Thunder-Jazz (Jazz Lead 3-2)
There are plenty of guarantees in this one. Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Donovan Mitchell, Ricky Rubio and Rudy Gobert will all get you at least value. In the case of Westbrook, George, and Mitchell, they could be way over value.
Did the Thunder figure something out in the second half of Game 5 or were they carried by two stars? It’s probably the latter, but it goes to show the kind of damage they can do. Westbrook doesn’t have a triple-double in this series and feels due for one at some point. Take any of those five and feel good about your chances.
Joe Ingles seems like a good bet to have a bounce back game now that the Jazz are back home. The same goes for Derrick Favors. Jae Crowder won’t produce at the same level he did in Game 5, but could see extra playing time if the Thunder keep Carmelo Anthony off the floor. Favors foul trouble was also a reason for his limited minutes in Game 5.
On the Thunder, there’s not much to like. Steven Adams has underperformed in the last two games, despite not getting into foul trouble. Anthony may hit value if he plays enough minutes, but it’s clear the team is better with him on the bench. Corey Brewer and the bench players simply don’t get enough minutes or chances to make a real impact.
This is the game with the most guaranteed value, but all of them are high salary players. Still, you can build around any of those guys.