DFSGhost 
After peaceful protests had put multiple professional leagues at a halt for a greater cause, we’re back today for a 3-game NBA slate on a Saturday afternoon. Things have since changed since Wednesday; Russell Westbrook will be returning for the Rockets, looking to grab a critical Game 5 win versus his former franchise, while both the Bucks and Lakers aim to close out their respective series versus the hometown Magic and Lillard-less Blazers. Let’s get to it:
The Lock: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,300 DK / $11,500 FD)
With the Bucks looking to close out the Magic, I’m expecting no mercy from the NBA MVP. Averaging 31.3 PPG to go along with 15.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists in the series, there are maybe a handful of players that can matchup versus Giannis, and Orlando does not have a single one of them. He’s averaging 2.05 FPPM in the series, and if he sees 30+ minutes in this one, he’ll have no problem contending to be the highest scorer on the slate, especially if you’re playing the angle where Westbrook limits Harden’s ceiling.
The Core Gems
CJ McCollum ($8,100 DK / $8,000 FD)
His price has risen on FD since Wednesday’s slate, and I honestly don’t love this play all that much today considering the Lakers should cruise to a victory here, but for cash games alone, McCollum warrants consideration simply because of how highly he’ll be owned. One of the most important aspects of cash games is ownership – you need to know where the field is going because if someone is coming in at ridiculous ownership rates and you don’t have them, you’ll be behind the 8-ball if they have a great game. With Damian Lillard already ruled out for the Trail Blazers’ elimination game tonight, CJ McCollum will have a big part in whether they get to see the court for a Game 6. Sporting a 26.2% usage rate on the season, McCollum sees a drastic increase to 33.4% with Dame off the court, which largely used to come closing out the opening and third quarters. His back injury has slowed him down at times, but he has turned in back-to-back efficient performances. I’ll be fading in tournaments, or at least be underweight compared to the field; look for updates in Dsicord.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($7,600 DK / $7,700 FD)
With how few options there are at SG on FD, SGA instantly becomes a core piece to our cash builds. He is also a great play on DK considering the mid-range is not one that is all that attractive today, and while ‘Stars and Scrubs’ will be a good tournament build, having a mid-range target for cash games to pair with the Value Gems below and a stud is a good strategy. Averaging over 38 minutes per game in regulation, SGA has been filling the stat sheet in all aspects and will need to contribute offensively if OKC wants to steal a Game 5 from Harden & Co.
Also Consider: Russell Westbrook & James Harden
The Value Gems
Orlando Magic Value
Another NBA slate where the opening game will draw heavy ownership. The trio of Markelle Fultz, Evan Fournier, and James Ennis will continue to pull ownership, probably for the last time this season, and we need to be aware of that for our cash games. Both DJ Augustin and Gary Clark are also in play here, in addition to Terrence Ross, so look for updates in Discord as to who is coming in at the highest ownership rates for cash games.
Portland Trail Blazers Value
The value pieces on the Blazers are an interesting, collective pivot from some of the Orlando value at much cheaper prices. The trio of Gary Trent Jr., Anfernee Simons, and Mario Hezonja should all be due for bigger roles here, especially if this one gets out of hand early, so if you’re not playing McCollum under that game theory, load up here instead.
LA Lakers Value
On the flipside to the Blazers value, if you’re making a lineup based on that same game theory, why not run back your Portland value with some Lakers value? If you’re anticipating this game getting out of hand due to LeBron and AD simply overpowering McCollum and company, and therefore fading all 3 of them, pieces such as JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, Kyle Kuzma, and Alex Caruso should all see extended run. Blowouts are not something I advise trying to predict, and it can bury your lineup rather quickly, but this game has a lot of intrigue for tournaments.
A Quick Note on NBA DFS
While there are many different sports and various contests pertaining to DFS along with their respective strategies, we focus on the main approaches to build both reliable cash and GPP lineups for a successful NBA night including pace, the projected over/under, one on one matchups (DVP), a player’s usage rate, and a team’s defensive rating. Make sure to stay active when building NBA lineups – if you cannot be in front of a computer, tablet, or on your phone an hour before lock, do not throw your money away! NBA DFS lineups can change at the blink of an eye and are the most variable compared to any other sport in DFS; players get injured, some sit for load management, and others find themselves on the DNP list for other reasons; any of which can sway your lineup and where to find value. Stay alert on the WinDaily Discord chat to follow along with our updated plays. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
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