This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA has a fairly quiet night on the schedule Thursday with only six games. None of the games consist of two teams projected to make the playoffs, so it might not be the most exciting night of the season. There is still plenty of money to be won on Yahoo though, so here are some players to target or avoid when creating your entry.
GUARDS
Donovan Mitchell, UTA at DAL ($30): Mitchell has provided consistent production as the Jazz fight to make the playoffs, scoring at least 30.3 Yahoo points in nine of his last ten games. He's been an offensive force in his rookie season with his 28.7% usage rate ranking 20th in the league. The Mavericks are thin at guard with Wesley Matthews (leg) and Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle) out, giving Mitchell the potential to thrive against their backups.
Jeremy Lamb, CHA vs. MEM ($18): Lamb has done an excellent job filling in for Nicolas Batum (Achilles), scoring at least 29.4 Yahoo points in back-to-back contests. He played at least 30 minutes in both games and should see similar playing time Thursday with Batum unlikely to play again. At this reasonable price, going with Lamb can also help open up some of your budget to spend on star players at other positions.
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Guard to Avoid
Andrew Harrison, MEM at CHA ($21): Harrison was out almost three weeks due to injury, but scored 35.2 Yahoo points in his return Monday against the Nets. However, he finished that up with just 4.7 Yahoo points Wednesday against the Sixers, which was especially disappointing since Tyreke Evans did not play due to rest. Evans is expected to play Thursday, so Harrison might not be worth the risk at this price.
FORWARDS
Blake Griffin, DET at HOU ($35): The Pistons are fading in the playoff race, but Griffin has still scored at least 47.7 Yahoo points in three of his last four games. He played at least 32 minutes in all four of those games and should continue to see heavy minutes, at least until the Pistons are officially eliminated. Not only does he provide plenty of offense, but he has at least six rebounds and seven assists in four straight contests. His ability to contribute across the board gives him a high floor again Thursday.
Cheick Diallo, NO vs. LAL ($10): Diallo has played at least 20 minutes in three straight games and has made the most of his added playing time, scoring at least 22 Yahoo points in each contest. The Pelicans will be playing for the third straight day Thursday, so expect Diallo to see similar playing time again as the Pelicans try not to wear out their starters. Both the Pelicans and the Lakers are in the top three in the league in pace of play, so the added minutes could give Diallo a significant boost in this game.
Forward to Avoid
Mario Hezonja, ORL vs. PHI ($17): Hezonja is not producing right now, scoring 23.3 Yahoo points or fewer in eight straight games. Aaron Gordon is healthy again, which will reduce Hezonja's playing time and role in the offense. He has very little upside, so you might want to look elsewhere at forward Thursday.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA at DAL ($39): Gobert has been a terror in the middle, averaging 19.8 points, 14 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in his last five games. He's seeing heavy playing time, logging at least 34 minutes in four of those five contests. The Mavericks are deeper up front since Nerlens Noel returned, but Gobert should still be able to provide significant value again Thursday as the Jazz push towards a playoff spot.
Brook Lopez, LAL at NO ($21): Lopez (back) has had a high ceiling lately, scoring at least 41.1 Yahoo points in four of his last six games. With Kyle Kuzma continuing to see extra minutes at small forward with Brandon Ingram (groin) out, Lopez has averaged a season high 31 minutes per game in March. He is listed as probable for Thursday, so expect him to take the floor. This could be a high-scoring affair considering the up tempo pace at which both teams play, leaving Lopez with a big opportunity to out produce his price point.
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Center to Avoid
Marc Gasol, MEM at CHA ($31): Gasol was battling an illness and struggled Wednesday against the Sixers, scoring only 21.2 Yahoo points in 25 minutes. The Grizzlies have been resting Gasol for one game during back-to-back sets, so don't be surprised if he doesn't play at all Thursday. With Tyreke Evans set to return as well, this is the perfect time for the tanking Grizzlies to give Gasol a night off.
Editor's Note: Gasol will be rested Thursday night.
