This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday brings a trio of Game 3's in the NBA playoffs. The Bucks will look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Heat while both Western Conference series that will be in action are knotted at one game apiece. Let's try to add to the fun with a winning entry on Yahoo. Here are some players to consider for your entries, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR vs. DEN ($43): Lillard has been a monster in the first two games of this series. After recording 34 points and 13 assists in Game 1, he finished with 42 points and 10 assists in Game 2. He went a combined 14-for-28 from behind the arc, continuing to show why he is one of the best clutch players in the league. While his salary is pricey, it's difficult to fade him with how well he's been playing.
Cameron Payne, PHO at LAL ($14): Payne became an important member of the Suns' bench during the regular season, averaging 8.4 points and 3.6 assists across just 18 minutes per game. He stepped up with Chris Paul (shoulder) injured in Game 2, scoring 40.1 Yahoo points across 33 minutes. If Paul is limited again in Game 3, which seems likely at this point, then Payne could once again see added playing time.
Guard to Avoid
Chris Paul, PHO at LAL ($30): Give Paul credit, he tried to tough it out and play in Game 2 with a right shoulder injury that was clearly hampering him. He ended up with just six points and five assists, playing only 23 minutes in the Suns' loss. It's difficult to envision him being healthy two days later, which makes him too risky at this salary.
FORWARDS
Anthony Davis, LAL vs. PHO ($45): Based on his comments after his lackluster performance in Game 1, it felt like Davis was going to respond in a big way for Game 2. He did just that, posting 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. He went to the free-throw line a whopping 21 times and he was also 7-for-15 from the field. He should approach 40 minutes a night now that the playoffs are here, which leaves him with a tremendously high floor given his ability to contribute in multiple areas.
Jae Crowder, PHO at LAL ($11): Crowder is usually stuck with a difficult defensive assignment and this series is no different. The good news is, the need for him to slow down some of the opposing team's best scorers means he will get consistent playing time. After scoring 24.2 Yahoo points in Game 2, he's at least someone to consider at near the minimum salary.
Forward to Avoid
Kyle Kuzma, LAL vs. PHO ($15): It appears that the Lakers don't intend to give Kuzma a significant role in this series. After playing 19 minutes in Game 1, he logged only 20 minutes in Game 2. Across the two games combined, he's scored two points and grabbed four rebounds. It seems like it could take multiple injuries for him to have a significant role again.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN at POR ($53): Although they play different positions, it's been fun to watch Jokic battle with Lillard in this series. He shot 15-for-20 from the field in Game 2, scoring 38 points as the Nuggets evened up the series. He was only needed to play 31 minutes in the lopsided victory, so his numbers could have been even better. With the Blazers posting the second-worst defensive rating in the league during the regular season, Jokic could be primed for another monster night.
Deandre Ayton, PHO at LAL ($25): The Lakers couldn't slow down Ayton on the offensive end in the first two games, allowing him to shoot a combined 21-for-24 from the field. He also hauled in 26 total rebounds. With Paul ailing, the Suns need him to be one of their leading scorers behind Devin Booker, so look for Ayton to continue to assert himself on the offensive end, while also racking up plenty of rebounds.
Center to Avoid
Montrezl Harrell, LAL vs. PHO ($13): Now that everyone is healthy, the Lakers have a lot of depth up front. That has been bad news for Harrell, who didn't even appear in Game 2. Not only has he fallen behind Andre Drummond, but even Marc Gasol played 20 minutes in that contest. Although his salary won't hinder your budget, the possibility that Harrell doesn't even play again makes him someone to avoid.
