Sunday features a four-game main slate starting at 1 p.m. ET.
Let’s dive into some of the top plays on the slate using the FantasyLabs Tools and metrics.
Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 150 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Note: Projections and Leverages Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly. Consult the Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.
Point Guard
Stud
CJ McCollum ($8,400) has played 43, 40, and 41 minutes in the series, garnering usage rates of 28.5%, 24.9%, and 31.6%. He’s attempted over 20 shots and at least 10 three-pointers in two of those games. He’s displayed the whole bag, grabbing rebounds, dishing out assists, and contributing defensive stats. He has a block in each game and a steal in two of the three contests. He’s $1,000 cheaper than the top options at the position but has proven that he can come close to matching their production.
Value
Delon Wright ($3,800) is a low-usage player, but he’s been a significant part of the rotation. He’s received 21, 30, and 30 minutes, producing 20.5, 19.25, and 21.25 DraftKings points. He’s cheap and should play a ton of minutes.
Fast Break
Chris Paul ($9,300) has always been the conductor of the Suns offense, but without Devin Booker, he took on more scoring responsibilities in Game 3, and that should continue on Sunday. He scored 28 points on 18 field-goal attempts while dishing out 14 assists, which was good for 58 DraftKings points. Expect more of the same today.
Shooting Guard
Stud
Brandon Ingram ($8,800) has seen a usage rate over 30% in each of the last two games, resulting in 34 and 37 points. He’s going to play in the 37-40 minute range. He and McCollum are the engines that make the Pelicans go.
Value
Kevin Huerter ($5,100) isn’t sexy, but he contributes a little something in every category and plays a ton of minutes. Over the last two games, he’s played 34 minutes in each contest and contributed 28.75 and 27.75 DraftKings points. During the regular season, he scored at least 30 DraftKings points 18 times with three over 40, so there is ceiling to be accessed.
Fast Break
Bogdan Bogdanovic ($6,100) has garnered a usage rate of 28.6% and 27.1% over the last two games and hucked up 17 and 18 shots. He’s gone for 40.5 and 44.5 DraftKings points. Just know that there is volatility to his game.
Small Forward
Stud
Jimmy Butler ($8,800) is one of the most well-rounded players in the NBA, so it’s surprising that he only has 10 career triple-doubles. Regardless, he’s going to stuff the stat sheet on a daily basis. He sometimes defers on offense, but when he needs to ramp it up he does, as evidenced by his 45-point explosion in Game 2. He’s gone for 64.75 and 51.5 DraftKings points in the last two games.
Value
Max Strus ($4,400) is the opposite of Butler, in that he is primarily a scorer and doesn’t contribute much in the peripheral categories. That said, he’s starting and isn’t shy about hucking up shots. He’s put up 26.25 and 24.75 DraftKings points over the last two games. During the regular season, he went over 30 DraftKings points 11 times, with two of those over 40.
Fast Break
Patrick Williams ($4,200) was terrible in Game 3, going 0-for-9 from the field. He did play 31 minutes though and racked up defensive stats and rebounds. The Bucks are going to make players like Williams beat them, so there will be plenty of opportunities. I’d expect a bounceback performance.
Power Forward
Stud
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,200) only went for 40.25 DraftKings points last game, but that was because the Bucks blew out the Bulls by 30 points. I’d expect a more competitve game in this one. If so, then Giannis should feast. He averages 1.77 FP/Min and went for 55 and 75 DraftKings points in the first two games of the series.
Value
Jae Crowder ($4,700) is averaging 5.4 three-point attempts per game. The Pelicans allow 35.5 per game, which is 13th-most, but they allow the fifth-highest conversion rate at 36.5%. Over the last eight games, Crowder has gone for at least 20 DraftKings points in all but one game with a high of 30.75.
Fast Break
Bobby Portis ($6,200) received the start for the injured Khris Middleton last game and went for 41 DraftKings points in 26 minutes.
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic ($11,600) is averaging 1.93 FP/Min over the last month! The Warriors “bottled” up Jokic in the first two games of the series for 54.5 and 51.75 DraftKings points. Jokic then put up 73 in Game 3. On the season, Jokic exceeded fantasy point expectations 90 percent of the time. That is insane. With the prospect of getting swept at home, I’d expect Jokic and the Nuggets to at least go down swinging.
Value
Dewayne Dedmon ($3,200) has only played 15, 13, and 13 minutes this series. He averages 1.04 FP/Min though and has garnered a usage rate over 20% in each of the last two games. He went for 17.25, 16.75, and 11.5 DraftKings points. He’s cheap, and the upside could manifest if Adebayo gets injured or in foul trouble.
Fast Break
JaVale McGee ($4,000) is in a similar situation as Dedmon, but he’s $800 more expensive. He will not play more than 15 minutes but he averages 1.16 FP/Min. He’s gone for 17.25, 14.25, and 20.75 DraftKings points in the series.
