This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There are only six games in the NBA on Thursday, but several will have playoff implications, including the Wizards against the Cavaliers and the Timberwolves against the Nuggets. It should lead to an exciting night of action, which could get even better by winning some cash on Yahoo. Here are some players to target and avoid as you craft your entry.
GUARDS
C.J. McCollum, POR at HOU ($31): The Blazers have already clinched a playoff spot and have a three-game lead over the Jazz for the third seed with just four games left. As a result, they will likely sit Damian Lillard (ankle) on Thursday to prevent making his injury any worse. McCollum would likely lead the way offensively if Lillard sits since his 26.4% usage rate is third on the team behind Lillard (30.3%) and Jusuf Nurkic (26.5%).
Shabazz Napier, POR at HOU ($13): If Lillard misses this game, expect Napier to slide into the starting lineup. Napier excelled in his first nine starts of the season, averaging 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 three-pointers per contest. The Rockets allow the eighth-fewest Yahoo points per game (42.1) to opposing point guards, but the added minutes and cheap price still leaves Napier with value.
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Guard to Avoid
Tomas Satoransky, WAS at CLE ($19): Satoransky did an excellent job filling in for John Wall when he was out for over two months. However, Wall is back now and has played at least 33 minutes in both games since returning. In those two games, Satoransky scored 18.6 and 16 Yahoo points, respectively. With Wall back in the fold, it's hard to justify playing Satoransky at this price.
FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. BKN ($51): All eight playoff teams have been decided in the East, but the Bucks still have a realistic chance to play themselves all the way up to the sixth seed. Giannis has been leading the charge down the stretch with his 31.3% usage rate that ranks seventh in the league. He has dominated the Nets in their first two meetings this season, averaging 28.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 blocks. Look for him to excel again Thursday.
Andrew Wiggins, MIN at DEN ($25): The Timberwolves are currently the seventh seed in the West, but are only one game from falling out of the playoffs all together. Jimmy Butler (knee) seems to be closing in on a return, but he is still listed as doubtful to play Thursday. Wiggins will continue to help lead the offense in his absence after posting a 24.6% usage rate in March. He's not always a reliable source for rebounds and assists, but Wiggins has still scored at least 30.6 Yahoo points in six of his last seven games.
Forward to Avoid
Trevor Ariza, HOU vs. POR ($18): The Rockets have clinched the top seed in the West and have already started to rest some of their players, including sitting Ariza on Tuesday. He should return Thursday, but he doesn't provide much upside, scoring 21 Yahoo points or fewer in five of his last seven games. He's not that cheap, making him someone to avoid for your entry.
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CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. MIN ($46): The Nuggets sit one game out of the playoffs in the West and have been riding Jokic hard down the stretch, playing him at least 38 minutes in four straight games. He's come through with some monster performances, scoring at least 56.2 Yahoo points in all four of those contests. His ability to contribute in multiple categories gives him a high floor, so it might be a good idea to continue riding his hot streak Thursday.
John Henson, MIL vs. BKN ($11): Henson might not be a flashy option, but he has scored at least 22.6 Yahoo points in seven straight games. He has dominated the Nets in their first two meetings this season, averaging 15.5 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and 1.5 blocks. The Nets allow the most Yahoo points per game (56.1) to opposing centers, making Henson someone to target if you want to go cheap at center.
Center to Avoid
Myles Turner, IND vs. GS ($21): Turner has provided very little offense lately, scoring nine points or fewer in five of his last six games. He didn't grab double-digit rebounds in any of those games either, resulting in him scoring 19.9 Yahoo points or fewer three times during that stretch. The Warriors are an up-tempo, high scoring team, but they also allow the eighth-fewest Yahoo points per game (48.5) to opposing centers. This might not be the night to take a chance on Turner breaking out of his slump.
