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

By Jeremy Lambert

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 18 - Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz exchange a hug after Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 18 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Layne Murdoch Sr./NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 18 - Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz exchange a hug after Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 18 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Layne Murdoch Sr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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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) /

Rockets-Timberwolves (Rockets Lead 2-1)

There are two thoughts heading into Game 4 and how you feel is going to determine your lineup.

The first thought is that you buy into the Timberwolves and don’t trust the Rockets because they are the Rockets. Minnesota showed up to play in Game 3, feeding off an amped up crowd, and shot from three like they haven’t shot all season. Meanwhile, the Rockets looked like the team everyone was ready to make fun of for choking. If you buy into this thought, load up on Minnesota players.

The second thought is that Minnesota had an unbelievable game, shooting like they haven’t shot all season, and the Rockets were caught off guard by that. If you buy into this thought, then you’ll expect the Rockets to bounce back and Minnesota to crash back down to earth.

The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

James Harden and Chris Paul will be better in Game 4. Harden remains the strong option because he’s been the stronger option all season. But Paul should be taken with some confidence. Even Clint Capela is due for a bounce back game.

The rest of the Rockets are still risky at best. Gerald Green remains a decent option off the bench despite his Game 3 performance. He’s not going to kill your lineup at his salary the same way Eric Gordon will. And Trevor Ariza is a veteran presence who gets opportunities to contribute.

On the Minnesota side, Andrew Wiggins remains a consistent play. And if he shows up the way he did in Game 3, he’s a fantastic play. The same goes for Jeff Teague, who has down well against the Rockets all season.

Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns are the two guys with high “boom or bust.” Towns has the highest ceiling of any center, but Rudy Gobert is the more consistent option at a lower cost. The same goes for Butler and Paul George at small forward.

Jamal Crawford and Derrick Rose make for decent punt options because they are going to get minutes and chances.