This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
With only five games on the NBA schedule Thursday, you'll have limited options to choose from for your Yahoo entry. There is still value to be had though, so let's take a look at players across the price scale that you want to both target and avoid to hopefully end your night a winner.
GUARDS
DeMar DeRozan, TOR at PHI ($37): DeRozan is tied for the 13th-best usage rate in the league at 30%, which is the second highest of his career. His offensive abilities give him a high floor, resulting in at least 33.7 Yahoo points in 10 straight games. The Sixers allow the 10th-most Yahoo points per game (40.2) to opposing shooting guards, making DeRozan someone to strongly consider for your entry.
Dwyane Wade, CLE vs. CHI ($17): Wade had a rough year with the Bulls last year in what was a relationship that needed to end quickly. He's much better suited coming off the bench on a more talented roster as opposed to being one of the main scoring options the Bulls wanted him to be last year. He scored 34.2 Yahoo points in a game earlier this month against the Bulls and with the Bulls playing at a faster pace with Nikola Mirotic back, Wade can provide value at this price.
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Guard to Avoid
Ricky Rubio, UTA vs. SA ($19): Rubio was terrible in a blowout loss to the Thunder on Wednesday, scoring only 7.5 Yahoo points. He's had several rough games of late, scoring 19 Yahoo points or less in five of his last 10 games. The Spurs allow the fourth-fewest Yahoo points per game (39.5) to opposing point guards, so stay away from Rubio on Thursday.
FORWARDS
LeBron James, CLE vs. CHI ($60): James is rolling right now, scoring at least 53.9 Yahoo points in eight straight games. His 30.9% usage rate is ninth-best in the league, which should keep him as being one of the most productive players in DFS. The Bulls are hot right now, but that's more because of their improved play on offense, not because they have put the clamps on their opponents defensively. Get ready for a big performance from James.
Serge Ibaka, TOR at PHI ($22): Ibaka did not play Sunday with a sore knee, but returned to play 27 minutes Wednesday against the Hornets. He scored 38 Yahoo points in that game, marking his fourth-straight game with at least 31.6 Yahoo points. Both the Raptors and Sixers are in the top-10 in the league in pace of play, which leaves Ibaka with upside at this price.
Forward to Avoid
Kawhi Leonard, SA at UTA ($39): Leonard did not play Wednesday as the Spurs aren't ready to let him play both games of a back-to-back yet. He's only played three games this season due to injury and hasn't played more than 17 minutes in any of those games. Until he's back with no restrictions, it's best to avoid him based on his lofty price.
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CENTERS
Kevin Love, CLE vs. CHI ($34): Love continues to shoulder a significant offensive load for the Cavaliers, scoring at least 20 points in eight of his last 11 games. He's been great on the glass as well, resulting in him averaging a double-double for the seventh time in his career. The Bulls play a lot of small lineups with Nikola Mirotic, Lauri Markkanen and Bobby Portis all healthy, which fits with Love's style of play. He's the most expensive, healthy center Thursday, but he also has great upside.
Richaun Holmes, PHI vs. TOR ($12):Joel Embiid (back) is not expected to play Thursday, which should free up some minutes for Holmes. Although he hasn't started, Holmes has played at least 23 minutes and scored at least 19.2 Yahoo points in both of the last two games with Embiid sidelined. With few viable cheap options due to the limited slate of games, Holmes is someone to consider if you want to save money at center.
Center to Avoid
Tyson Chandler, PHO vs. MEM ($15): It's strange, but both Chandler and Alex Len have played in the last three games for the Suns. The Suns had been rotating DNPs between their centers, but Greg Monroe has now sat the last three games. Even though Chandler seems to have a more consistent role, he's scored 12.7 Yahoo points or less in two of those three games. Alex Len has outplayed him during that stretch, so go with him if you want to take a chance on a Suns' center Thursday, not Chandler.
