This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday brings Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals with the Clippers trying to get on the board against the Suns as the series shifts to Los Angeles. This matchup also provides an opportunity to play Yahoo's single game contest.
In addition to selecting two flex players, there are three multiplier positions in this single-game format. A player slotted into the Megastar spot will earn double their fantasy points scored. The Superstar spot will earn 1.5X their fantasy points scored. Finally, the Star will earn 1.2X their fantasy points scored. With that in mind, let's discuss some players to consider.
MULTIPIERS
Paul George ($42): Two missed free throws in the final seconds marred an otherwise strong performance from George in Game 2. He scored 26 points across 41 minutes, also chipping in six rebounds and six assists. He attempted 23 shots, marking his sixth straight game with at least 20 shot attempts. With Kawhi Leonard (knee) still out, George should be the centerpiece of the Clippers' offense once again, making him a prime option for one of the multiplier spots.
Devin Booker ($36): After Booker had 40 points and a triple-double in Game 1, he came back down to Earth a bit in Game 2. He only attempted 16 shots from the field on his way to 20 points. His other contributions were also minimal given that he finished with four rebounds and five assists. Still, he's averaging 28.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists during the Suns' playoff run, so he's one of the safer options for a multiplier spot, even with Chris Paul (COVID-19) expected to return.
Deandre Ayton ($29): Ayton converted a game-winning alley-hoop in Game 2 that was the exclamation point on an excellent all-around performance. Not only did he score 24 points on just 15 shot attempts, but he also had 14 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Clippers have underwhelming options at the center spot, which has contributed to Ayton scoring at least 20 points in both games. He could see fewer shot attempts with Paul returning, but his excellent efficiency, combined with his ability to dominate the boards, still makes him an intriguing option.
FLEX PLAYS
Reggie Jackson ($20): Jackson finally failed to score at least 20 points in Game 2, but he didn't miss the threshold by much since he scored 19 points to go along with his five rebounds and three assists. He's now scored at least 32.9 Yahoo points in each of the four games since Leonard went down. Things could be more difficult for him in this contest with Paul and his defensive mindset ready to return, but given the lack of scoring options behind George, Jackson should still have a large enough role to be able to provide value.
Ivica Zubac ($11): For Game 2, the Clippers decided to ditch their small lineup that worked so well in the previous series against the Jazz. Nicolas Batum went to the bench and Zubac returned to the starting five, a role that he served regularly during the regular season. He responded with 14 points and 11 rebounds across 34 minutes. With the potential for him to remain in that role for Game 3, he could be well worth the risk at near the minimum salary.
PLAYER TO AVOID
Jae Crowder ($17): Crowder went silent from the field in Game 2, scoring only two points on two free-throw attempts. All three of his field goal attempts came from behind the arc and he didn't make any of them. He's attempted five or fewer shots in three of the last five games, which doesn't leave him with much upside for DFS purposes.
