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DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – April 23, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – APRIL 9: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Miami Heat on April 9, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Thunder-Jazz (Jazz Lead 2-1)

Ricky Rubio has dominated this series. Russell Westbrook vowed to “shut that sh*t down” in Game 4. If you believe Westbrook, then you may want to stay away from Rubio. But if you have your doubts about Westbrook, Rubio remains a fantastic option.

Westbrook not only needs to shutdown Rubio, he needs to figure out a way to get going offensively. He’s been held under 20 points in the first two games and looks indecisive. He’s still a great fantasy option because even if he’s not scoring, he’s coming up with assists, rebounds, and a handful of defensive plays. I expect an aggressive Westbrook on Monday and a monster game.

The rest of the Thunder are just as tricky to figure out. They are a team that goes as Westbrook goes. When he’s firing on all cylinders, their whole team becomes great options. But when he’s struggling, there’s not much value elsewhere. Paul George does enough to at least hit value. Same for Corey Brewer. But Steven Adams has been a non-factor this series (foul trouble has played a part) and Carmelo Anthony is far too inconsistent for my liking. Their bench players aren’t worth a look unless you’re desperate to save money, then Raymond Felton and Jeramy Grant are decent options

Donovan Mitchell continues his steady play and you should have no reservations on taking him. He’s been fantastic this series and the Thunder don’t have answer for him. Rubio has been even better than Mitchell, but Westbrook’s newfound anger does have me a bit weary on his value on Monday.

Joe Ingles got free in Game 3 and makes for a great “role player who is better at home” player. Rudy Gobert has dominated on the boards and in the paint. Derrick Favors’ salary is too high for my liking.

Jae Crowder, due to the minutes he typically gets, and Royce O’Neale, due to his play in Game 3, are decent options off the Utah bench.