We have a two-game NBA DFS slate on Thursday, May 11th, on DraftKings and FanDuel. We have two teams that could be eliminated tonight in the Boston Celtics, playing on the road, and the Phoenix Suns who are playing at home but are short-handed. The key news today is Jamal Murray's questionable status due to an illness and Deandre Ayton being ruled out.  Be sure to check out our NBA DFS projections, powered by FanJections, NBA DFS Lineup Generator, and all of the rest of our NBA DFS content and tools! Plus, be sure to check out NBA player props and NBA best bets from our friends at Bettor Sports Network before tonight's NBA Playoffs matchups. Let's dive into my NBA DFS pick and top plays for daily fantasy basketball lineups tonight. 

 

Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers

O/U: 212.5

Spread: BOS -2.5

 

Celtics Injuries

76ers Injuries

Boston Celtics NBA DFS Breakdown

 

UPDATE - Boston is starting Robert Williams III tonight. He's instantly one of the top values on the board. In my opinion, he has a higher ceiling than Jock Landale, as both centers likely split the ownership. Where Landale has Williams' beat is that the Suns center is playing without the starter whereas nobody is out for Boston, just a lineup change.

Here’s how we should be looking at the Celtics' guard situation. Marcus Smart has the safest floor, Malcolm Brogdon has the highest upside, and Derrick White is last-piece-in.

The Celtics need Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in order to extend this series to Game 7. Brown has not been worth his price tag and Tatum has been worth his in gold. Tatum’s been excellent of late.

It’s hard to imagine Al Horford having another poor shooting night like he did in Game 5. He shot 46% from the floor and 43% from three this season. Robert Williams is much like Derrick White; last piece in.

Tier 1 Play(s): Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, Al Horford, Robert Williams III

Tier 2 Play(s): Jaylen Brown, Derrick White

Philadelphia 76ers NBA DFS Breakdown

The field gave up on Tyrese Maxey but we didn’t. We’re going right back to the well again considering how good he looked last game and even when he was playing poorly, he didn’t stop shooting. Love Maxey at 6.3K. James Harden has played three really good games this series and has had two mediocre performances. His biggest game came in Philly, where Game 6 is being played. De'Anthony Melton is once again a lineup filler.

Tobias Harris played his best game in Game 5 as he notched a 16-point double-double over 31 minutes. He’s been in foul trouble of late and Danuel House Jr. benefitted in Game 5 with 15 minutes. He had 17.8 DKP and is 3.3K. If playing multiple lineups you can take a shot on him.

After missing Game 1 and being ineffective in Game 2, Joel Embiid has been fantastic in three straight games. He’s put up 53+ DKP in each game and has flashed a 61 FP ceiling during that span. He’s under 10K.

Tier 1 Play(s): Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, James Harden

Tier 2 Play(s): Tobias Harris, De'Anthony Melton
 

Denver Nuggets @ Phoenix Suns

O/U: 226

Spread: PHX -2.5
 

Nuggets Injuries

Suns Injuries

Denver Nuggets NBA DFS Breakdown

A lot of what to do with Denver’s DFS value tonight is contingent on what happens with Jamal Murray. Murray missed shootaround and is questionable with an illness tonight. If he doesn’t play, Bruce Brown likely slides into starting lineup and plays big minutes. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a solid value that will likely play big minutes here. They might ask him for a bit more offensively if Murray sits.

On the wing for Denver, Christian Braun could be the largest beneficiary to Murray’s absence. He’d be a nice value if Murray sat. Michael Porter Jr. is having a GREAT series as he’s notching 36+ DKP in three straight games. Aaron Gordon has a decent floor for his 5.9K price point but hasn’t flashed much upside. That being said, he’s shot less than 31% in two of the last three games. He averages 1.25 FP/min without Murray.

Nikola Jokic becomes the first player in your lineup if Jamal Murray is out. Nikola Jokic is still probably the first person in your lineup if Jamal Murray plays.

Tier 1 Play(s): Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Bruce Brown, Aaron Gordon (if Murray sits), Michael Porter Jr.

Tier 2 Play(s): Aaron Gordon (if Murray plays), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Christian Braun (if Murray sits)

Phoenix Suns NBA DFS Breakdown

Things are not great for Phoenix tonight as Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton are both out. Cameron Payne has played 30 minutes twice in the last three games but hasn’t done much. He might need to do more without Paul and Ayton. Payne averages 1.23 FP/min without Ayton, Paul, and Mikal Bridges this year. Rumors are that Landry Shamet is going to start for Phoenix. He’s in play for sure, but I lean Terrence Ross’ way. Maybe even T.J. Warren’s as well. Ross is one of the better value’s on the board.

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are both obvious spend-up’s and using one plus another spend up is possible with how much value has opened up and how much more might come to us if Jamal Murray sits.

With Deandre Ayton out, the field is going to so overweight on Jock Landale and he’s a good play for sure, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Bismack Biyombo re-enter the lineup here either.

Tier 1 Play(s): Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Terrence Ross (GPPs), Jock Landale

Tier 2 Play(s): Landry Shamet, T.J. Warren, Bismack Biyombo (GPPs)