This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
With only four games in the NBA on Thursday, there are limited options to choose from for your Yahoo entry. There are several elite stars taking the floor though with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Washington Wizards and Golden State Warriors all in action. Here are some players to both target and avoid for the light schedule who could hopefully help lead you to a winning lineup.
GUARDS
Stephen Curry, GS vs. MIN ($48): Curry continues to lead the way for the Warriors with a team-leading 30.9% usage rate, which also ranks 10th-highest in the league. Even with a loaded roster, Curry has posted a usage rate of at least 30% in each of the last three seasons. He has a high floor in DFS as a result, scoring at least 42.8 Yahoo points in 12 of his last 13 games. The Timberwolves allow the 10th-most Yahoo points per game (45) to opposing point guards, so expect Curry to be very productive again in this game.
Jamal Murray, DEN vs. NY ($25): Murray has exploded the last two games, scoring at least 47 Yahoo points in both contests. He scored at least 30 points and hit at least four three-pointers in both games as he continues to have a breakout season offensively. Thursday brings a promising matchup against the Knicks, who allow the eighth-most Yahoo points per game (45.7) to opposing point guards. Murray scored 20 points against the Knicks in their first meeting this season and is a viable option to consider again Thursday.
Guard to Avoid
John Wall, WAS at OKC ($43): Wall has hit a bit of a rough patch, scoring 34.1 Yahoo points or less in three straight games. He struggled offensively in all three games, shooting a combined 36.6% from the field. Things won't get any easier against Russell Westbrook and the Thunder on Thursday, who allow the fourth-fewest Yahoo points per game (39.9) to opposing point guards.
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FORWARDS
Kevin Durant, GS vs. MIN ($52): Durant continues to churn out valuable performances, scoring at least 41.2 Yahoo points in 11 of his last 12 games. Not only is Durant a lethal scorer, but he is also averaging career-highs in assists (5.6) and blocks (2.1) this season. The Timberwolves have struggled defensively lately, allowing an average of 109.6 points in their last seven games, leaving Durant an excellent option for your entry.
Skal Labissiere, SAC at MIA ($11):The youth movement is underway in Sacramento with Labissiere being one of the main beneficiaries. He's finally starting to see more consistent playing time and has scored at least 27.7 Yahoo points in four of his last five games. With increased opportunities likely on tap again Thursday, it makes him hard to pass up at almost the minimum price.
Forward to Avoid
Otto Porter Jr., WAS at OKC ($25): Porter left Monday's game against the Mavericks early with a hip injury, but he practiced in full Wednesday. While he appears to be trending in the right direction, he is still someone you might want to shy away from for your entry. He's shooting just 38.3% from the field in January and has scored 25.2 Yahoo points or less in five of his last eight games.
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CENTERS
Hassan Whiteside, MIA vs. SAC ($34): Whiteside has occasionally spent some extended time on the bench late in games, but he's still managed to score at least 30.3 Yahoo points in eight of his last nine contests. He's finally healthy after battling knee issues earlier in this season and looks to be back to form, averaging 15.5 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in the month of January. The Kings allow the third-most Yahoo points per game (52.4) to opposing centers, so look for Whiteside to keep his hot streak going Thursday.
Steven Adams, OKC vs. WAS ($30): Adams has been an anchor for the Thunder in the middle, scoring at least 30.8 Yahoo points in five straight games. With very little depth behind him, he's a lock for heavy minutes almost every night. He might not have the upside that Whiteside does, but the Wizards allow the ninth-most Yahoo points per game (49.4) to opposing centers, so Adams is also someone worth considering for your entry.
Center to Avoid
Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at GS ($46): Jimmy Butler (knee) has missed three straight games for the Timberwolves, but Towns has not seen an increase in production, scoring 39 Yahoo points or fewer in all three contests. While he does have the ability to put up big numbers, Towns has actually scored 39 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last eight games. He only scored 33.9 Yahoo points on his first meeting against the Warriors this season and might not have enough upside Thursday to warrant his lofty price.
