This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday marks the last day of action in the NBA before the All-Star break. It's going to be a quiet one with just three games on the schedule. There's still another opportunity to win some money on Yahoo, though, so here are some players to target and avoid while completing your lineup.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, OKC at NO ($53): Westbrook's insane streak of triple-doubles has reached 10 games, which resulted in him scoring at least 47.1 Yahoo points in each contest. Things certainly set up nicely for him to extend his streak in this game since the Pelicans play at the sixth-fastest pace (102.9 possessions per game) in the league. There is some blowout risk here, but Westbrook is still worth taking a chance on considering his tremendously high ceiling.
Kadeem Allen, NY at ATL ($14): With Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) and Frank Ntilikina (groin) out, Allen has stepped into an important backup role for the Knicks. He's come through with flying colors so far, scoring at least 27.6 Yahoo points in three straight games. Both Mudiay and Ntilikina might be out again Thursday, leaving Allen with an excellent opportunity to provide value against a Hawks team that plays at the fastest pace (104.7).
Guard to Avoid
Kenrich Williams, NO vs. OKC ($18): Henrich had his first poor game in a while Tuesday when he scored just 11.4 Yahoo points in a blowout loss to the Magic. He still played 32 minutes, but was just 1-for-7 from the field. Williams' price is climbing based on his recent run of success, but he's a risky option since he's attempted 10 shots or fewer in six of his last eight games.
FORWARDS
Paul George, OKC at NO ($52): It's hard not to roll with George in your lineup based on this limited slate and how well he is playing. He steamrolled the Blazers for 80.4 Yahoo points Monday and has scored at least 50.7 Yahoo points in nine of his last 10 games. Like Westbrook, the only real concern with George is this game becoming a blowout early. With that being said, George is still one of the best options at any position Thursday.
Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. CHA ($22): The defensive-minded Isaac scored 20 points against the Pelicans on Tuesday in just 29 minutes. He's on a hot streak right now that has seen him score at least 30.1 Yahoo points in seven of his last nine games. His price is climbing, but his ability to provide steals and blocks in bunches leaves him with a relatively high floor.
Forward to Avoid
Noah Vonleh, NY at ATL ($16): Vonleh returned to the starting lineup Wednesday, but he still played just 18 minutes. That marked the fifth time across his last eight games that he has played 21 minutes or fewer. His production has fallen off as a result with him scoring 18.2 Yahoo points or fewer in seven of his last eight contests. Even though this seems like a good matchup, Vonleh's inconsistent playing time makes him someone to pass on.
CENTERS
Cody Zeller, CHA at ORL, ($14): If you want to load up with Westbrook and George in your entry, you'll need to find savings elsewhere. Despite the limited slate, there are actually some great cheap options at center. Zeller, who has scored at least 27.2 Yahoo points in all four games since returning from injury, is certainly one of them. His offensive upside isn't great, but he's starting and is a nightly threat to at least approach a double-double.
Mitchell Robinson, NY at ATL ($14): Robinson logged 28 minutes in a lopsided loss to the Sixers on Wednesday and made the most of his added playing time with 14 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and four blocks. The shot-blocking machine now has at least two rejections in 11 of his last 12 games. Considering the up-tempo pace at which the Hawks play, Robinson could be in line for another valuable performance at this cheap price. He has more upside than Zeller does, as well.
Center to Avoid
Jahlil Okafor, NO vs. OKC ($21): With Anthony Davis and Julius Randle back, Okafor isn't going to have as prominent of a role as he did when the Pelicans' frontcourt was decimated by injuries. He still started against the Magic on Wednesday, but scored just 21.9 Yahoo points. Robinson might even have the higher upside as things currently stand, so it's hard to justify deploying Okafor at a significantly higher price.
