here are some players to target while working your way through the options, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC at HOU ($30): It was an ugly performance from Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 1, but he's rebounded to score at least 40.4 Yahoo points in each of the last three games. He's logged at least 37 minutes in each of those contests and has been extremely aggressive by attempting at least 17 shots in all three games. Scoring hasn't been all that he's done, either, since he's dished out at least six assists in back-to-back games. With the Thunder looking to gain the lead in the series, expect Gilgeous-Alexander to be very busy once again.
Dennis Schroder, OKC at HOU ($20): If there is one area of weakness on the Thunder, it's their bench, or lack thereof. Schroder is by far the most important member of their second unit, which propelled him to averages of 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and four assists during the regular season. He also struggled in Game 1 but has rebounded to average 24.0 points, 3.7 boards and 4.3 assists across the last three games. His salary won't destroy your budget, either, which makes him even more appealing.
Guard to Avoid
Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. ORL ($20): Between the Bucks blowing out so many teams during the regular season and them having excellent depth, Bledsoe only averaged 27 minutes a night. That hasn't changed any in the playoffs with him averaging 26 minutes across four games against the Magic. He did have one strong performance in Game 3, but he's mostly underwhelmed with 28.9 Yahoo points or fewer in each of the other three contests. Since Schroder can be added to your lineup at the same salary, it might be best to stay away from Bledsoe.
FORWARDS
Anthony Davis, LAL vs. POR ($51): The Lakers have listed Davis (back) as probable for Game 5 after he logged only 18 minutes in Game 4. However, the Lakers had a huge lead in that game, so Davis was likely pulled as a precaution. Still, he finished with 40.5 Yahoo points. His floor is as high as anyone's on this slate, so his lofty salary might be worth it.
Danuel House Jr., HOU vs. OKC ($16): The Rockets need someone to take some of the scoring pressure off of James Harden with Russell Westbrook (quadriceps) out. House has certainly done his best to help in that area, averaging 18.3 points and 3.3 three-pointers over the last three games. He's also averaged 8.3 rebounds during that stretch, making him one of the more appealing budget-friendly options at any position for this slate.
Forward to Avoid
Robert Covington, HOU vs. OKC ($23): Covington had his best performance of the series in Game 4, but he still only scored 26.7 Yahoo points. He's only attempted 26 total shots in the series and has two assists across the last three games combined. With the Rockets wanting him to focus his efforts on the defensive end, it wouldn't be surprising to see him produce another muted stat line in Game 5.
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at MIL ($40): Vucevic scored "only" 20 points in Game 3, but he bounced back with 31 points in Game 4. He's scored at least 31 points in three of the four games in the series and has averaged 21.5 shot attempts per contest. That includes an average of 8.5 three-point attempts per game. If the Magic are going to have a chance of staying alive in the playoffs, they will likely have to do it on the shoulders of Vucevic.
Jeff Green, HOU vs. OKC ($16): Green had his worst offensive showing of the series in Game 4, scoring 10 points on 4-for-10 shooting from the field. He did chip in five rebounds and three assists, so his overall line wasn't a total disaster. The key is that he played 32 minutes and has averaged 35 minutes a night for the series. At this reasonable salary, he is someone to consider in tournament play if you want to fade Vucevic.
Center to Avoid
Steven Adams, OKC at HOU ($20): This is a tough matchup for Adams with how small the Rockets like to play. After playing well in Game 1, he's gone on to score 24.7 Yahoo points or fewer in each of the last three games. He only logged 26 minutes in Game 4 and could continue to see his minutes fluctuate depending on who the Rockets put on the floor. Green at least has similar upside and his salary is four dollars cheaper, making it difficult to feel confident about adding Adams to your entry.
