Game 5

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat

Game Total: 215.5

We’re one Lakers win away from the 2019-’20 NBA season being over and boy is that depressing. With the Lakers up 3-1 in this series, they look to close it out tonight on the coattails of LeBron James and Anthony Davis , per usual. We’re still unaware of the status of Goran Dragic , but after watching him try to warm up before Game 4, it would be a miracle if he could suit up just three days later with a plantar fascia tear.

Please note the players below are listed in order of preference. If a player is not listed below that does not mean that is a full fade for your lineups and can be used as you see fit. 

MVP/CPT

1. LeBron James , SF LAL - Although it handicaps the rest of your roster, James has been dominant in this series and is well on his way to a finals MVP barring a crazy Heat comeback. He’s averaging 27.75 PPG, 8.5 APG and 11 RPG and has put up 51+ FP in every game in the finals and that’s before the 1.5x bonus you get for having him in the CPT spot.

2. Jimmy Butler , SF MIA - The first year Heat star has taken it upon himself to try and keep the Heat in this series and has played as well as anyone -- including James and Davis -- but his team is still down 3-1. If the Lakers defend Butler with Anthony Davis again, Butler should be able to exploit that match-up like he did in Game 4.

3. Tyler Herro , SG MIA - We know Butler is going to get his and we know Bam Adebayo is back, but he didn’t look very aggressive on offense taking only eight shots and Herro’s shot output didn’t falter at all with Adebayo back taking 18 shots. I prefer Herro as an CPT option if/when Goran Dragic is ruled out. Your roster construction is also easier with Herro at the CPT spot as opposed to James, Davis and Butler.

Mid-Tier

1. Anthony Davis , LAL PF - Crucify me if you want for not putting Davis in my CPT spot, but he hasn’t paid off the last two games scoring 22 and 15 actual points in them, neither going for a double-double. If he doesn’t pay off in the captain spot like he hasn’t in two straight, we’re not winning diddly squat. He’s still one of the best players on the planet and can go off in any game he steps on the court for.

2. Rajon Rondo , LAL PG - I love what Rajon Rondo has meant to the Lakers this postseason. He’s been the facilitator we’ve always known to him to be putting up five, five and 10 assists over his last three games despite LBJ averaging 8.5 APG himself. Rondo has gone 1-for-7 and 2-for-8 from the floor over the last two games and we saw in Game 2 if his shot falls, he has GPP winning upside. He was really aggressive attacking the rim in Game 4 but simply missed. I’m tempted to put Rondo in the CPT spot tonight.

3. Duncan Robinson , SG MIA - When Robinson’s shot is falling, he can change how defenses play this team. He’s hit three three-pointers in each of the last two games and has averaged 15 PPG over that span. Robinson has really contributed across the board which is truly where his value lies. With Bam Adebayo on the floor, Miami is able to space the floor so much better, which was evident with Robinson’s 57% FG in Game 4.

Dart Throw(s)

1. Kendrick Nunn , PG MIA - Again, Miami needs to fire on all cylinders to beat LeBron James when he smells blood and Nunn can be a difference maker when his shot is falling. This play, obviously contingent on Goran Dragic ’s status, could be fruitful considering his 11 shot attempts last time out. He simply missed almost all of them going 2-for-11 from the floor, but this is a guy who averaged 13.7 PPG this season. Miami needs a spark and Nunn could be the answer they’re looking for.

2. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope , SG LAL - We know how streaky shooters can be and with KCP seeing the ball go in the basket a bunch in Game 4, he could definitely repeat that performance here. He’s put up at least 22 DK points in 3-of-4 games in the finals and continues to hoist from deep, taking 6+ three’s in 3-of-4. He shot a career-high 38% from three-point territory this year and has put forth that same number in the playoffs. 

3. Markieff Morris , PF LAL - We’ve seen a trend upwards in minutes for Morris as he’s played 25 and 30 minutes in each of the last two games. Morris is a solid all around player and has made a bunch of hustle plays that has earned him the time. He scored his playoff high 19 points in Game 3 and hit five three’s. When you play alongside Rajon Rondo and LeBron James you better be ready to catch and shoot and that’s what Morris has done. He’s an excellent dar throw that provides you all the wiggle room priced so cheap across the industry.