Draftkings Daily Picks 4-17-16: NBA Playoffs First Round

"Apr /

Draftkings Daily Picks 4-17-16: First Round of the NBA Playoffs

This Sunday looks to be a great second day of the NBA playoffs as the remaining 8 teams face off in their respective Game 1’s. The first matchup of the day kicks off at 12:00 (pacific) and should be a great game as Andre Drummond and the Pistons travel to Cleveland to play LeBron James and the Cavaliers. Shortly after they tip off, the Miami Heat host the Charlotte Hornets at 2:30 in what should be an intriguing matchup, especially since they split their regular season series 2-2 (with each team winning one game at home and one on the road). Later on in the night, at 5:00, the third game between the Memphis Grizzlies @ the San Antonio Spurs begins, this series should be a cakewalk for San Antonio as Memphis has been decimated by injury this year (however it is the playoffs, so anything is possible!).

More from Fantasy Basketball

A few hours after this game begins we get the final and potentially most exciting game of the night as the #5 Portland Trail Blazers travel to Los Angeles to take on the #4 Clippers at 7:30. In the end, this should be a great day for basketball and in the following slides I will attempt to give you solid fantasy advice as you impart on your quest for that perfect fantasy lineup:

To the right of each of the players, after the arrow, I have displayed the opposing team’s defensive rankings over the last 10 games. These rankings are calculated by determining the average stats/Draftkings Points allowed to each specific position.

Next: Point Guards

"Feb /

Point Guards

In my opinion the point guard position is the hardest to predict tonight considering how many solid options are out there. There is no doubt that the high salary guards will be well worth their cost; however, some of the lower salary options could also blow-up. With that in mind here’s some information and advice about each player that I hope helps you decide who’s the best fit for your lineup.

$9,000-Chris Paul-(Portland Trail Blazers @ Los Angeles Clippers) →18^th

Chris Paul has been awesome lately and should be able to keep rolling in the playoffs, especially against a team he has found plenty of success against this year. In the two games where Paul saw more than 30 minutes he was able to earn an average of roughly 49 Draftkings fantasy points. Knowing that he will most likely be playing a ton of minutes and I anticipate a solid outing from CP3. On top of his successful matchup history and potential for a large allotment of minutes, Paul has always been very solid in the playoffs his whole career (averaging 9.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 20.9 points per playoff game). This trend should keep rolling, especially after the season he just had. Overall, Chris Paul is one of my favorite point guards tonight and should be able to earn enough fantasy points to justify his high salary.

$8,100–Kemba Walker-(Charlotte Hornets @ Miami Heat) → 8^th

Kemba Walker is one of my favorite plays in today’s slate despite the fact that he is up against the Miami Heat’s tough defense. He has been a very reliable fantasy option the past few weeks and should be playing with extra enthusiasm in just the second playoff series of his career. Along with his recent good play, Walker has dominated the Heat in all of their matchups this year, earning a rough average of 40 Draftkings fantasy points per game. Overall, Walker may not seem like he is worth the cost, however with a solid track record and as one of Charlotte’s primary players he should be in for a big day.

$7,400–Kyrie Irving-(Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers) → 19^th

Irving has been inconsistent this year, but he has persevered against the Detroit Pistons. In two matchups this season, he has averaged roughly 40 Draftkings fantasy points per game and should be looking to continue that success into this playoff series. Only helping Irving more is the fact that Detroit has struggled recently to contain opposing point guards. Overall, with his solid history against Detroit and in a plus matchup, Irving has a ton of potential and should be able to produce enough points to justify his cost.

