It’s the best time to be a basketball fan. From now on, each game is bigger than the last, and it’s truly an extraordinary viewing experience for any true fan. Seeing these teams play 100% defense on every possession shows how gifted these guys are on both ends of the floor, and that’s something truly special to see. That said, let’s talk about this exciting Tuesday list after this miraculous Monday card!
Basic games
Anthony Edwards (SG/SF – MIN): $8,900 DraftKings, $9,800 FanDuel
Edwards has taken action throughout the season and is on the verge of stardom. This former top pick averaged nearly 50 DraftKings points per game over the final months of the year and put up a 56-point masterpiece in Game 1. He did that damage in just 36 minutes, and we honestly think he could play 40-45 minutes the rest of this series.
Paul George (SG/SF – LAC): $8,100 DraftKings, $8,500 FanDuel
We didn’t know what Los Angeles would look like in the first game, but they still looked great. What many people don’t realize is that PG13 can be one of the best players in this type of role. He’s asked to take over this offense in Kawhi Leonard’s absence, posting a 32 percent usage rate with him off the court. He’s also averaging nearly 50 DK points per game when he’s out, and he should continue that momentum against this 18th-ranked Dallas defense.
Gambling Considerations
Luka Doncic (PG – DAL): $11,900 DraftKings, $12,300 FanDuel
Doncic is the most expensive player on the roster, but he’s earned it. The Slovenian led the NBA with 66 DraftKings points per game while matching a career-low 50 points. He also averaged over 70 DK points in the second half of the season, and we honestly think that could be his floor in a 40-minute role throughout these playoffs. Not to mention he’s had at least 58 DK points in seven of his last nine matchups with LA.
Damian Lillard (PG – MIL): $9,300 DraftKings, $9,500 FanDuel
Lillard has struggled all season, but he’s happy to take over for Giannis, who is doubtful for this matchup. That was the case in Game 1, with Lillard scoring 49 DraftKings points in 38 minutes. He’s the stud we saw in Portland, but it’s no surprise he’s stuck on 20-25 shots and 40 minutes as Milwaukee’s primary playmaker. The Indiana game was also incredible, and we’ll get to that later!
GPP objectives
Bobby Portis (PF/C – MIL): $6,800 DraftKings, $7,300 FanDuel
The biggest beneficiary of Giannis’ injury is Portis, who steps into the starting lineup. This guy has always been a per-minute beast throughout his career, and he’s guaranteed 30 minutes as long as Antetokounmpo is out. In the 24 games that BP played at least 28 minutes this year, he averaged 37 DraftKings points per game. That’s all you can ask for from a player in this price range, especially against an Indiana team ranked 28th in total defense and first in pace.
Daniel Gafford (C – DAL): $5,200 DraftKings, $5,400 FanDuel
It was shocking to see Gafford limited to just 13 minutes in Game 1, as he was one of the Mavs’ most valuable players over the past two months. Since entering the starting lineup, the big man has averaged 32 DraftKings points per game, which is right on par with what he did in Washington. This guy can score 40-50 DK points as long as he plays 30 minutes, and we’re willing to take that risk in a GPP.
Value games
Khris Middleton (SG/SF – MIL): $7,400 DraftKings, $8,100 FanDuel
This is the last piece in our Milwaukee pile. The reason we want to use all of these guys is because Giannis is out, leaving a ton of usage, shots, and minutes on the table. Middleton has been the main player in the past, averaging over 40 DK points per game when Antetokounmpo was out. This is what we saw in the first game, scoring 45 DK points in 35 minutes. Playing against the faster team only adds to his value, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Middleton’s price increase by $1,000 by the end of this series!
Ivica Zubac (C – LAC): $5,800 DraftKings, $7,100 FanDuel
With Kawhi out, everything is on the line in Los Angeles. That means all of these guys need to step up, with Zoo putting up 20 points and 15 rebounds in the opener. More importantly, he played 32 minutes, and Zubac can be a $7,000 player in that type of role. The best part of it all was the game against Dallas, who played small ball, allowing Ivica to eviscerate them in the first game.
Advantageous price
- Ivica Zubac (C – LAC): $5,800 DraftKings, $7,100 FanDuel
- Anthony Edwards (SG/SF – MIN): $8,900 DraftKings, $9,800 FanDuel
- Kevin Durant (SF/PF – PHX): $8,500 DraftKings, $9,400 FanDuel
- Bradley Beal (SG – PHX): $6,400 DraftKings, $7,700 FanDuel
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker (PG/SG – MIN): $4,000 DraftKings, $5,100 FanDuel
- Patrick Beverley (PG/SG – MIL): $4,500 DraftKings, $5,600 FanDuel
- Terance Mann (PG/SG – LAC): $4,100 DraftKings, $5,300 FanDuel