Pelicans-Trail Blazers (Game One)
This is a star driven matchup where role players could decide the series. The Blazers have plenty of playoff experience, while the Pelicans are lacking in that department. Identifying who will step up and in which game will be key.
Build Your Team Around
Damian Lillard ($9,200): When these two teams met on March 27, Lillard had 70.75 fantasy points. The Pelicans have a great perimeter defender in Jrue Holiday, but their overall perimeter defense leaves a lot to be desired. There are zero doubts surround Lillard’s ability to raise his game in the playoffs.
Anthony Davis ($11,300): While Lillard went off for 70.75 fantasy points, Davis outdid him with 75 fantasy points. Davis doesn’t have the playoff experience of Lillard, but he carried the Pelicans during the second half of the season. It doesn’t matter who Portland throws at him, Davis is going to get his.
Seconding Scoring
Jrue Holiday ($7,900): Holiday had 56.75 fantasy points in that Mar. 27 meeting. He was fantastic once DeMarcus Cousins was lost for the season. There aren’t many concerns when it comes to Holiday. He’s going to provide points, assists, and a handful of defensive plays.
CJ McCollum ($6,800): McCollum averaged 30.8 fantasy points in four games against New Orleans during the regular season. He was inconsistent throughout the season and the defense of Holiday makes him a slight risk. Still, he can go off at any moment and typically finds other ways to contribute.
Risky But Rewardable
Jusuf Nurkic ($6,600): Nurkic had 44 fantasy points on March 27 against New Orleans. No one can stop Davis, but Nurkic is physical enough to where he can wear on him. More importantly, he gets the minutes to try and stop him. He played well to end the season, but inconsistencies do plague him.
Rajon Rondo ($6,700): The famed Playoff Rondo. During the regular season, he hit value in just 45 percent of games. But we’ve all heard about Playoff Rondo and he certainly showed up for the Bulls last season. He can post 40-plus fantasy points. He can also kill your team.
Nikola Mirotic ($6,900): Mirotic ended the season red hot, going over 45 fantasy points in his last four games. But he had just seven fantasy points in the March 27 game and is always a streaky player. The fear with him is that his hot streak goes cold and then you’re stuck with dead money in your lineup.
Role Players
New Orleans: E’Twaun Moore ($4,600) is a role player who gets plenty of playing time and shots in the New Orleans offense. At this price, he’s a reliable option. Ian Clark ($3,500) has playoff experience and can provide scoring off the bench.
Portland: Al-Farouq Aminu ($4,900) played very well in the last two games against New Orleans, going over 35 fantasy points in those contests. He’s the most likely role player to contribute on Portland. Evan Turner ($3,900) will get minutes, but can’t be trusted. Shabazz Napier ($4,200) is a sneaky option who was over 30 fantasy points in two games against the Pelicans.
Overall Advice
Lillard’s lower salary make him the better option over Davis. Grabbing Lillard and Holiday gives you two strong guard options who will both deliver. One of Mirotic or Rondo will have a big game. The safe money is on Rondo due to experience, but Nurkic trumps both of them.