NBA Showdown Playbook March 19: Orlando Magic vs Los Angeles Lakers DFS Picks
We conclude Sunday's basketball schedule with the Orlando Magic traveling to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers tonight. Neither team has been especially successful this season but the Lakers, even with LeBron James sidelined, still have the possibility of finding their way into the postseason. The home team is favored by 6.5 points tonight and with an over/under of 231, the offense should be flowing. Let us now take a look at some options to consider for your NBA DFS Showdown Slate lineups.
Injury Report
Jalen Suggs - Doubtful (concussion)
Anthony Davis - Probable (foot)
LeBron James - Out
NBA DFS Showdown Slate Picks
MVP/Captain
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Once again, Davis is listed on the Injury Report, so while we have to continue monitoring the situation, there is no reason not to expect him to play once again tonight. Davis is averaging 21.5 points and 13 rebounds per game in his last four as he continues to perform at a high level for the Lakers.
While we never want to be chasing yesterday's production, it is quite difficult to ignore the monster performance we saw out of Fultz last night. Against the Clippers, Fultz scored 28 points on 10 of 17 shooting while adding six rebounds, four assists, and four steals. It should not come as a complete surprise as Fultz has been picking up the pace offensively as of late for Orlando while taking advantage of the available playing time and volume.
Carter had a monster game last night against the Clippers, 27 points and 12 rebounds, and it really should not come as a surprise. The big man has three double-doubles in his last four games as Carter has been performing at a high level since returning from a week absence. It is favorable matchup for him tonight against the Lakers and I like him to continue his recent success.
Utility
D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers
After back-to-back games in which he scored 28 and 33 points, Russell has combined for just 46 points in his last three games. From a perspective of upside though, it is not for lack of trying as Russell has taken either 15 or 17 shots in his last three games, but the problem is that he has only made five in each game. Russell will keep shooting so that is a good thing from a DFS perspective but we also need him to be a distributor in case the shot continues to be off.
Things had been going very well for the rookie, but he is coming off a rough shooting performance on Saturday in which he made just four of 11 shots from the field. It is a good matchup for Banchero against the Lakers, and at 20 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, it has been an overall solid season for him as well. Even on an “off night”, Banchero has generally been a reliable option if he is lacking with upside.
Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Reaves continues to be a strong secondary scoring option for the Lakers averaging 17 points per game in his last five while chipping in a few rebounds and assists as well. While the shot volume could still some fluctuation on a nightly basis, with Russell struggling from the field the last few games, it is possible Reaves takes on a slightly larger role.
Dart Throw
Harris started and played 30 minutes last night so that is the good news. What keeps him relegated to this section though is the fact that he only took five shots against the Clippers. Finishing with just six points, one rebound, and one assist is not going to cut it, but scoring in double figures would not be surprising in the least.
Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers
Despite not really playing much more than 20 minutes per night, Hachimura has reached double figures offensively in four of his last five games. He can get hot in a hurry, and the game flow against Orlando tonight could certainly work in his favor as well.