This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
After Saturday’s shocking slate, we’re back for more playoff action. We still have Game 1s to cover, and these matchups are a good indicator of how these rotations will play out for the rest of the series. And the action is spread out throughout the day, so make sure to get your lineups early.
Guards
I’m Morant, MEM vs. LAL ($40)
Morant has some off-court issues that overshadow his game, but he is one of the best point guards in the NBA. He has scored at least 26 Yahoo points in all 59 games he has finished this year while averaging 46. Ja’s also flashed 70-point upside by dropping 67 Y! in his most recent matchup with the Lakers. That’s not surprising since LA ranks fifth in rushing and 20th in points allowed while giving up the second-most fantasy points to opposing PGs.
Jamal Murray, THE vs. MIN ($29)
Have people forgotten how good Murray was in the closing months of the season? The bubble superstar has produced at least 35 points on Yahoo in 25 of his last 29 games while averaging 40 Y! each within that length. That’s unreasonable from a sub-$30 player, but not surprising since that’s the Murray we saw before his ACL injury. Minnesota’s matchup couldn’t be better as the club ranks 19th in total defense while giving up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing PGs. And in their most recent meeting, Murray accumulated 40 fantasy points.
Avoidance Watch
D’Angelo RussellLAL and MEM ($25)
Russell was a huge acquisition at the trade deadline, but he will be difficult to rely on from here. This is where every play counts, and he clearly isn’t a major part of this offense right now. LeBron James and Anthony Davis did it all, with D-Lo failing to crack 30 Y! points in seven consecutive games. Most daunting was his role as he only logged 23 minutes in the first play-in matchup. Russell was benched for Dennis Schroder, so he’s on a short leash with depth in this rotation. Not to mention, Memphis ranks second in defensive efficiency.
Forward
Norman PowellLAC to PHX ($19)
We’re not sure who the biggest beneficiary of Paul George’s injury will be, but it seems to be Powell. While he was limited in his first two games due to injury, he has recorded at least 38 fantasy points in three consecutive outings. All were de facto playoff games, with Norm averaging 17 shots and 31 minutes a night. He should be a $25 player in this type of role, and it’s clear the Clips are giving him all the responsibilities of PG13. One of the recent gems was against Phoenix as Powell gave 38 Y! last week’s score.
Kawhi LeonardLAC to PHX ($40)
Powell may be the main beneficiary of PG13’s loss, but it’s also huge for Leonard’s value. The All-Star posted a 31 percent usage rate with George from the floor while averaging over 45 Yahoo points in those outings. That’s what we saw in the second half, with Kawhi scoring at least 35 Y! points in 33 of his last 35 games. He also produced a 47-point average in that stretch while making 48 in a matchup with the Suns last week.
Years Jackson Jr., MEM vs. LAL ($37)
Jackson is one of the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year, but he has been the Grizzlies’ best offensive player over the last month. The big man registered 51 and 64 Yahoo points in his two most recent outings while averaging 45 in his last 13 games. JJJ also scored 43 against LA a few weeks ago and should be asked to do a lot with Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke still sidelined. We also don’t mind that Los Angeles allows the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing PFs.
Continue to Avoid
Bobby PortisMIL vs. MIA ($20)
Portis has been amazing at times this year, but his role is depleted if this roster is fully healthy. In 48 games from the bench, he only averaged 25 points in Yahoo. BP was even worse in the second half because he averaged almost 20 when Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton were in the lineup. Facing the Heat is scary because they are ranked 29th in scoring and second in points allowed.
center
Anthony DavisLAL and MEM ($48)
It’s time for AD to take over this offense and take the Lakers as far as he can. That’s what they’ve done with him for a month and he’s scored at least 46 points on Yahoo in eight of his last 10 games. Davis also averaged 54 Y! during that period while receiving one of his most extensive roles in the Lakers. That’s not surprising because he plays 35-40 minutes and takes 15-20 shots a game. As long as AD remains the centerpiece of this offense, he should be listed. He also averaged 29 points, 20.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in his three encounters with Memphis this year.
Brook LopezMIL vs. MIA ($25)
Bro-Lo is one of the frontrunners for Defensive Player of the Year. The veteran enjoyed a renaissance season for the Bucks by averaging over 33 points per Yahoo. That alone is unusual from a $25 player, and Lopez did that damage despite being limited in the final month of the season. He struggled against Miami’s stout defense all year, but logged at least 32 minutes in three of the four meetings. As long as Lopez gets that kind of work, he’ll provide a lot of value.
Center for Prevention
Deandre AytonPHX vs LAC ($27)
Ayton can be amazing at times, but he is the Suns’ fourth option on offense. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker gobble up all the usage while Chris Paul primarily handles ball handling duties. That leaves Ayton with the crumbs in this offense and he has posted 35 or less fantasy points in 11 of his last 13 contests. He’s also held to a 26-point average over his last eight and shouldn’t be too expensive in a smaller role. The matchup is also about the Clippers being 12th in total defense.
The author(s) of this article may play daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – the games for which they provide recommendations or advice in this article. In the course of playing these games with their personal accounts, it is possible that they use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have given above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Joel Bartilotta plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: Joelbartilotta Yahoo: Joelbartilotta.