This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday brings Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, a series that has been changed dramatically by a couple of key injuries. 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
Khris Middleton ($35): The Bucks needed Middleton to step up after Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) went down in Game 4, but he couldn't get things going from the field, finishing with 16 points on 6-for-17 shooting from the field. That included him going 0-for-7 from behind the arc. It's been a rollercoaster playoff run for him, but with Giannis likely out, Middleton should receive all of the minutes and shot attempts that he can handle in this game.
Jrue Holiday ($32): Holiday also went cold in Game 4, shooting 6-for-17 from the field on his way to 19 points. He did still chip in five rebounds and nine assists, but the Bucks are going to need more from him in this game if they are going to pull out the victory. He's already had a good series, scoring at least 34.5 Yahoo points in all four games. Add in the potential for more shot attempts with Giannis likely out and Holiday could be in line for a big night if he can correct his shooting issues.
Kevin Huerter ($19): Huerter has scored 35.3 and 35.7 Yahoo points, respectively, over the last two games. He's been one of the main facilitators of the Hawks' offense during that stretch, dishing out at least seven assists both times. Going back to the Hawks last series against the Sixers, Huerter has now scored at least 35.3 Yahoo points in four of the last six games. If Trae Young (foot) is out again, Huerter should remain in an expanded role. If Young is able to play, he'll likely be limited, which should still benefit Huerter's production.
FLEX PLAYS
Bogdan Bogdanovic ($22): Prior to Game 4, a knee injury had contributed to Bogdanovic scoring fewer than 10 points in six straight games. He averaged 16.4 points per game during the regular season, so clearly his injury has been a problem. The good news for the Hawks is that he looked more like his usual self in Game 4, scoring 20 points on 7-for-19 shooting from the field. They need him to score more with Young's injury issue, so there should be no shortage of shot attempts for him in Game 5.
Bobby Portis ($15): Portis tried to provide a jolt of energy off the bench for the Bucks in Game 4 and ultimately finished with seven points and seven rebounds across 21 minutes. With Giannis likely out for this game, Portis could receive additional playing time. Add in the potential for the home crowd to hype him up even more and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Portis threaten to produce a double-double.
PLAYER TO AVOID
Brook Lopez ($18): Lopez provided another disappointing stat line in Game 4, finishing with seven points and five rebounds across 29 minutes. He's had a rough series, in general, scoring 19.6 Yahoo points or fewer three times. With both Huerter and Bogdanovic in the same salary range, taking a chance on Lopez to break out of his funk isn't necessary.
