We're finally into the NBA playoffs, which leaves us with small slates on a nightly basis. That does not mean there isn't enough value to play, though.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for Yahoo on 4/18/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on Yahoo.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @BalesSJustin.
Yahoo DFS Guards
Chris Paul – PG, vs UTA ($46)
Paul dealt with a few injuries this season, but he has been playing exceptionally well recently. He dominated the Jazz in the first game, scoring 25 points with seven rebounds, 11 assists, and three steals in 37 minutes. He’ll continue to play big minutes for the Clippers, and he’s going to continue to lead the offense. The tough matchup against the Jazz is less than ideal, but CP3 has proven he can dominate anyone, and he’s a great option in all leagues.
Tony Snell – SG, at TOR ($13)
Snell has struggled at times recently, but he was able to score 11 points with four rebounds and three assists in 24 minutes for the Bucks in their first game of the series. That game was a bit of a blowout, which means Snell will likely play more minutes tonight. He’s a player that can heat up in a hurry, specifically for his price tag, and he can be used as a salary relief option in all leagues on this small slate.
Yahoo DFS Forwards
Joe Johnson – SF, at LAC ($13)
Joe Johnson was able to turn back the clock in the first game of this series, scoring 21 points with three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block. Johnson was consistently posting up the Clippers players and getting clean looks at the basket. That will be the case again tonight, as Johnson will be playing big minutes once again with Rudy Gobert out. He comes with a solid usage rating, and Johnson should have no problems exceeding value tonight.
Kelly Olynyk – PF, vs CHI ($10)
Olynyk comes with a ridiculous price tag tonight, and he should immediately be inserted into your lineups tonight. He scored seven points with four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and three blocks a couple nights ago against the Bulls, and he will be locked into similar minutes again tonight. He is also averaging 26 fantasy points per game over his last four games, and there is no reason to avoid him on the small slate.
Yahoo DFS Centers
Robin Lopez – C, at BOS ($13)
Lopez is a center that never really gets any respect. He is a double double threat, who can also add a few blocks on any given night. He has scored at least 20 fantasy points in each of his last six games, including 27.2 fantasy points in his first game of this series. He will be locked into solid minutes for Chicago, and there is no reason to avoid Lopez at center if you’re in need to value on this slate.
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