Fansided

FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – April 25, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 15: LeBron James
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 15: LeBron James /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 01: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts with Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves after scoring a three pointer during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 1, 2017 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. Minnesota won the game 104 -98. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 01: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts with Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves after scoring a three pointer during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 1, 2017 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. Minnesota won the game 104 -98. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Timberwolves-Rockets (Rockets Lead 3-1)

The Timberwolves looked more like themselves in the second half of Game 4. Minnesota got to where they were due to an offense that was never going to work in the playoffs and a defense that isn’t any good.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler played well in the two Minnesota games, but their second half performances and play in Houston don’t project confidence. Andrew Wiggins finally crashed down to earth after playing well in the first three games. And Jeff Teague might be battling an injury, which is making room for Derrick Rose to play more.

Yes, Derrick Rose might be the most reliable option on the team. He costs next to nothing and Tom Thibodeau is going to ride with him until the car crashes. Houston seems more than happy letting him get his offensively because it means he’s still on the floor defensively.

There are some high ceiling guys on Minnesota, but I can’t recommend any of them with supreme confidence based on my feeling that this game won’t be competitive.

For Houston, you know what you’re getting from James Harden. His assist numbers were down in Game 4, but that’s unlikely to happen again. And if it does, it means Chris Paul is picking up an extra assist or three. Clint Capela is another reliable option given his scoring and rebounding ability.

Trevor Ariza, Eric Gordon, and Gerald Green all have value to a varying degree. Ariza is the most reliable due to being a starter and getting shots next to Harden and Paul. Gordon has the highest ceiling as the lead guy off the bench. Green has the highest bust factor because he may not get enough playing time.