This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Thursday night features only two games in the NBA, leaving you with limited options for your Yahoo DFS entry. However, there are still some elite players taking the floor as the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trailblazers will all be in action. Here are some players to consider for your lineup.
GUARDS
C.J. McCollum, POR vs. LAL ($33): McCollum continues to pair with Damian Lillard to form one of the better backcourt duos on the offensive side in the NBA. McCollum is not just scoring though as he has grabbed at least five rebounds in three of his last four games as well. Look for him to take advantage of a young Lakers squad and put up big numbers in this game.
Dejounte Murray, SA vs. GS ($17): Murray was off to a hot start this season as he scored at least 32.0 Yahoo points in his first three games. He's cooled off considerably since then, scoring 23.0 Yahoo points or less in each of his last four games. The Spurs are going to need to score in bunches to keep up with the Warriors, so look for Murray to get the opportunity to turn things around Thursday.
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Guard to Avoid
Jordan Clarkson, LAL at POR ($18): Clarkson is only averaging 20.1 Yahoo points per game this season, which is in large part to averaging only 20 minutes per game. Outside of scoring, Clarkson doesn't provide much else statistically. He is especially poor on the defensive side as he only has a total of three steals and no blocks for the season. Stay away from using him in this game.
FORWARDS
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA vs. GS ($38): Aldridge continues to carry the Spurs offense with Kawhi Leonard (quad) out of action as he has averaged 40.9 Yahoo points per game. Before struggling in his last game against the Boston Celtics, Aldridge had scored at least 20 points and grabbed at least seven rebounds in each of the first six games this season. Expect him to lead the way for the Spurs again against the Warriors.
Kyle Kuzma, LAL at POR ($13): Kuzma has followed up an impressive preseason by averaging 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 three-pointers in 27 minutes per game during the regular season. He has only scored less than 20.1 Yahoo points once so far, leaving him with a fairly high floor considering his price. With so few options to choose from, Kuzma is a viable cheap option Thursday.
Forward to Avoid
Draymond Green, GS at SA ($33): Green is not scoring much this season as he is averaging only 8.3 points on 6.5 shot attempts per game. His defensive numbers have taken a slight step backwards as well, which has limited him to 26.4 Yahoo points or less in four of eight games overall. It's difficult if you miss on a player who costs this much on a night with so few options, so avoiding Green might be the prudent move to make.
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CENTERS
Jusuf Nurkic, POR vs. LAL ($26): Center is really thin Thursday, leaving Nurkic as the best option for the evening. Although he has struggled to provide consistent production this season, the Lakers defense up front doesn't exactly instill fear in opposing big men. It's reasonable to expect Nurkic to come away with a double-double in this contest.
Ed Davis, POR vs. LAL ($10): Nurkic is the guy you want to use as your center Thursday, but Davis is an option if you want to pay the minimum for someone instead. He's not going to score much, but he has grabbed at least 10 rebounds in four of seven games this season. If you're inclined to take a risk at a weak position for the evening, Davis is a viable option.
Center to Avoid
Pau Gasol, SA vs. GS ($19): Gasol is not nearly the player that he once was as he is only averaging 10.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. This is a tough matchup for him against a Warriors squad that uses a lot of small lineups and plays at a fast pace. Stay away from using Gasol.
