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FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – April 14, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 12: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talks with LaMarcus Aldridge
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 12: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talks with LaMarcus Aldridge /
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Anthony Davis
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 27: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Pelicans-Trail Blazers (Game One)

High Salary (Pelicans)

Anthony Davis ($12,500): These two teams met on Mar. 27 and it was a big night for multiple players. But no player had a bigger night than Davis, who finished with 78.8 fantasy points. He doesn’t have much playoff experience, but when you’re as good as he is, that’s not too concerning. If anyone can go into the opposing building and steal the first game, it’s this guy. *****

Jrue Holiday ($8,700): Holiday had 50.7 fantasy points in the Mar. 27 contest. He’s been a fantastic second option next to Davis and contributes in a variety of ways. He was perhaps the most underrated player in the league this season and is a safe bet to raise his game in the playoffs. ****

Nikola Mirotic ($7,700): He was red hot to end the season, but the bottom can drop at anytime with Mirotic. And against a stout Portland defense, with this salary, and on the road, he’s certainly a risk on Saturday. You might be willing to believe his hot streak will carry over, and if it does, he’ll pay huge dividends. **

High Salary (Trail Blazers)

Damian Lillard ($9,800): There are no concerns when it comes to Lillard. This is his time to shine and he knows it. He had 72.8 fantasy points against the Pelicans in the March 27 tilt. The Pelicans struggled to defend the perimeter all season. Maybe Rajon Rondo plays a tougher brand of defense with it being the playoffs, but Lillard has the offensive chops to shrug off Playoff Rondo. *****

Jusuf Nurkic ($8,000): Nurkic ended the season strong and had 46 fantasy points on March 27. He’s going to log big minutes in an effort to slowdown Davis. While he’s unlikely to do so, he can at least match Davis on the other end. Playoff basketball favors the psychical style of Nurkic. ****

CJ McCollum ($7,000): McCollum will have to deal with the defense of Holiday, which won’t be easy. While it seemed like everyone went off in the March 27 game, McCollum was rather silent with 25.3 fantasy points. He’s a better player at home and that helps his value on Saturday. ***

High Value (Pelicans)

Rajon Rondo ($6,100): Have you heard of Playoff Rondo? He’s a real person that exists when he wants to. He certainly existed last year for the Bulls. There are risks when it comes to Rondo because he’s one of the more inconsistent and frustrating players in the league. But if you believe in Playoff Rondo, you’ll love him at this salary. ***

E’Twaun Moore ($5,000): Moore had 27.1 fantasy points in the March 27 meeting. He’s a guy who will log big minutes next to Rondo, Davis and Holiday and is their most reliable role player. He’s going to get scoring opportunities and can boost his value in other ways. He’s a safe bet to at least hit value. ***

High Value (Trail Blazers)

Al-Farouq Aminu ($4,800): Aminu was over 35 fantasy points in his last two games against the Pelicans. Of all the role players likely to step up for Portland on Saturday night, he’s the best option. And with Maurice Harkless out, they’ll need Aminu to provide that second wave of offense. ***

Role Players

New Orleans: Ian Clark could provide decent minutes off the bench, but isn’t exactly reliable to contribute.

Portland: Evan Turner is Evan Turner. He’ll see minutes, but can’t be counted on. Shabazz Napier could provide a scoring punch off the bench. It feels like he’s going to have at least one solid game in this series. Maybe you’re willing to take the risk that it’s Game One.