Sixers-Celtics (Series Tied 0-0)
With only one game on the schedule, your only DraftKings option is Showdown. If you’re unfamiliar with Showdown, it’s a one game league where you have six spots, positions don’t matter, salaries are inflated from your typical leagues, and you have to select at least one player from each team.
These two teams played four times in the regular season. The last time they played was way back on Jan. 18. The Sixers made big additions since that time and the Celtics underwent a major change with Kyrie Irving out of the lineup.
The Celtics will have to deal with more bad injury news in Game 1 as Jaylen Brown is listed as doubtful. His status could change before tip-off, but if he’s unable to play, that boosts the value of everyone in the starting lineup.
Al Horford ($13,200) remains the best option on the Celtics. But Jayson Tatum ($9,400) and Marcus Smart ($6,800) are looking like better bets with Brown out. Tatum stepped up in Game 7 against the Bucks and can be the go-to guy on offense. Smart will likely draw the start with Brown out. Macrus Morris ($4,600) will also see an increase in usage due to his scoring ability. He played well against the Sixers in the regular season and has looked solid at home in the playoffs.
Terry Rozier ($11,400) has delivered all playoffs and shouldn’t be doubted at this point. He’ll see a much tougher defense, but he’s been in complete control of the Boston offense.
Ben Simmons ($15,600) is the highest priced option, but Joel Embiid ($14,700) is the better option. Simmons struggled in the regular season against Boston. He’ll have an easier time without Brown’s defense on the floor, but they can still throw Tatum or Smart at him, two versatile defenders who can deter him in different ways.
There is no such answer for Embiid. Granted, I would not be surprised if Brad Stevens had a trick up his sleeve. But until that trick is revealed, Embiid should have plenty of success.
Dario Saric ($9,100) started to cool off as the Miami series went along. But he’s guaranteed value due to his role. Robert Covington ($7,500) struggled in the first round and was invisible in the regular season against the Celtics.
J.J. Redick ($6,200) has been a favorite of mine all season and that’s carried into the playoffs. He’s a guaranteed value guy.
Ersan Ilyasova ($5,600) and Marco Belinelli ($4,200) weren’t members of the Sixers in their regular season games against the Celtics. They proved to be difference makers in the first round. Ilyasova is the more reliable option of the two.
Aron Baynes ($3,100) is about the only guy below $4,000 worth considering if you’re looking for a balanced lineup. You can grab Sami Ojeleye ($1,300) or Shane Larker ($1,600) if you’re willing to waste a roster spot in hopes of loading up at the five other spots. Amir Johnson ($2,800) and T.J. McConnell ($2,400) would be the two guys from Philadelphia to occupy a roster spot.