DFS Alerts
The Clear-Cut Top Play
Playoff James showed up in Game 2, a game he absolutely dominated early by scoring the first 13 points of the game on his way to 20 points in the first quarter. He was able to coast a bit late in the game with the Cavs nursing a lead, but this should be a very competitive game with the venue shifting to Indiana. James is clearly ready to take over for this Cleveland team, and he’s the obvious spend at the top. If you can find enough value to fit both James and Oladipo into your GPP lineups, I really like that idea tonight; hopefully this game stays competitive throughout.
Sneaky Value off the Bench
Scott Brooks isn’t afraid to do some crazy things — like play a washed up Ty Lawson 31 minutes in a key playoff game, for example. The Wizards have lost the first two games of this series, and Brooks is clearly looking for a way to shake things up. Kelly Oubre played 31 minutes in Game 2 and was respectable with 14 points and six boards in that contest. There is limited value on these playoff slates, so we can look to him for some GPP upside as well as some much needed salary relief. He’s the safest value play in terms of floor and minutes.
Huge GPP Upside at Relatively Low Ownership
It’s obvious that James and Antetokounmpo are the top spends on the board, particularly for cash games, but this does add some appeal to Oladipo in GPP formats. He was fantastic with a 32/6/4 line in the Game 1 win for the Pacers, and he will need to have big games if Indiana wants any chance to win this series. I think he will be up to the challenge as the series moves to Indiana’s home court. I’m not sure whether they can win, but we should see a high usage performance out of Oladipo here, and that gives him immense upside in GPP formats.
JaVale McGee (quad contusion) will play Thursday
Despite not participating in Wednesday’s practice due to a left quad contusion, JaVale McGee has officially been cleared to play and will suit up for Thursday’s Game 3 matchup with the San Antonio Spurs, which should allow him to draw his third consecutive postseason start at center. McGee has been extremely efficient in the first two games of this series and has easily exceeded salary-based expectations on both occasions in just under 18 minutes per game. McGee is typically a volatile option given his absurdly-low minute floor, but at his current price tag across the industry, he’ll remain in the discussion for all daily fantasy formats this evening. Additionally, with Stephen Curry and Patrick McCaw still sidelined with their respective ailments, Andre Iguodala appears to be in line to start a third straight game as the de facto point guard in the Golden State Warriors starting lineup.
As reported by: Anthony Slater via Twitter
Evan Turner ruled out Thursday
Portland will be without Evan Turner for game 3 tonight against New Orleans. Turner hurt is toe last game. With Turner out, look for Maurice Harkless to re-enter the starting lineup. Pat Connaughton should also see some more minutes tonight, and Shabazz Napier will likely enter the rotation, after not playing last game.
As reported by: Brad James via Twitter
Joel Embiid will play Thursday, no specific minutes restriction other than fatigue for Embiid
Joel Embiid will make his return to the 76ers lineup tonight for game 3 versus the Heat. Embiid hasn’t played, since he injured his face on March 28th. He was listed as doubtful entering the day, but he has done some serious lobbying to play. Head Coach Brett Brown said he won’t be on a specific minute’s restriction, but how much he plays will be determined by his fatigue level. With Embiid back on the court, it hurts the value of Dario Saric, Ersan llyasova, and Amir Johnson. Also means less usage for Ben Simmons and Robert Covington.
As reported by: Keith Pompey via twitter Joel Embiid now probable Thursday
Well then, Joel Embiid is now listed as probable tonight for game 3 versus the Heat. He was listed as doubtful yesterday. Embiid has done some serious lobbying to play. Good news, we will get Embiid’s official status before lock. No word yet on any minutes restrictions, if he does play.
As reported by: Keith Pompey via twitter Solid Spot for this Small Forward
Rudy Gay played well in Game 1. The Spurs mixed up their lineup for Game 2 and started Gay. He responded with his second 30+ fantasy point outing in a row. He has played well enough that he should draw another start and this is the first game of the series that features a low spread. I’m more than willing to play 100% Gay in both cash games and tournaments.
Forgotten Man at Power Forward
It’s strange to say, but power forward is the deepest position of the slate. Everyone will gravitate to the likes of Anthony Davis, Nikola Mirotic, LaMarcus Aldridge, Dario Saric, and James Johnson. This should lead to low ownership for Green, even though we can project him to play minutes in the upper 30s tonight against the Spurs. This game features a low spread, so it’s a great time to load up on Green and Durant.
Not for the Faint of Heart
Perhaps I am pot-committed at this point, but I will be going right back to the Hassan Whiteside well tonight on FanDuel. He has gotten off to terrible starts in the first two games. When he’s not engaged, he’s not productive. With the series shifting back to Miami, maybe some home cooking can get him going. If Whiteside can be productive in the first quarter, he could easily play 25+ minutes at a discounted price point.
Playoff Rondo Remains a Steady Option
After monitoring him closely in the regular season, the playing time shackles have been removed from Rondo at this point. He’s going to be a nightly triple-double threat as long as he is playing 36-38 minutes, and there’s no reason to think things will change after the Pelicans grabbed two road wins. Even though the price tag is higher than we are used to, the production warrants it.
Time to Make a Statement
It’s put up or shut up time for the Blazers at this point. They dropped two games on their home court against the upstart Pelicans, and Lillard is a combined 13-for-41 from the field in those two games. The usage is still there, but the shots just haven’t been falling. I wouldn’t prioritize Lillard in a cash game setting tonight, but you can absolutely look his way in GPP formats. If the Blazers want to stay in this series, they need a 60+ fantasy point performance from their star point guard, and he is certainly capable of delivering it.
Still Too Cheap
Joel Embiid is doubtful for this game once again, so Dario Saric should continue to step up in his absence. He played heavy minutes in Game 2, taking 21 shots from the field (including ten three pointers). Saric also added nine rebounds, three assists, and four steals on his way to a healthy 48 fantasy points. The price tag is still in the mid-$6,000 range on FD & DK, and that’s simply too cheap given his current role. He is the top mid-range play on the board in all formats for me.
A Rock Solid Value Option
These playoff slates make it difficult to find true value plays. No longer do we have the obvious values that come as a result of late season “rest games” in the regular season. We have to really dig for value, and I think we can get that with Zach Collins. He has logged 22 minutes in each of the first two games of this series, and he has put up decent numbers in those games. He matches up better with the stretch big men that New Orleans has. On FanDuel, you could easily argue him as the best point per dollar option tonight at a ridiculously awful center position, and he also offers salary relief on DraftKings and FantasyDraft. Don’t forget about him as a value option on this three game slate.
We'd Be Playing This Price Tag Even If He Didn't Go Off Last Game
We talked about D-Wade on FD before Game 2, and he certainly treated us well. However, the price tag still did not come up enough despite him crushing on Monday. While he doesn’t play a ton of minutes these days, he absolutely dominates the usage when he is on the court. When you get a game where extended minutes, heavy usage, and efficiency all come together, you see a fantasy performance like he put up in Game 2. We can’t expect that level going forward, but the price tag on FD makes him an easy plug-and-play at one of your shooting guard spots.
