Tonight’s NBA DFS Showdown Slate takes us to Phoenix as a shorthanded Trail Blazers team takes on the Suns. As we look to finish out the day on a high note it is important to note that these squads also faced each other last night with Portland emerging victorious by two points. That was a strong victory for the Trail Blazers as they were without both Damien Lillard and Anfernee Simons and I would expect the same for tonight. Should either make their return, that would vault them right to the captain section, but between the two I think there is a better chance we see Simons than Lillard although if they both are active, Lillard is better play. After he played 34 minutes last night, I do have some concerns about Chris Paul, but fear not, as there are plenty of other viable NBA DFS Showdown Slate options to pick from. Tonight, more than most nights, the dart throw tier is pretty populated with numerous choices. 

 

 

 

NBA DFS Showdown Playbook

Portland Trail Blazers Injuries:

 

Phoenix Suns Injuries:

 

MVP/Captain

Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers

Yes, there was some measure of default here as someone has to score for Portland, but it was impressive to see Grant put up 30 points last night. He is playing close to 40 minutes a night these days and getting to the free throw line 11 times (he made nine) certainly helps along with shooting 10 of 17 from the field. You would like to see more than five assists and two rebounds, but his performance certainly plays. 

 

Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers

The only reason why Nurkic did not have a more impressive line last night is the fact that he only played 25 minutes. In that time, the center was busy as he took 13 shots (making six of them) and finished with 14 points and eight rebounds. In his two previous games, Nurkic played 32 and 35 minutes and averaged 25 points and 14 rebounds per game and that is what we are after tonight. 

 

Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Averaging 27.4 points per game, Booker is a large part of the Suns offense and we never have to worry about volume as he generally is around 20 shot attempts per game. Efficiency is a different story though as Booker is 14 of 39 from the field over the last two games which helps provide a DFS floor of around 40 points. The main value for Booker comes from his offense as while he does not offer much upside elsewhere, four rebounds and 5.4 assists per game do not exactly hurt either. With Portland hurting in the backcourt, Booker is the best and most expensive player available tonight, but I am not that makes him a must play in the captain spot even if it is difficult to build a lineup without him. 

 

 

Utility

Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

In 30 minutes of action last night, Ayton did not show any ill effects from his ankle injury as he made 10 of 14 shots from the field and finished with 24 points and eight rebounds. Tonight, he has an identical matchup against a Portland team that has been hospitable to opposing centers all season, so why not expect a repeat?

 

Justise Winslow, Portland Trail Blazers

Winslow ultimately proved to the be the biggest beneficiary of Portland’s injury as he simply did everything for the Trail Blazers last night. He has been filling the stat sheet all season but last night, the swingman took advantage of the extra minutes to step up the production scoring 12 points to go along with nine rebounds and nine assists. It was the second time in three games that he put up at least 32 DK points, and it is hard to argue with that value. 

 

Dart Throws

Nassir Little, Portland Trail Blazers

Little was the first man off the bench last night for Portland and picked up a season high 23 minutes of playing time. If we expect the same amount of playing time tonight, Little is a great value after he scored 12 points to go along with four rebounds and three assists. 

 

Keon Johnson, Portland Trail Blazers

Johnson also was busier than normal last night with 23 minutes of playing time, and while he finished with 11 points and two rebounds, it had the potential to be an even better night which is why we are going back to the swingman. Volume was the friend of Johnson as he took 13 shots, although he made just four, and I expect him to continue shooting tonight. 

 

Drew Eubanks, Portland Trail Blazers

Portland offers up a lot of value in this tier, and 23 minutes also appears to be the magic number for playing time. Eubanks was productive as well with the center finishing with 10 points and four rebounds. At 18 DK points it certainly is not spectacular, but based on the price, the value is there. 

 

Damion Lee, Phoenix Suns

Lee stands to benefit if the Suns are cautious with Paul tonight as well as if Johnson is unable to play due to his knee injury. In 20 minutes of action last night, Lee reminded us what he can do offensively as he finished with 12 points. 

 

Torrey Craig, Phoenix Suns

Nothing in Craig’s game really stands out, but with eight points and six rebounds in 23 minutes last night, he is a solid contributor who should have a similar role. 


 

 

 

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