We have an extremely interesting two game NBA slate tonight that includes a game seven, and the first game in one of the Western Conference semifinal matchups. What makes this interesting is the games have roughly a 30 point difference in game totals. This will move plenty off of the game seven, and there is nothing wrong with that if entering only one or two lineups. I suggest playing this slate based off of how you see the games being played out. While the two home teams are in nice spots, the Bucks are hungry, and the Pelicans just swept the Blazers. Below are overall breakdowns, but I’m personally playing the slate as if the two road dogs both cover, if not outright win tonight.
Please feel free to use our chat to share your thoughts, and ask any questions. Example lineup routes will be posted later today. Good luck!
Milwaukee @ Boston -4.5 Total: 195.5
The home team has won the first six games of the series, which now brings us to a game seven. If you are a narrative person, the Celtics are 35-0 all-time when up 2-0 in a series, while the Bucks are 0-17 when down 2-0. None of the players really care about that, the the Garden should be rockin tonight.
The Bucks can’t be considered out of it as long as they have Giannis Antetokounmpo. He hit for over 30 actual in the first two games at Boston, but fell flat in game five with only 16 actual. He’s able to contribute in all cats, and expect him to carry the load for the Bucks on both sides of the court. After Giannis, FD has both Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe priced a little bit too high compared to where they are priced on DK. Both are not really on my radar unless looking to target this game as pivot options over players like Holiday and Rondo on FD, but Bledsoe does have a very reduced DK price tag if looking to take a shot. He’s priced roughly the same as Jabari Parker, who has come on strong for the Bucks after doing nothing over the first two games while Henson was active. Malcolm Brogdon and Thon Maker both work as higher risk value plays.
Al Horford has scored 16 or less actual points in four out of the six games in this series, but checks in as the Celtic’s highest priced fantasy option tonight. Idially, he’ll be the veteran leader in a game seven situation, but Davis is a center only on FD, and will be tough to fade him for Horford. Trying to decide which other Celtic player will step up tonight is not easy. Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier, and Jayson Tatum could all produce, while a Marcus Smart should be locked in to heavy minutes for his defense. If playing a single game showdown, Semi Ojeleye is a cheap option that has played big minutes on defense over the last two games.
New Orleans @ Golden State -9 Total: 224
Seven of the top eight on DK, and six out of the top seven priced options on FD come from this game tonight. It may be slightly hard to fit in many of the top options from this game when you start building your lineups, but with a close to 30 point higher projected game total, it’s best to look at this game much more than the game seven one above.
The Pelicans have lost 26 out of their last 28 games vs the Warriors, and went 1-3 vs them this season. The win though came in their last matchup during the regular season, with both the new look Pelicans, and without Curry on the opposite side of the court. Anthony Davis did his typical 30 plus point double double, while Nikola Mirotic drained six three’s and Rajon Rondo had a 12 point, 17 assist double double. Those three, as well as Jrue Holiday were all key in the Pelicans first round sweep of the higher seeded Blazers. Davis had a double double in all four games of their first round sweep, while adding a combined 11 blocks, and 7 steals. He averaged a little more than 64 DK points in the three regular season games vs the Warriors. Holiday took at least 20 FGA in three of the four games vs Portland, looked good as well vs the Warriors over the regular season. Mirotic may be a popular play tonight, but will be off of him personally, as I’m leaning others in the PF spot tonight. Rondo is a wild card tonight for me on DK, but a plug and play on FD due to his salary on there. Although I did mention above that I’m playing this slate as if the two underdogs show up, the Warriors are solid 9 point favorites, and if the game gets out of hand, expect to see role players like Moore, Ian Clark, and Darius Miller have some extended minutes. They are likely the better value options that then lower total earlier game.
Stephen Curry went through a scrimmage yesterday, and although questionable for tonight, signs are pointing to him taking the court. If he plays, it will be his first action since March 23rd. I don’t think I’ll pay up for him on FD, but not against using him on DK. He can score in bunches, but may be a little cautious with him until I see him play in a game or two. Kevin Durant and Draymond Green make for solid plays tonight for slightly cheaper than some of the top options. Durant looked good in the opening series, but expecting a much more uptempo paced series vs the Pelicans. When they last played in early April vs the Pelicans without Curry, Durant went 16-26, for 41 actual, and 62.5 DK points in their 126-120 loss. Draymond works as my preferred PF play over Mirotic tonight. Green combined for 37 boards, and 16 assists in the last two games in the series vs the Spurs, both with over 40 minutes played. He fell an assist shy of a triple double in that April game without Curry, and should be a key part in Kerr’s game plan for the Pelicans. I’ve never been a huge Klay Thompson fan, and feel he works best as a pivot off of a Boston player. Similar to the Pelicans, if looking for value in a potential blowout, I prefer this game. Kevon Looney, Javale McGee, and Andre Iguodala are your best options, with Livingston, Cook, and Young in play if thinking Curry struggles, or sits out one more game.