Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors

Total: 227

Spread: GSW -6.5

Thursday night features Game 2 of this Western Conference semifinals match-up between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. After the Lakers stole Game 1 of the series on the Warriors' floor, Golden State needs this game in the worst way. We know how much the Warriors struggled on the road this season, so going down 0-2 in this series could signal trouble. Let’s dive into the NBA DFS Showdown breakdown for tonight’s match-up.

 

NBA DFS Captain/MVP Top Picks

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

The Lakers made sure Stephen Curry was uncomfortable as possible and even used Jarred Vanderbilt as the primary defender against him at times. The Warriors have had time to adjust their game plan to get Curry better shots and for a guy who shot 49% from the floor this year, don’t expect another 10-24 performance. The Warriors desperately need this game and we saw what happened in Game 7 when the Warriors called on Curry’s number. He dropped a 50 bomb.

Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

It was an absolute masterclass out of Davis in Game 1 as he scored 30 points, grabbed 23 rebounds, dished out five assists, and blocked four shots. He put up 75 DKP and that was the fourth time this postseason he’s topped 60 DKP. He’s the most expensive captain pick on the board and maybe that limits people’s exposure to using him here because he’s so pricey. 

Kevon Looney, Golden State Warriors

Sometimes we need to think outside the box at captain in order to afford as many top-tier players as we can. Looney has had some incredibly monstrous games this postseason. He’s topped 20 rebounds in two straight games, three of four, and four times over his last six games. In each of those games he’s topped 43 DKP and twice he’s had double-doubles. With Anthony Davis rarely coming off the floor in game 1, Looney played 30 minutes and we should expect that to continue throughout Game 2 and most likely the entire series.

NBA DFS UTIL Top Picks

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

You could obviously use LeBron James in the captain’s chair, but he really hasn’t paid off his salary that often this postseason and if prioritizing Stephen Curry and Anthony Davis, it’s hard to also get to James. We know the long list of playoff success he’s had throughout his career and James, at any point, could put together a vintage playoff performance.

Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors

Wiggins did not look great in Game 1, but he’s been one of the best players on the floor on a nightly basis for Golden State this postseason. Game 1 was the first time all postseason that he didn’t have a block or a steal and he has four games in which he’s had at least four combined blocks and steals this postseason alone. Look for Wiggins to assert himself more offensively too.

D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers

Although Austin Reaves is the guard playing all the minutes right now, Russell has been incredibly efficient during his 30 minutes per game. He’s put up 35+ DKP in three straight games and has scored 19 and 31 actual points over the last two games for the Lakers. One of the Warriors weak spots defensively is the perimeter defenders, which plays into Russell’s hand.

Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors

We saw what can happen when Poole’s feeling it from the floor. He hit 6-of-11 three’s, scored 21 points, and posted 35 DKP across 30 minutes. That’s the type of upside he has, but he can sink your lineup if his shot isn’t falling because the Warriors will likely not extend him towards 30 minutes in that scenario.

NBA DFS Value Plays Top Picks

Jarred Vanderbilt, Los Angeles Lakers

Could Game 2 be Rui Hachimura’s time to shine? Maybe. Vanderbilt was very impactful defending Stephen Curry of all people and gave the Warriors fits defensively. He had four combined blocks/steals and 26.5 DKP across 25.5 minutes. Vanderbilt is a defender first that will be on the floor for longer if he makes his impact felt on that end.

Dennis Schroder, Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers spread the Warriors' defense out in Game 1 and used a lot of Dennis Schroder and that worked out extremely well for them. Schroder played 31 minutes and scored 19 points and 28 DKP, getting to the foul line 10 times and knocking down nine of them. If he’s feeling it offensively again look for the Lakers to ride the hot hand.

Gary Payton II, Golden State Warriors

There’s a window of opportunity for Payton to gain a few more minutes here and in this game's case, that might be enough to help pay up for two stars which is likely the route that we want to be taking. We saw Payton play 20+ minutes twice in the Sacramento series before coming down with an illness. If he’s extended past 15 minutes because of the elite defense he brings to the table, he could be the winning recipe on tonight’s slate.

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