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FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – April 15, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 3: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets congratulates James Harden #13 after a three point shot in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center on April 3, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 3: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets congratulates James Harden #13 after a three point shot in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center on April 3, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 3: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talk during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 3, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 3: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talk during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 3, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jazz-Thunder (Game 1)

High Salary (Jazz)

Rudy Gobert ($8,500): Gobert help carry the Jazz to their hot finish, but Steven Adams has done a solid job limiting his production in recent years. He’ll still get points, rebounds, and a block or three. But proceed with caution given the matchup. ***

Donovan Mitchell ($7,800): This could go either way for Mitchell. He could thrive in the moment, like he’s done for most of the season. Or he could falter due to a tightened defense and extra attention. I’m always weary of a playoff rookie starting on the road, especially if he’s guarded by Paul George or a locked in Russell Westbrook. **

Joe Ingles ($7,000): If George takes the task of guarding Mitchell, Ingles will have an easier time getting open. His three-point shooting could give the Thunder fits. He’s an important piece of the Utah offense and a lot of what they do is due to his contributions. The salary looks high on first glance, so proceed with caution. ***

High Salary (Thunder)

Russell Westbrook ($11,900): The Jazz present one of the best defenses in the league, but Westbrook is nearly impossible to stop once he gets rolling. Even when he struggles from the field, he finds a way to contribute with assists and rebounds. Westbrook will get his numbers, especially if the guys around him are able to elevate their game. *****

Paul George ($7,900): One guy who can elevate his game is George. He’s a proven commodity in the playoffs, and while he struggled with consistency this season, he looked back in rhythm in the final week. If George is able to elevate his game, the Thunder have a two-headed monster capable of matching any team in the league. ****

High Value (Jazz)

Ricky Rubio ($6,500): Rubio is making his playoff debut and could still be dealing with a hamstring injury that limited him in the final week. He turned into more of a scorer in Utah, but still contributes as a playmaker. If Westbrook is locked in defensively, he’ll give Rubio trouble. If not, Rubio will get his shots. Like with Mitchell, playoff inexperience and being on the road are a concern. **

Derrick Favors ($5,700): The Jazz might be more inclined to play Jae Crowder just based on the matchup. He played well down the stretch and should get enough minutes to at least hit value. ***

High Value (Thunder)

Steven Adams ($6,300): Adams does well defensively on Gobert, but Gobert returns the favor on his side of the court. Until fantasy points are given for screens set, Adams’ value depends almost exclusively on how often Westbrook finds him on the roll. He’s a risk at this salary. **

Carmelo Anthony ($5,000): Anthony is going to get hot at some point in this series. Why not Game One? Getting shots isn’t an issue for Anthony in the Thunder offense. Making them is. His salary is low enough to where if he starts knocking down shots, he can go way over value. I’m expecting this to be Oklahoma City’s best offensive performance of the series, which means Anthony contributes. ***

Role Players

Utah: I like Jae Crowder ($4,400) at his salary. He’s going to play solid minutes off the bench and can contribute in multiple categories. Royce O’Neale ($3,600) played well down the stretch and should see solid minutes off the bench. He’s mainly a defensive guy, though.

Oklahoma City: If Corey Brewer ($5,100) plays, he can impact the game with his defense and energy. Jerami Grant ($5,000) could be an x-factor for the Thunder, but I’m not a fan of this matchup for him. Patrick Patterson ($3,500) and Raymond Felton ($3,500) are playoff veterans who will get minutes, but should only be taken if you’re stacking high-salary guys.