This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There might only be four games in the NBA on Thursday, but we have a couple of great matchups on tap. First, the Bucks will host the Lakers. After that, the evening will be capped off by a matchup between the Rockets and Clippers. We also have another opportunity to win some cash on Yahoo, so here are some players to target for your entry, as well as a few to avoid.
GUARDS
Donovan Mitchell, UTA at ATL ($37): Mitchell is the driving force behind the Jazz's offense, averaging 25.2 points per game to go along with a 31.6 percent usage rate that ranks inside the top-10 in the league. He also holds his own in terms of rebounds and assists, which has helped him average 38.3 Yahoo points a night. With the Hawks allowing the third-most points per game in the league, this is an excellent opportunity for Mitchell to provide another sparkling offensive performance.
Dejounte Murray, SA vs. BKN ($21): While jumping back and forth between the bench and the starting five hasn't been great for Murray's production, the main reason he's been inconsistent is likely that he is only averaging 23 minutes a game. The Spurs have taken a cautious approach with him during his return from a torn ACL, but the good news is that he has logged at least 29 minutes in three of his last four games. He didn't let the added playing time go to waste, scoring at least 31.9 Yahoo points in all three of those contests. If he can receive an expanded role again here, he would have the potential to be one of the better mid-tier targets.
Guard to Avoid
Patrick Beverley, LAC vs. HOU ($17): Make no mistake about it, Beverley's main job on the Clippers is to play defense. He'll certainly have his hands full against James Harden and Russell Westbrook. He's already scored 24.8 Yahoo points or fewer in seven if his last eight games, so it might be best to keep him out of your entry, especially when you consider there is a chance that he finds himself in foul trouble. The last time he played the Rockets, he fouled out in only 19 minutes.
FORWARDS
Joe Ingles, UTA at ATL ($20): Mike Conley Jr. returned from a five-game absence Tuesday, but only played 19 minutes after his hamstring injury popped up again. He could miss multiple weeks moving forward, which once again opens up added playing time for Ingles. Across the first five games that Conley missed, Ingles averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.8 steals.
Donte DiVincenzo, MIL vs. LAL ($13): DiVincenzo might have only scored five points against the Mavericks on Monday, but that didn't stop him from having a productive night since he also chipped in 10 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block. He logged 30 minutes in that contest and has now scored at least 35 Yahoo points in both games since taking over at point guard for Eric Bledsoe (lower leg). While this isn't exactly a great matchup, his added playing time still makes him a great target at such a cheap price.
Forward to Avoid
Jabari Parker, ATL vs. UTA ($23): Parker has generally done a good job filling in for John Collins (suspension), averaging 15.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals a game. However, he doesn't provide much in the way of assists or blocks, which is partly to blame for him scoring 27.7 Yahoo points or fewer in seven of his last nine games. The Jazz have allowed the eighth-fewest points per game in the league, which could set up Parker for a rough night.
CENTERS
Rudy Gobert, UTA at ATL ($34): Gobert is normally one of the safest centers on the slate. He's basically a walking double-double, which has enabled him to score at least 36.9 Yahoo points in six of his last seven games. The Hawks' uninspiring center rotation of Alex Len, Damian Jones and Bruno Fernando have contributed to them allowing the ninth-most Yahoo points per game for the position. The only thing that might be able to slow down Gobert here is if the Jazz race out to a big lead early and he rests in the fourth quarter.
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA vs. BKN ($30): The Nets have been even worse than the Hawks, allowing the sixth-most Yahoo points per game to opposing centers. That could lead to a huge stat line for Aldridge, who has already scored at least 31.7 Yahoo points in eight straight games. Not only that, but he scored at least 40 Yahoo points four times during that stretch.
Center to Avoid
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. LAL ($16): On the other end of the spectrum are the Lakers, who have allowed the second-fewest Yahoo points per game to centers. Lopez already has limited upside, scoring 22.2 Yahoo points or fewer in six of his last seven contests. Although he's not expensive, it might be best to take your chances on a different player if you want to save money at center.