$6,500–Goran Dragic-(Charlotte Hornets @ Miami Heat) → 6^th

Like his counterpart in the game Kemba Walker, Goran Dragic has a ton of potential despite the Hornets recent success against opposing point guards. Dragic has been a key source of production, both offensively and defensively, for the Heat and should continue to thrive in the playoffs. Not only is Dragic seeing the majority of minutes as Miami’s starting point guard, but he has also done damage to the Hornets each of the four times they faced this year (with an average of 27.5 Draftkings fantasy points per game). Although that may not seem like enough to justify his cost, in the last two meetings he had with Charlotte he was able to record a whopping 39.5 and 38.75 fantasy points. Overall, Dragic is not the most enticing option tonight at point guard, but I believe he will be a solid fantasy option tonight and because of the tough matchup he may be underowned.

$6,300–Reggie Jackson-(Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers) → 17^th

With so many well-known point guards in today’s slate I anticipate Reggie Jackson to be a solid sleeper in what looks to be a decent matchup versus the Cavaliers. In their previous 3 meetings with the Cavaliers, Reggie Jackson has earned an average of 34.4 Draftkings fantasy points per game. With this in mind, he may be able to do even more damage considering the Cavaliers have struggled to stop opposing point guards all season. In the end, Reggie Jackson has a huge upside in what could should be a competitive game and I believe he will definitely earn enough fantasy points to justify his middle of the pack salary.

$4,200–Tony Parker-(Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs) → 23^rd

Tony Parker is my favorite low salary option in tonight’s slate and should easily be able to produce enough points to justify his price. In his three matchups with the Grizzlies this year Parker was able to earn an average of 28.75 Draftkings fantasy points per game. Only adding to Parkers appeal is the fact that Memphis has been decimated by injury this year and as a result their defense has struggled. Overall, Parker is a reliable option if you are looking to save some salary and still get a decent amount of points.

Next: Shooting Guards

"Dec /

Shooting Guards

The shooting guard position is interesting tonight as the two top options, C.J. McCollum and Dwyane Wade, both have very difficult matchups and are hard for me to consider. On top of the difficult matchups, neither player has seen a ton of success against their opponents this year. I’m not saying they won’t have success in the playoffs but in my opinion they are a little too risky to consider until they prove they can succeed (especially with other, cheaper options available).

$6,400-Nicolas Batum-(Charlotte Hornets @ Miami Heat) → 2^nd

Nicolas Batum has been great this year and should be looking to continue his success despite a difficult matchup with a solid Heat defense. In four meetings this year, Batum was able to earn a respectable average of 37 Draftkings fantasy points per game. Knowing Batum has had success versus the Heat, I believe he will get as much as he can handle in what should be a competitive game. Overall, Batum is a solid option and assuming he receives a full allotment of minutes he will earn enough fantasy points to justify his price.

$5,000–Jamal Crawford-(Portland Trail Blazers @ Los Angeles Clippers) → 3^rd

Jamal Crawford really stepped it up at the end of the season and I believe he will be able to keep rolling in the playoffs. Although Crawford does not have a great matchup he has been quite successful against Portland this year earning an average of 23.4 Draftkings fantasy points per game. Despite the return of Blake Griffin, Crawford has still seen significant minutes and has capitalized on his time earning more than enough Draftkings fantasy points to justify his price.

$4,700-Kentavious Caldwell-Pope-(Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers) → 8^th

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had a very successful year and could be in for a big playoff series. In his last two games against the Cavaliers, Caldwell-Pope was able to earn an average of roughly 32 Draftkings fantasy points. On top of his success versus Cleveland, Kentavious ended the season with a series of impressive outings. Overall, there is some risk in picking Caldwell-Pope but at such a low salary he is a solid option at a weak position tonight.

Next: Small Forwards

"Mar /

Small Forwards

$10,000-LeBron James-(Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers) → 8^th

LeBron ended the season hot and has always played well in the playoffs…so picking him is a no brainer. I believe James should be owned in pretty much every line up as he has been solid versus the Pistons this year earning an average of roughly 40 Draftkings fantasy points per game. Overall, I shouldn’t have to say much to convince you picking LeBron is a solid option, however I will leave you with the fact that last year he averaged 30.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per playoff game.

