DFS Alerts
Blake Griffin (knee) out Sunday
Griffin has officially been downgraded from questionable and won’t play in Sunday’s Game 1 matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks due to a sore left knee that also forced him to miss the Pistons’ regular-season finale. In his absence, Thon Maker will more than likely draw the start alongside Andre Drummond in the frontcourt, and he’s managed to record at least 20 minutes in six of the previous nine games regardless of a bench or starting role. However, Glenn Robinson III is still a threat to steal playing time at power forward in smaller lineup combinations and was phenomenal from a fantasy perspective in 32 minutes of action the last time Griffin was sidelined. Unsurprisingly, Drummond has thrived with Griffin off the court since the conclusion of the All-Star break, as he owns a 24.0% usage rate (+2.8%) and is averaging 1.52 DraftKings and 1.57 FanDuel points per minute in a 348.8 minutes sample size.
As reported by: Rod Beard via Twitter
Paul George (shoulder) available to play Sunday
George has officially been upgraded from questionable and will start in Sunday’s Game 1 matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers after missing the Thunder’s regular-season finale due to a sore right shoulder. There’s yet to be any reports of a potential minute restriction for George, so he’ll presumably be a full-go in today’s contest considering he’s been dealing with this nagging shoulder issue for more than a couple of months now. Since George has carried an injury designation most of the weekend, he’ll be an intriguing tournament target on the daily fantasy slates across the industry this afternoon, and he owns a 28.9% usage rate with an average of 1.26 DraftKings and 1.22 FanDuel points per minute following the conclusion of the All-Star break.
As reported by: Brett Dawson via Twitter Will Harden Show Up?
There’s this underlying statement in the rumor mill that Harden can’t get it done in the playoffs. If for some reason he does decide to not show up today, Chris Paul will be ready. For what it’s worth I am expecting a great game from Harden as I think this is just nonsense, but either way, with the price on Chris Paul, he’s just a plug and play. With Rubio back in the mix, it will make it even better, as Paul should have very little resistance getting to the rim, or just getting to the paint and kicking it out for the 3. I love Paul no matter what today, but the price makes it that much sweeter.
Mr. Triple Double
I am in no way predicting that Westbrook plays his way into another triple double, but I do fully expect him to have a great game here. He is one of the safest plays on today’s slate and should continue to dominate yet again. His usage is above 30% and the fpts per minute are a little over 1.5 for the season. The minutes will be there, the usage will be there, and the production will be there. Fire up Russ with confidence and expect a great return from him.
Joel Embiid (knee) available to play Saturday
Despite originally being listed as doubtful, Embiid will play in Saturday’s Game 1 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets after missing five of the last seven games of the regular season due to nagging left knee soreness, while Jonah Bolden has also been cleared to return following a one-game absence stemming from a sore left knee as well. With Embiid available, Bolden will likely assume a minimal role in the frontcourt rotation and will now have to battle for backup center minutes with the likes of Boban Marjanovic and Greg Monroe, even though he managed to record at least 24 minutes in four of his previous five games prior to injury with Embiid sidelined. Unsurprisingly, Embiid has led the Sixers with a 33.7% usage rate while averaging 1.67 DraftKings and 1.66 FanDuel points per minute since the trade deadline, which makes him an elite tournament target is he’s able to play a full complement of minutes without any setbacks this afternoon.
As reported by: Shams Charania via Twitter Jonah Bolden (knee) available to play Saturday
Bolden has officially been upgraded from questionable and will be available to play in Saturday’s Game 1 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets after missing the regular season finale due to a sore left knee, while Joel Embiid remains listed as doubtful with nagging left knee soreness and is expected to be a true game-time decision. If Embiid is unable to suit up, Bolden appears to be the likeliest candidate to receive the starting nod at center and prior to his injury, he managed to record at least 24 minutes in four of his previous five games with Embiid sidelined. Unsurprisingly, Ben Simmons has been the main beneficiary with Embiid and James Ennis off the court since the trade deadline, as he owns a 24.5% usage rate (+3.0%) and is averaging 1.31 fantasy points per minute in a 392.4 minutes sample size.
As reported by: Serena Winters via Twitter The New Kid On The Block
Mr. Russell has single-handedly helped to get his team into the playoffs. The first-time All-Star has really been phenomenal over the last few months and I don’t expect the strong play to stop. He leads this team with a whopping 31% usage rate which has translated to 1.22 ftps per minute. While in the middle of the season we experienced some turbulence with his minutes, but those days are long gone. It’s the playoffs, and if they want to win they will keep D-Russ on the floor as much as possible. I really like him against the Embiid-less Sixers and he should continue to perform admirably for this team.
No Embiid, No Problem
I am expecting big production from Ben Simmons in the team’s first playoff game against the Brooklyn Nets. Without Embiid on the court this season he is averaging right around 1.32 fpts per minute. Combine that with the playoff atmosphere and we should be looking at one of the highest upside plays on the slate. His usage is right around 25% and that’s perfectly fine for a guy that will do it all on the court in terms of scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks; you name it. He’ll even bring you a towel and some water if you need it (just kidding). The bottom line is Simmons is set up for success here and he should be a target in all formats.
The High Floor Play
Tobias Harris is going to have a very secure role with Embiid off of the floor for tomorrow’s first playoff game. His floor is extremely high at an awkward power forward position and I like his chances to have an upside game. With Embiid off of the court this season, he was averaging right at 1 fpt per minute with a 23.1% usage rate. He has some of the most stable minutes on this team and should play 35-40 in a crucial first playoff game at home. Fire up Harris with confidence and you’re sure to be “floored”.
Dirk Nowitzki is expected to play
Dirk Nowitzki will start, anyone’s guess as to how much he will be able to do after last night’s showing.
As reported by: David Flores
Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem are starting. One last time.
Can’t expect them to play too much but this is noteworthy and maaaaybe Wade will convince coach Spoelstra to let him play more minutes than expected, but that is a big maybe.
As reported by: Will Manso Other tagged players: Udonis Haslem Thon Maker is expected to play
Thon Maker listed as the starter for Blake Griffin, which isn’t quite confirmation that Griffin is out, but it is at least confirmation that he is not healthy enough to start. We can fire up Andre Drummond with confidence here, and that’s probably all we want from this team.
As reported by: Keith Langlois Luka Doncic has been ruled out
With Doncic out, we might be looking even more at a Dirk encore, or we might just see a ton of Justin Jackson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Trey Burke and Jalen Bunson. Hard to say. This is a fairly muddled situation for Dallas now event though there appears to be some value here.
As reported by: Tim Cato Paul George has been ruled out
With Paul George out, Russell Westbrook is going to be in consideration for the top overall play on the slate, and Dennis Schroeder will become a decent mid-range play, as will Steven Adams who will need to shoulder more of an offensive load. But let’s be clear, with all the value on this slate, there is no reason not to pay up for Westbrook.
As reported by: Brett Dawson Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson are expected to play
Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson will play tonight, but according to coach Kerr, those two and Andre Iguodala are not expected to play more than 15-20 minutes. Obviously they can be avoided for DFS purposes, but it does somewhat dampen the appeal of the Quinn Cook, Alfonzo McKinnie and Kevon Looney.
As reported by: Mark Medina Other tagged players: Klay Thompson