Game 6 between the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks (8:30 p.m. ET) is the lone game on the slate this Thursday.
If you are new or less familiar with Showdown slates, check out these articles on how to play at DraftKings and FanDuel.
Series Overview
The Brooklyn Nets are one game away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, injuries be damned. Despite a hamstring injury that clearly limited him, James Harden was efficient as a facilitator and decoy. He went 0-for-8 from deep and three of his five points came from the free-throw line.
Jeff Green also returned for the Nets and was an immediate benefactor of the Nets needing offense. He led the Nets in Plus/Minus Game 5 and was second in scoring behind Kevin Durant. Durant took over for Brooklyn and had one of the best playoff performances ever, cementing his place as one of the best shooters in the league today and probably ever.
The Bucks had to stop one player and could not do so. Milwaukee blew a 16-point halftime lead and their bench was outscored 36-15. It was an embarrassing loss for Milwaukee considering the circumstances, and now the Bucks must win at home tonight and find a way to get the series to Game 7.
Milwaukee is a 6-point favorite with a 220-point game projection. After yesterday’s injury and COVID news bombs, it is pertinent to check out the Labs Insiders Tool leading up until tip-off.
Studs
Durant’s usage has dropped in each of the past three games, but he still has posted two double-doubles and his massive Game 5 triple-double. He has increased his free throw attempts in each game this series and once again is showing why he is one of the toughest players to guard.
Durant will be the leader on offense for Brooklyn and it will be interesting to see if Milwaukee forces more pressure on him with Harden attempting only two shots from inside the 3-point line. Durant was one of three Nets to score in double figures and they still won.
In less surprising news, Durant is the most expensive player on FanDuel and DraftKings.
Giannis Antetokounmpo improved his overall shooting from Game 4, but he still misses too many free throws. He has one of the more difficult matchups using Opponent Plus/Minus and his Consistency and Upside are lower than most of the players priced over $10,000. If injuries are accounted for, he is the lowest in both measurements. He is the top rated player on both platforms using the FantasyLabs NBA Model as the focal point of the Bucks.
Harden’s role could change nightly based on how his hamstring feels, and that is an issue for the Nets more than DFS. If he plays decoy/facilitator and 3-point shooter again, he could have less attention given to him. That could mean easier shots, but it could also mean another dud. If the Bucks account for Harden like they did in Game 5, it opens opportunities for Jeff Green, Joe Harris, and whoever wants to contribute for Brooklyn.
Midrange
Khris Middleton attempted seven more shots in Game 5 and made only one more than in Game 4. His 3-point shooting is rivaling Giannis’ for most disappointing based on their expected role. Middleton attempted his second-most free throws and points in the series and still could not meet projections.
Jrue Holiday has shot over 50% once this series, and even with Kyrie Irving out, has put up empty calorie lines fantasy lines. Holiday has yet to top 35 FanDuel points in this series.
Brook Lopez has been one of the only Bucks to consider in lineups this series. He does have two games without a defensive stat to help his fantasy totals and his rebound totals have fluctuated despite Brooklyn playing a smaller lineup. His price continues to rise on DraftKings but based on projections, there is value in rostering Lopez compared to more expensive options.
Jeff Green was on fire Game 5, making seven of eight 3-pointers. I doubt he does it again and I will not find out with his FanDuel salary jumping $2,000.
Now would be an excellent time for Joe Harris to snap out of his shooting slump. How lucky are the Nets to be dealing with their major injuries and somehow surviving their offensive depth not showing up? It also helps when your opponent’s coach cannot create plays on offense for his best players.
Values & Punts
Landry Shamet played 28 minutes in Game 5 and tied his series high of nine points, two assists, and one steal.
Bryn Forbes has two games with double-digit fantasy points in this series. He is a solid defensive guard and has two blocks, a cherry on top for guards.
Pat Connaughton has 21-plus fantasy points in two straight games and three double digit performances against the Nets.
Bobby Portis got the DNP-Coach’s Decision treatment Game 5. His salary has dropped significantly on both platforms, and if he does play he could be a value as Milwaukee looks for any help on both ends of the court.
