This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Friday brings two potential elimination games. Injuries will once again play a prominent role in the DFS slate, so let's try to sort things out by highlighting some players to consider for your lineups, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Paul George, LAC vs. UTA ($41): With Kawhi Leonard (knee) out for Game 5, the Clippers turned to George to lead the team. He didn't disappoint by posting 37 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and two blocks across 40 minutes. George also attempted 22 shots from the field, which was the third straight outing he jacked up at least 20. While that rebounding production will be difficult to duplicate, he's grabbed at least 10 in five of the last eight. Leonard will be out again tonight, which should leave George with plenty of opportunities to stuff the stat sheet.
Reggie Jackson, LAC vs. UTA ($17): George wasn't the only member of the Clippers who stepped up when Leonard went down. Jackson played 37 minutes in their Game 5 victory while scoring 22 points on 15 shot attempts. With added playing time and shot attempts likely coming his way again, he offers the potential to provide value at a low salary.
Guard to Avoid
Bogdan Bogdanovic, ATL vs. PHI ($25): Bogdanovic was limited to 21 minutes in Game 5 while recording five fouls. It left him with a disappointing stat line of six points, three rebounds and one assist. Even if Bogdanovic stays out of foul trouble and plays more tonight, it's tough to justify rolling with him in DFS given he's scored 27.0 Yahoo points or fewer in four straight contests.
FORWARDS
Marcus Morris Sr., LAC vs. UTA ($17): Thanks to Leonard's absence, Morris attempted 16 shots in Game 5 representing the most he's attempted in a playoff game this season. He made them count by finishing with 25 points and three three-pointers while logging 40 minutes. Expect Morris to also play more in Game 6.
Nicolas Batum, LAC vs. UTA ($14): The Clippers going small in this series has created problems for the Jazz. The Clippers are able to do so because of Batum's defensive versatility. Across the five games in this series, he's registered 11 steals and two blocks while averaging 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Like Morris, there should be no shortage of playing time for Batum with Leonard sitting again.
Forward to Avoid
Danilo Gallinari, ATL vs. PHI ($13): There are several appealing players in Gallinari's salary range. Not only could you roll with Morris or Batum, but Joe Ingles ($16) and Royce O'Neale ($14) have also enjoyed productive playoff runs. Considering Gallinari has scored 20.6 Yahoo points or fewer in four of his last six, it might be best to keep him out of your entries.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI at ATL ($49): After a dreadful shooting performance in Game 4, Embiid bounced back with 37 points on 20 shot attempts. He also grabbed 13 rebounds, marking the third time he reached that threshold over the last four. With their backs up against the wall, expect the Sixers to rely heavily on Embiid.
Dwight Howard, PHI at ATL ($10): If you don't want to roll with Embiid, then it might be best just to punt the center position. There are plenty of stellar options at guard and forward while the secondary options at center behind Embiid have been inconsistent. Howard will at least allow you to allocate a greater portion of your budget elsewhere while also potentially providing value as he's scored at least 14.7 Yahoo points three times this series.
Center to Avoid
Rudy Gobert, UTA at LAC ($31): It would seem like Gobert could take advantage of the Clippers playing small, but he's really only produced one noteworthy effort this series. In fact, he's scored 29.0 Yahoo points or fewer in three of the five. Considering Gobert's salary doesn't come at much of a discount, he comes with plenty of risk.
