This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
Sunday brings two Game 1's in the NBA, and they are big ones. The respective top seeds in both conferences will take the floor with the Bucks facing the Celtics and the Warriors looking to get off to a good start in what should be a tough series with the Rockets. Let's breakdown these games and highlight some players to consider for your Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
James Harden, HOU at GS ($60): While he wasn't very efficient, Harden had a stellar first round series against the Jazz by averaging 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, eight assists, 2.2 steals and 1.4 blocks. With the Rockets looking to avenge their loss to the Warriors in the playoffs last year, expect him to be a man on a mission in this series. While expensive, his upside is off the charts.
Andre Iguodala, GS vs. HOU ($12): The Warriors had a tougher than expected first-round series against the Clippers that went to six games. Iguodala provided plenty of value at his cheap price, scoring at least 27.9 Yahoo points four times. With Klay Thompson (ankle) and Stephen Curry (ankle) battling injuries, the Warriors may be forced to rely more on Iguodala for production. Since he provides tremendous salary relief, he's a great target.
Guard to Avoid
Klay Thompson, GS vs. HOU ($24): Both Thompson and Curry are listed as questionable for Game 1, but Thompson's injury appears to be the more serious of the two. While there is still a good chance that he plays, he could be limited. Since his value is already heavily reliant on his contributions in the scoring column, any lack of playing time or shot attempts is going to deal a huge blow to his upside.
FORWARDS
Kevin Durant, GS vs. HOU ($42): This feels like the perfect storm for Durant with Curry and Thompson battling injuries and DeMarcus Cousins (quadriceps) likely out for the rest of the playoffs. He closed out the first round on a high note, scoring at least 50.4 Yahoo points in each of the last four games. He attempted at least 21 shots in all four of those contests. Even though Harden is extremely appealing, Durant might be the one lock for the day considering his significantly cheaper price tag.
P.J. Tucker, HOU at GS ($14): Tucker is essential to the Rockets success. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions leaves him with a ton of playing time, which enabled him to score at least 25.8 Yahoo points in each game of the first round. He had a heck of series when these two teams met last year, averaging 8.7 points, nine rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals. In order to fit the high-priced players into your lineup, deploying Tucker could be key.
Forward to Avoid
Khris Middleton, MIL vs. BOS ($31): With the significant upsides that Durant, Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo ($55) carry, a stars-and-scrubs approach might be the way to go. Especially with Iguodala and Tucker being priced so cheap. Middleton isn't likely to lay an egg, but his upside is limited based on the damage that he will do to your budget. Spend elsewhere.
CENTERS
Clint Capela, HOU at GS ($27): Of all the players who could have used some extra rest between the first and second rounds, Capela might be one of the few who needed it the most. He's been battling two respiratory illnesses, which he managed to fight through and score at least 31.5 Yahoo points four times against the Jazz. Not having to defend Cousins should make things a little easier for him, as well. Of all the centers options, he may have the highest high floor.
Al Horford, BOS at MIL ($24): Even though Capela is a good option, rolling with Horford at center might be the wiser choice. He was excellent in his two regular season games versus the Bucks, averaging 19.5 points, 11 rebounds and 6.5 assists. With added time off to rest his knee, look for Horford to be fresh and productive in this contest.
Center to Avoid
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. BOS ($23): As good as Horford was against the Bucks this season, Lopez averaged just five points and six rebounds across three games against the Celtics. Horford and Aron Baynes are good defenders, so this has the makings of a tough series for Lopez. With Horford priced at just a dollar more, it's hard to justify taking a risk on Lopez here.
