This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
The NBA playoffs continue with three games Friday, including the Pacers trying to take a 2-1 advantage against the Cavaliers as their series shifts to Indianapolis. With the Raptors and Celtics each looking to go up 3-0 in their respective series, here are some players to either target or avoid for the evening as you create your Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
John Wall, WAS vs. TOR ($39): To no surprise, Wall is a focal point of the Wizards' offense through the first two games, attempting at least 17 shots and at least 10 free-throws in both contests. He's provided plenty of assists as well, resulting in him scoring 62.1 and 46.3 Yahoo points, respectively. Expect him to try and put the team on his back Friday and get a win at home, giving him a high upside once again.
Jaylen Brown, BOS at MIL ($23): When the Celtics lost Kyrie Irving (knee) for the season, it left a big hole in their offense. Brown has done an excellent job helping to fill that void in the playoffs, averaging 25 points in the first two games of the series. After averaging 11.5 shot attempts per game during the regular season, he's averaged 20.5 shot attempts this series. That kind of increase in usage makes him an excellent option to consider for your entry Friday.
[Join the free NBA Yahoo Cup. $25K in total prizes with weekly winners]
Guard to Avoid
Tomas Satoransky, WAS vs. TOR ($12): Satoransky has been a nonfactor in this series, scoring a total of 10.8 Yahoo points. Ty Lawson logged 31 minutes in Game 2, leaving Satoransky to play just 15 minutes. If you're looking for a cheap value play with upside, look elsewhere.
FORWARDS
LeBron James, CLE at IND ($58): James carried the Cavaliers to a victory in Game 2, scoring 70.9 Yahoo points in 40 minutes. He attempted 24 shots in that game and will need to continue to be extremely aggressive if the Cavaliers are going to advance to the second round. Considering he scored 46 points in Game 2 and they only won by three points, look for James to be a force again Friday.
Serge Ibaka, TOR at WAS ($21): Ibaka closed out the season on a high note, scoring at least 29.5 Yahoo points in six of his last seven games. He hasn't slowed down in the playoffs, scoring at least 32.8 Yahoo points in both games of the series. He's not the elite shot blocker that he was earlier in his career, but he has recorded at least two blocks in five of his last six games. His playing time is secure, making him a great option at this price.
Forwards to Avoid
Jabari Parker, MIL vs. BOS ($17): Parker has had a horrible start to this series, scoring a total of 8.7 Yahoo points in the first two games. He's not getting a lot of playing time, failing to top 15 minutes in either contest. Considering Ibaka is only four dollars more, it would be a much better move to pay up for him rather than taking a chance on Parker getting more minutes in Game 3.
CENTERS
Kevin Love, CLE at IND ($28): Love suffered a thumb injury to his left hand late in Game 2, but he is expected to play Friday. He wasn't having a good game before suffering the injury Wednesday, scoring just 21.6 Yahoo points. He's clearly the second-best offensive weapon on the Cavaliers and will continue to get a ton of minutes as long as he can play. Even though he is the most expensive center Friday, his price isn't that high all things considered.
John Henson, MIL vs. BOS ($16): Henson averaged only 26 minutes per game during the regular season, but he has played 37 minutes in each of the first two games of this series. He doesn't have a ton of offensive upside, but he still managed to score at least 27.2 Yahoo points in both games. He should continue to see plenty of minutes with the Bucks lacking quality size up front, making him a viable cost-effective option for your entry.
Center to Avoid
Greg Monroe, BOS at MIL ($14): Monroe's 24.6 percent usage rate was second-highest on the Celtics during the regular season behind Irving, so he had upside many nights despite not being a member of the starting five. The Bucks are not a good opponent for him, however, since they don't have a lot of size, creating some difficult matchups. He hasn't played more than 17 minutes in either of the first two games, leaving Henson as a far better cheap option at a similar price.
