This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There might only be four games on the schedule Thursday, but the evening isn't short on excitement with the Lakers taking on the Nuggets and the Celtics facing the Thunder. That leaves a lot of top talent to choose from for your Yahoo entry, as well as some cheap value plays that could pay off when the night is all said and done.
GUARDS
Gary Harris, DEN at LAL ($26): Harris doesn't necessarily stuff the stat sheet in a lot of areas, averaging just 3.5 rebounds and three assists per game. However, he's very efficient from the field and has a 23.3 percent usage rate, which has helped him average 21 points and 1.3 three-pointers per contest. The Lakers have allowed the most points per game (127.3) in the league, which could set up Harris for a scoring outburst Thursday.
Reggie Bullock, DET vs. CLE ($11): Speaking of teams with bad defenses, the Cavaliers have allowed the fifth-most points per game (120.5). Opponents are shooting 43.2 percent against them from behind the arc, which is second-highest in the league. That plays right into Bullock's wheelhouse with him shooting 40 percent on three-pointers for his career. Don't count on Bullock to contribute much outside of scoring, but he could still provide value at almost the minimum price.
Guard to Avoid
Marcus Smart, BOS at OKC ($19): Smart provides stellar defense for the Celtics, but he's only averaging 24 minutes per game. As a result, he's scored 18.4 Yahoo points or fewer in three of four contests. His playing time is unlikely to increase drastically based on the incredible depth the Celtics have, leaving him with very little upside for your entry.
FORWARDS
Blake Griffin, DET vs. CLE ($41): Griffin destroyed the Sixers for 50 points Tuesday, helping him finish with a whopping 77.8 Yahoo points. The game going into overtime certainly helped his cause, but he was also 20-for-35 (57.1 percent) from the field. His 32.4 percent usage rate would be the highest mark of his career, leaving him with the potential to dominate against the Cavaliers and their porous defense.
Trey Lyles, DEN at LAL ($10): The loss of Will Barton (groin) is a significant blow for the Nuggets. He's not the biggest name on the team, but he did have a 20.7 percent usage rate last year. Lyles is one of the players who has seen increased playing time since Barton went down, logging at least 22 minutes and scoring at least 21.5 Yahoo points in both of the two games. The Lakers not only give up a lot of points, but they also play at the second-fastest pace (107.7 possessions per game). At the minimum price, Lyles might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Gordon Hayward, BOS at OKC ($21): The Celtics are clearly taking a cautious approach with Hayward after he missed all of last season. He's already sat one game for rest and hasn't logged more than 25 minutes in any of the three games that he has played. Based on his current restrictions, it's hard to justify paying this much to get him into your entry.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN at LAL ($49): Jokic only played 23 minutes Tuesday in the Nuggets blowout win over the Kings, but he still finished with 37.4 Yahoo points. With averages of 23.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, seven assists and 1.5 steals per contest, Jokic's ability to contribute across the board gives him one of the highest ceilings of anyone in DFS. This game figures to be closer against the Lakers, leaving Jokic as an excellent option even at his lofty price.
JaVale McGee, LAL vs. DEN ($16): Until his price increases drastically, you can make an argument to play McGee every night. He posted 45.2 Yahoo points Wednesday and has at least 32.1 Yahoo points in all four games this season. He's been extremely efficient in just 24 minutes per game by averaging 16.3 points, seven rebounds and 3.3 blocks.
Center to Avoid
Al Horford, BOS at OKC ($26): Staying away from Horford is more about managing your budget than his production potential. He's off to a nice start, scoring at least 28.5 Yahoo points in all four games. However, he has similar upside as McGee does, who is priced significantly lower. Even Steven Adams ($25) might be a better option than Horford based on the Thunder's lack of depth at center. And then, of course, if you want to pay up at the position, there's Jokic and his crazy upside.
