This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
It's do-or-die time for one of the squads on Tuesday's slate, while the other two series are tied at two. One key absence (Blake Griffin) is already having a domino effect, and a potential one (Gordon Hayward) could also alter the Jazz's dynamic Tuesday. Intrigue abounds as we enter the latter portion of the first round, so let's examine how to exploit some of the situations at play:
GUARD
Chris Paul, LAC vs. UTA ($48): Paul presents as an appealing cost-savings pivot from Russell Westbrook ($66) and James Harden ($62), having scored 60.4 and 56.3 fantasy points in Games 3 and 4, respectively. He's also boasting a 37.2 percent usage rate without Blake Griffin on the floor during the postseason. While the Jazz's well-earned reputation as a stingy defense is often a deterrent from taking players against them, Paul, in a pivotal Game 5 at home, is certainly an exception.
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. OKC ($14): Gordon has been steady in Games 2-4, scoring between 23.6 and 34.1 fantasy points while seeing over 30 minutes in each outing. Those are all very good returns on his bargain price, and Game 5 could bring more of the same, considering the Rockets' offensive success against the Thunder in the series.
Guard to Avoid
J.J. Redick, LAC vs. UTA ($14): While Redick's price is not an issue, his recent performances in extended playing time are. The veteran guard has simply been unable to get it going, scoring no more than 12.4 fantasy points in any of the four games, including just 9.0 in Game 4 despite playing a game-high 42 minutes. He's shot just 34.5 percent in the series, including 26.7 percent from three-point range. The Jazz certainly have a large part to play, considering they allowed the fewest fantasy points per game (37.1) to two-guards this season, including the fewest (30.6) over the last five.
FORWARD
Kawhi Leonard, SA vs. MEM ($48): Leonard exploded for 68.6 fantasy points in Game 4 after scoring at least 45.0 in Games 1 and 2, and while the matchup against the Grizzlies' stingy defense appears tough, Leonard's 34.1 percent usage rate during the series certainly makes up for it.
Marreese Speights, LAC vs. UTA ($11): Speights didn't exactly parlay a Game 4 starting opportunity into meaningful production, as he managed just 11.8 fantasy points in 21 minutes. However, his price remains just $1 away from minimum and the veteran forward sported a 23.7 percent usage rate during the regular season with Blake Griffin off the floor. He also scored at least 10 points 26 times during the regular season despite playing at least 20 minutes in just 11 games, so he's provided ample proof of his ability to be efficient with modest playing time.
Forward to Avoid
Ryan Anderson, HOU vs. OKC ($19): Anderson's scoring and shooting were both notably down this season, and he's averaged just 8.8 points per game on 36.4 percent shooting, including an unsightly 14.3 percent from three-point range, in the first four games of the series. He's scored 9.6 and 12.1 fantasy points in two of the contests, and though he's also turned in two outings of more than 20 fantasy points, he remains very erratic with his production from game to game, particularly for $19. Andre Roberson ($17) and Joe Johnson ($15) have as much, if not more, upside at a lower cost.
CENTER
Rudy Gobert, UTA at LAC ($38): Gobert returned from injury in Game 4 and looked like he hadn't missed a beat, scoring 34.1 fantasy points on the strength of a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double. The Clippers allowed 48.0 fantasy points, 21.5 points, 14.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game to centers this season, and Gobert could have even more action Tuesday if Gordon Hayward (illness) misses out.
Steven Adams, OKC at HOU ($13):Nene Hilario ($12) makes for an appealing pivot considering the upside he flashed in Game 4. However, Adams had a series coming-out party in that contest, as he finally exploited what was one of the best matchups for centers in the league all season. The big man scored 35.4 fantasy points against a defense that surrendered the third-most fantasy points per game (51.5) to centers during the regular season, including the most (66.3) over the final five games. Adams also scored between 16.2 and 20.9 fantasy points in Games 1-3, which are unspectacular but acceptable returns on his price. However, with the Thunder trying to stave off elimination, a minutes load close to the 37 Adams saw in Game 4 is certainly conceivable, as is the possibility of double-digit shot attempts for a second straight game.
Center to Avoid
Clint Capela, HOU vs. OKC ($17): Capela started off the series with fantasy-point totals of 31.4 and 28.5, respectively, before tailing off with 14.4 and 9.5 in Games 3 and 4. With Nene Hilario exploding for 42.5 fantasy points in the latter contest, Capela's minutes went down to 18, and they haven't exceeded 23 in the other three games of the series. His usage rate is down to 15.2 percent over the last two games, as he's only taken five shots in each of those contests. With those key numbers trending downward, he's best steered clear of, particularly with lower-cost options Adams and Hilario showing more upside.
