This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Drafting your lineup in the playoffs is typically difficult because there are fewer bargain options available than in the regular season. Teams tend to tighten their rotations more in the postseason, which can lead to fewer surprises. Wednesday's games are unique, however, due to multiple players Mark Cuban might even deem superstars being out of action. Ahead we will assess how the fallout of those injuries may affect their teams, as well as other intriguing matchups.
GUARD
Jamal Crawford, LAC vs. POR ($21) - With Chris Paul and Blake Griffin out for the postseason the Clippers have become a long shot to advance in the playoffs. The loss of their two superstars has also left large daily implications. Paul and Griffin both accumulated a big percentage of the team's statistics, and now it is time to figure out who will benefit the most from their absences. While many will target Austin Rivers, who likely will start for Paul, I expect Crawford to gain the most. Rivers will see his numbers increase, but Crawford has a proven track record of being a dynamite scorer when given the opportunity. At only $21 he has the potential to put up as good a line as any guard.
Shaun Livingston, GS vs. HOU ($16) - Livingston's the other cheap guard on Wednesday's slate with the most opportunity to benefit from circumstance. He has proven himself capable of stepping into the Warriors' point guard role when Stephen Curry has been sidelined both in the regular season and in the playoffs. He has averaged 27.1 fantasy points in the series, which is 11.9 more than his season average. While he does not have the potential ceiling of a Jamal Crawford, he is a safe value pick. With Curry out, Livingston's price is going to continue to climb, so it is best to acquire him while he is still closer to the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid:
J.J. Redick, LAC vs. POR ($21.9) - Redick likely will see a bump in percentage owned as a result of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin's absence, but it might be best to avoid the veteran sharp-shooter. He has really struggled in the series, and I am not gambling on a turnaround game. He has averaged 15.7 fantasy points in four games, compared to his 21.9 season average. His output has also decreased in each game, which is obviously not a favorable trend. Fading the public seems like a better strategy.
FORWARD
Andre Iguodala, GS vs. HOU ($15) - Iguodala will be the other player besides Shaun Livingston to benefit from Stephen Curry's absence. Coach Steve Kerr has shown he trusts Iguodala to run the show as a point-forward as well when Curry has been off the court. He is coming off a 36.5 fantasy point outing in Game 4. He posted 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and three triples in just 24 minutes. Expect his minutes per game to increase with Curry now out. Much like the theme with the suggested guards, it will be best to buy Iguodala's stock while it's low.
Luol Deng, MIA vs. CHA ($24) - It looked like the Heat were going to run away with this series early, but the Hornets have made things interesting. One of the things they have done to switch things up is shake up their starting lineup. They have decided to go big by starting Marvin Williams, Frank Kaminsky and Al Jefferson. When Deng has been guarded by Kaminsky he has shined. He is simply too quick in that matchup. While he has not been able to put together an outing as solid as his Game 1 performance, he is more than capable, and probably due for a solid outing in Game 5 in South Beach.
Forward to Avoid:
Marvin Williams, CHA at MIA ($20) - Outside of one productive outing Williams has been a dud in this series. He failed to reach 10 fantasy points in Games 1 and 2 in Miami and is coming off a 15.4 fantasy point performance. There are not a lot of intriguing options at forward, but I am not anticipating a big turnaround for Williams based on his play so far.
CENTER
Al Jefferson, CHA at MIA ($17) - The Hornets came out of the gates feeding Jefferson the ball early in Game 4. It appeared their strategy was to attract foul trouble on Hassan Whiteside, and Jefferson played relatively well. The plan was implemented in Game 3 when Jefferson returned to the starting lineup, and they have since won two straight. He did fade as the game progressed, however, but expect the Hornets to continue looking to get Jefferson involved. He is a fairly safe plan in Game 5.
Center to Avoid:
Dwight Howard, HOU at GS ($26) - This pick is more by default as there are not many bad plays at center Wednesday. Deandre Jordan should benefit from Blake Griffin's absence, and Hassan Whiteside has played well all series. Of the three most expensive centers, Howard is likely the riskiest. Also, the mid-tier centers have more advantageous matchups.
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