$8,500-Kawhi Leonard-(Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs) → 6^th

Like LeBron, Kawhi has a ton of potential. Leonard’s story is a little different however, as he gets a tasty matchup versus an injury riddled Grizzlies squad. Kawhi has been very successful against Memphis this year averaging 43 Draftkings fantasy points per game and should be able to continue that trend into the playoffs. Overall, like LeBron, there isn’t much I feel I have to say in order to advocate for trying to fit Kawhi into your lineup; except the fact that he has been consistently good all year and hasn’t showed any signs of slowing down.

$5,800–Tobias Harris-(Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers) → 18^th

As the season was coming to a close Harris was shooting the ball well and reeling in a respectable amount of rebounds. He should be able to continue this success against a beatable Cavaliers defense who could also be distracted containing the Pistons main weapons. Last time Harris faced Cleveland he was able to secure 14 points, 5 boards and 5 assists for a Draftkings fantasy points total of 30.75. Overall, in a solid matchup and with recent success, I believe that Harris will be able to earn enough fantasy points to justify his price.

$5,200–Matt Barnes-(Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs) → 7^th

Matt Barnes is the only player on the Grizzlies that I feel comfortable recommending before I have a chance to see how they play in the playoffs. Memphis takes on the difficult challenge of facing the #1 defense in the league and I believe they will have a hard time producing anything. In their previous matchups this year Matt Barnes has not been crazy good, however in his last two matchups he earned an average of 28.75 Draftkings fantasy points per game. Overall, Barnes is an extremely risky play, but without much depth on the lineup he could be in for a significant amount of minutes, which would in theory lead to more opportunities.

Next: Power Forwards

"Mar /

Power Forwards

$7,800-Lamarcus Aldridge-(Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs) → 29^th

Aldridge is hands down my favorite power forward in today’s slate of games as he gets a juicy matchup against an injury riddled Grizzlies squad. The last two times he faced the Grizzlies, at the end of March, Aldridge was able to earn 59.5 and 56.75 Draftkings fantasy points. Coupled with his recent success against the Grizzlies, is the fact that in their last ten games Memphis ranks next to last in defense against power forwards. As if that wasn’t enough to entice you into picking Aldridge, he also gets to play his first two games of the series in San Antonio where he has played a little better statistically (and with more intensity, at least from what I have seen). Overall, there are a ton of reasons to pick Aldridge and I believe he will easily be able to produce enough fantasy points to justify his price.

$7,600-Blake Griffin-(Portland Trail Blazers @ Los Angeles Clippers) → 14^th

Blake Griffin has been great since returning from injury and should be looking to thrive in a matchup against a beatable Trail Blazers defense. Despite the fact that Griffin missed most the season, he has faced Portland twice this year and found plenty of success both times. In those games he averaged 42 Draftkings fantasy points per game and with the extra incentive of the playoffs, I believe he can easily get there again. Overall, in a decent matchup and with a solid history against Portland, Blake Griffin should be able to earn enough points to justify his cost as a top salary power forward.

$7,000–Kevin Love-(Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers) → 16^th

Kevin Love is one of my favorite power forwards in today’s slate and I anticipate he will want to prove himself after dislocating his shoulder and missing the finals last year. Love should be able to exploit a middle of the pack Pistons defense and produce big numbers for his fantasy owners. In his three matchups with the Pistons this year he has averaged roughly 39 Draftkings fantasy points per game. Overall, despite the high salary I anticipate a big day for Kevin Love that should be able to yield enough plenty of fantasy points.

$4,700–Tristan Thompson-(Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers) → 16^th

Thompson is a boom or bust candidate for me as he does not typically receive a ton of minutes, however he has shown an ability to excel in the playoffs. With that in mind, it may be a little too risky to play him in the first round (before we know exactly what his usage will be); however, he has had limited success against Detroit earlier this year. In the three matchups the Cavaliers have had with the Pistons, Thompson has been able to earn a average of 19.25 Draftkings fantasy points per game. Although this is not a significant amount of fantasy points per game, Thompson has either done nothing or had a huge game all year and, given the intensity of the playoffs, I believe he will be a force to be reckoned with.

