This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
As far as Thursdays go, we have a busy one in the NBA consisting of seven games. There are several exiting matchups among the bunch. The Nets will play host to the Heat, which means Kyrie Irving will be out again. However, Kevin Durant (knee) is expected to make his return. The Bulls will continue their tough schedule down the stretch when they travel to Atlanta to play the Hawks. The Hawks suffered an embarrassing collapse against the Celtics on Tuesday, who will also be in action Thursday when they host the Grizzlies. They will have to do so without Jaylen Brown (ankle), who has already been ruled out. Let's get down to business and highlight some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups, as well as a few to possibly avoid.
GUARDS
Dejounte Murray, SA vs. SAC ($50): The Kings are a fantasy-friendly opponent given that they have played at the seventh-fastest pace and have the second-worst defensive rating in the league. When you combine that with the Spurs playing at the fourth-fastest pace, this is a game in which to target players. There may be none more appealing that Murray, who is averaging a lofty 48.8 Yahoo points per game.
Devin Vassell, SA vs. SAC ($18): If you want some exposure for this game, but can't squeeze Murray's hefty salary into your budget, consider rolling with Vassell. With the departure of Derrick White, he's taken on a starting role. He hasn't let his opportunity go to waste, scoring at least 29.8 Yahoo points in six of his last eight games.
Guard to Avoid
Russell Westbrook, LAL at LAC ($27): Westbrook seems to be the face of the Lakers' current struggles. He's been ice-cold from the field, shooting 35.4 percent over his last nine games. During that stretch, he's also provided modest averages of 6.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. Facing a Clippers team that has the seventh-best defensive rating isn't exactly a favorable spot for him to break out of his slump.
FORWARDS
Jayson Tatum, BOS vs. MEM ($41): With Brown out, the Celtics will have to rely even more heavily on Tatum. He attempted 25 shots with Brown leaving early Tuesday against the Hawks, which propelled him to score 33 points. He also chipped in eight rebounds and seven assists. While the Grizzlies are a tough opponent, the potential increase in usage rate for Tatum could still lead him to a big night.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, ATL vs. CHI ($21): There's a lot to unpack here with the Hawks. John Collins (foot) is listed as doubtful after missing six straight games. To complicate matters, Trae Young (ankle) is listed as questionable. If Young gets ruled out, Bogdanovic could put forth a monster stat line. Even if he plays, Bogdanovic is still an excellent option given that he has scored at least 32.9 Yahoo points in six of his last seven games.
Forward to Avoid
Kevin Durant, BKN vs. MIA ($52): The Nets badly need Durant to return to action. They are falling down the standings in the Eastern Conference, and Irving still can't play in home games. However, don't expect them to rush Durant into playing heavy minutes in his first game back. Given his lofty salary, any minutes restriction could make it difficult for him to provide value.
CENTERS
Bam Adebayo, MIA at BKN ($38): Adebayo played well in a last-second loss to the Bucks on Wednesday, posting 18 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals across 37 minutes. He has recorded a double-double in six of the last eight games, which included a matchup against these same Nets when he produced 19 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and a steal. He has one of the highest floors of any center included in this slate.
Clint Capela, ATL vs. CHI ($22): Not only will the Hawks likely be missing Collins in their frontcourt, but Onyeka Okongwu (concussion) has also been ruled out. Okongwu has been playing well, which has resulted in him stealing some minutes away from Capela. With basically no competition for minutes at center in this game, Capela is one of the top mid-tier options to consider.
Center to Avoid
Andre Drummond, BKN vs. MIA ($25): Drummond (knee) is listed as probable after sitting out Tuesday against the Raptors. The Nets do have some depth at center, but getting Drummond back is key for their effort to control off the boards. The problem is, he has a very difficult matchup against Adebayo. Given that Capela has a cheaper salary, he might be the better option up front if you want to fade Adebayo.
