Fansided

FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – May 14, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 04: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets brings the ball down the court in the first half agains the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on January 4, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 04: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets brings the ball down the court in the first half agains the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center on January 4, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 20: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on January 20, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Nathaniel Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 20: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on January 20, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Nathaniel Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Cavaliers-Celtics (Series Tied 0-0)

With only one game on the schedule, your top option is FanDuel’s Single Game Boost. In single game leagues, you select five players (one from each team). The MVP (scores a 2x multiplier), the Star (scores a 1.5x multiplier), the Pro (scores a 1.2x a multiplier) and two positionless players.

In a one game league, you have to identify players who are going to play. That means any starter is a good bet.

The Warriors and Rockets played three times in the regular season with the Rockets winning twice. The latest meeting was back on Jan. 20. Most of the players have remained the same, but obviously the playoffs a different animal and stars do more of the heavy lifting.

James Harden ($18,000) is the top salary player and he’s coming into this series a bit cold. Chris Paul ($12,500) was carried the Rockets offense in the last two games. In the regular season, Paul averaged 48.2 fantasy points in the three games. Harden averaged 45.8 fantasy points in two games.

Of the two Houston players, I’m higher on Paul. His salary won’t hurt you as much and he’ll have to do less matchup hunting if the Warriors start the game with Steph Curry on him. Curry isn’t as bad on defense as a lot make him out to be, but Klay Thompson, who will draw Harden, is a superior defender.

Kevin Durant ($17,000) has been the top option for the Warriors throughout the playoffs and for good reason. He’s a matchup advantage every night. Not only will he get his points and rebounds, but he pitches in with assists and defense. The Rockets will throw a variety of guys at him. None of them stand a chance for an extended period of time.

Steph Curry ($15,500) could go either way. He’s historically done well against Paul, but he’s taken a backseat on offense to Durant and steals won’t be as easy to come by for him in this series given how Paul takes care of the ball. Of the two two point guards, Paul offers more value.

Clint Capela ($13,000) scares me a bit. His scoring value is tied to James Harden passing him the ball and I don’t know if he’ll change the game defensively as much as he’s done in the first two rounds. Unlike the Timberwolves and Jazz, the Warriors have the shooters to pull him away from the basket, thus limiting his rim protection a bit. The reward is high, but Draymond Green ($12,000) is a better bet. You know he’s going to contribute in all offensive categories and he will impact the game defensively.

Klay Thompson ($10,500) will get his shots and is never a bad bet.

Eric Gordon ($9,500) has the highest ceiling of the Houston role players, but also the biggest bust potential. P.J. Tucker ($9,500) has stepped up in the playoffs and played well against the Warriors in the regular season. He’s going to play big minutes thanks to his defense and has become a reliable option.

Andre Iguodala ($9,000) will get plenty of minutes as well, likely starting alongside the four All-Stars as the Warriors try to keep Zaza and JaVale off the floor. He can be hit-and-miss, but the opportunities are there. The same goes for Trevor Ariza ($8,500). Kevon Looney ($8,000) has been getting consistent playing time, but I’m wary of him in Game 1. Houston will hunt him on mismatches and it could limit his minutes. Luc Mbah a Moute ($7,000) should get around 20 minutes and will provide decent value. Shaun Livingston ($6,500) and Quinn Cook ($6,000) will see time as the backup point guards. Livingston makes for a decent option.