This may be the last of the large NBA gpp’s for the season, which also includes some nice freerolls for Cinco de Mayo. Home court switches in both games tonight, and they both are sitting at the same 213 game total. The loss of Tony Parker opens up the door for some new value, with Lowry playing the wild card role for the Raptors tonight after missing practice. He is currently a game-time decision.
Toronto @ Cleveland
As mentioned above, Lowry is a game-time decision, and DeRozan only scored five actual points in game two. The Cavs will try to shut DeRozan down again, but may be tougher to do with him at home. He won’t be as highly owned on DK, as he may be on FD, but may still be a fade tonight for me. Two supporting players who stepped up last game were Val and Joseph. Prefer Joseph more as value even if Lowry plays. While I don’t think both will shoot as well as they did Wednesday, they are nice plays if thinking another Cavs blowout.
LeBron continues to dominate in the playoffs, and went to the line 21 times last game. He’s priced as the highest on both main sites tonight, and will continue to pay up for him. I’ll also continue to target both Irving and Thompson more than Love. Love has struggled a bit vs Ibaka, as well as hasn’t been needed due to the blowouts. Frye, Smith, and Shumpert all had nice games, but also all shot extremely well. Not saying that will happen again , and the contrarian move would be to target the Raptor reserves. If playing the third straight blowout game, Deron makes for a nice option.
Top Plays: LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, DeMar DeRozan, Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love
Secondary Plays: Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka, P.J. Tucker, Jonas Valanciunas, J.R. Smith, Channing Frye, Cory Joseph, Kyle Korver, Norman Powell.
Houston @ San Antonio
With Parker out for the playoffs, the Spurs may be looking for Leonard to take an even larger role in the offense. Leonard went for 34 points and 8 assists last game. He did that off 13-16 shooting, anf the eight assists were his most in the playoff so far.Mills should receive the start in place of Parker tonight, but not a must play in my opinion. He does provide salary relief, but for the same price would rather take Danny Green. Aldridge makes for a nice play, but would rather take the discount with Gasol. His 29 minutes last game was his most since game two vs Memphis, and his 13 boards were a playoff best this season. Ginoble and Lee are two wild cards, but like Ginobli receiving a possible extended run tonight.
A trip back home may be just what Harden needs to get back on track. Harden followed up a 6-13 game one with a 3-17 shooting night in game two. He still managed a 13 point 10 assist double double, which gives him 24 assists in the series. Works best as a pivot off of Leonard and LeBron. Houston doesn’t need the extra offense, and Lou has taken a hit due to that keeping him as a pivot option. Gordon, Capela, Beverley, and Anderson have all been playing well as value options, with Nene and Ariza playing the wild card roles.
Top Targets: Kawhi Leonard, James Harden
Secondary Targets: Patty Mills, LaMarcus Aldridge, Patrick Beverley, Eric Gordon, Pau Gasol, David Lee, Danny Green, Ryan Anderson, Trevor Ariza, Manu Ginobili