$3,900-Ed Davis-(Portland Trail Blazers @ Los Angeles Clippers) → 19th

Ed Davis has been a beast off the bench this year for the Portland Trail Blazers and I believe he will see more time in the coming series in order to guard Blake Griffin (because of his defensive ability). If this is the case and he does see more minutes he could excel, especially considering Los Angeles has had difficulty containing play making power forwards all year. On top of all of this, Davis has surprisingly had a lot of success against the Clippers this year averaging roughly 32.5 Draftkings fantasy points per game (all while averaging only 24.75 minutes per game). Overall, if you’re not looking to pay up at the power forward position I would highly recommend playing Davis…at his price, he is hard to pass up; and as an added plus he may be under owned as he does not typically start (and thus a good player to differentiate your lineup from others).

Next: Centers

Nov 21, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) reacts during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Centers

The center position is interesting tonight for several reasons. First of all, in the last ten games the #1 defense against centers is the Clippers and the #2 is the Spurs; which makes it hard to advocate for either the Grizzlies (Chris Anderson) or the Trail Blazers (Mason Plumlee). Along with them two of the other teams playing, the Cavaliers and Hornets, have rotating centers; which makes it hard to advocate for either of them. On top of all of this the big three centers playing today will all most likely be among the highest scoring fantasy players of the day. I threw Tim Duncan in there too because with it being the playoffs he could be in for more minutes and he is at such a low salary.

$8,700–Hassan Whiteside-(Charlotte Hornets @ Miami Heat) → 22^nd

Whiteside has been coming off the bench all year and dominating anyone he faces. Luckily for him, in this series he is expected to be in the starting five and will get all he can handle against a beatable Hornets defense. In his four matchups with the Hornets this year he did not play more than 27 minutes per game, however he was able to earn an average of 27.3 Draftkings fantasy points per game. Despite this lowish average, he should be able to easily overproduce as a starter, especially given his production all year off the bench (he’s tied for third overall in rebounds-with 11.8 per game; and at 3.68 blocks per game leads all other players by over a block). In the end, Whiteside has a ton of potential and should be able to earn enough fantasy points to be a top center option.

$7,300–DeAndre Jordan-(Portland Trail Blazers @ Los Angeles Clippers) → 14

DeAndre Jordan ended the season riding very high with double-doubles almost every night and should be able to keep up the production against a beatable Portland center defense. In the four meetings Jordan has had with the Clippers this year he’s been pretty dominant averaging 43.25 Draftkings fantasy points per game. Overall, Jordan has been amazing this year and should easily be able to continue his success against Portland in this series.

$7,200-Andre Drummond-(Detroit Pistons @ Cleveland Cavaliers) → 7

Drummond has been a monster all year (I mean he’s leading the league in rebounds) and should be able to excel in a physical and competitive game with the Cavaliers. In their three matchups this year, Drummond was able to average roughly 43 Draftkings fantasy points per game. In my opinion, he is poised for a big series and could end up being the x-factor for the Pistons assuming he plays to his full potential. Overall, I would highly consider playing Drummond despite the tough matchup; especially considering he has played well all three times he faced the Cavaliers and will have the extra incentive of competing in the playoffs.

Next: MLB FanDuel Economics For April 17

$4,300-Tim Duncan-(Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs) → 20

Tim Duncan is the only low salary center I am recommending tonight simply because he has the potential for a great game. Duncan is amazing and despite his age he has shown an ability to compete at a very high level when it matters (for example last year he recorded a rough average of 11 rebounds and 18 points per game in the playoffs). To go along with his great playoff determination, Duncan has earned an average of 36 Draftkings fantasy points per game against the Grizzlies this year. Overall, at such a low price it’s hard not to like Duncan; however, with the other centers poised to earn so many fantasy points he may get overlooked (I would highly consider Duncan as either a low salary center option or even as a low salary FLEX to go along with one of the big three centers listed above).

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