Cleveland @ Toronto -6.5 Total: 212.5
I was surprised to see the Cavs pull out a 113-112 OT game one win, but it’s also worth noting that the Cavs became just one of three teams in NBA playoff history to win a game without holding any lead during regulation time.
Nothing really changes for me with my thoughts that the Raptors should be the better team when at home. They pretty much choked by missing their last 11 FGA, and had 21 turnovers compared to Cleveland’s six. Jonas Valanciunas became the first Toronto player to post a 20-20 type game in the playoffs with his 21 point, 20 rebound game. The 34 minutes and 19 shots though were both more than in any game in the first round. I don’t mind him in a balanced approach style lineup, or as a UTL play on DK. Once again, both DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry should lead the Raptors tonight, especially if Jonas doesn’t blast off again. DeRozan led the Raptors with 22 actual, while Lowry had a 18 and 10 double double. If this game stays close, expect the starters to play big minutes, which limits the Raptors bench options. I don’t mind OG Anunoby, as he should play big minutes due to his defense.
LeBron James checks in as the highest priced overall player on the slate, $2.7K higher than the second priced option in Simmons on DK, and $3.6K more on FD. LeBron was only 12-30 in the game, but recorded another triple double with 26 points, 13 assists, and 11 boards. He’s expensive tonight, and if entering two lineups, it may be best to split your exposure to him. Outside of LeBron, J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver both made five three pointers in game one, and either would work for their price tags, but wouldn’t take both tonight. Tristan Thompson had another double double, and if Jonas stays on the court, they may have to play Thompson 25 minutes again. If paying up for LeBron on FD, Thompson makes sense in the center spot. If thinking the Raptors blast off tonight, then feel free to target some of Cleveland’s role players. Kevin Love had another poor shooting game, but works for a limited two game slate play.
Philadelphia -4.5 @ Boston Total: 206.5
The Celtics continue to win at home, and took game one 117-101 without Jaylen Brown. Brown is listed as doubtful, and even with reports he may play, I’ll be off of him tonight. Similar to the Raptors, I’m continuing to target this slate as if Philly is the better team.
Philly shot only 5-26 from three point land, but Joel Embiid continues to dominate inside with a 31 point, 13 rebound, 5 assist game. I don’t think the Celtics really have anyone to stop him, expecting another big game from Embiid. Ben Simmons had a solid game, but don’t think you can take him, Embiid, and LeBron tonight. If taking LeBron on FD, you may need to go cheap with center, as missing out on a big Simmons game could hurt you on FD. Dario Saric should have a better game tonight, while I think J.J. Redick once again has a better run than Marco Belinelli. Bench play will remain thin for both games unless these games turn into blowouts. Feel free to take a chance with Ersan Ilyasova, or even Michael Fultz or McConnell, who both open up space for an extra top priced player. Having said that, they both could play under 10 minutes again.
The Celtics all have affordable price tags on DK tonight, with Terry Rozier now priced higher than Lowry on FD. Rozier followed up a big game seven, with a huge game one. I just don’t see 11-18 from the field every night from him. Same goes for Al Horford going 10-12 from the field. I do like both the Marcus’s tonight, with Marcus Morris being a cheap PF on FD, while Marcus Smart should receive 30 plus minutes as the starter again. I’m not a huge fan of his price tag, but works as a solid pivot off of paying up for DeRozan, or down to a Redick or Belinelli.