We are on to the second round of the NBA playoffs, and that means we are looking at mostly two game slates from here on out. Pricing for players has been adjusted, so you can mix in plenty of the higher priced options. If you normally play cash games, try some tournaments, great time to give it a shot with a smaller player pool. So sit back, read up, and let's win some contests.
In this article, I will be providing you with daily NBA lineup picks for DraftKings on 5/01/17. The picks will range from some of the elite players, to mid-priced options, and value plays. Shall we dance?
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Kyrie Irving - PG, vs TOR ($7,700)
Irving had a very solid series vs the Pacers in round one. He put up 38 or more DraftKings points in three of the four games, and really helped his team in every way. Toronto is known for being a better defensive team compared to the Pacers but, the Cavs defense has been struggling, and this series should trend up when it comes to points. One stat which is great to see is that Kyrie took 24 or more shots in three of the four games. 24 shots is a ton, and if he sees anywhere near that level of looks in this series, he will be in a good spot to help his team win. His price also seems a bit low for a player who can score 40 real points without too much trouble.
Lou Williams - SG, @ SA ($5,200)
Not sure if there is a player in the NBA who got a better outcome from being traded at the deadline. Williams went from the lowly Lakers, the the Rockets who are really cooking in the playoffs. Williams scored 28 or more DraftKings points in four of the five games in the first round. Super strong numbers from a role player, and someone who doesn't start. The real upside with Williams comes from three pointers. He attempted four or more three pointers in the last four games of the round one match up vs the Thunder. The Spurs are a better defensive team compared to the Thunder, but Williams should still be able to contribute off the bench.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Kawhi Leonard - SF, vs HOU ($10,200)
In round one, Kawhi put on of the best performances we've seen, and carried his team to a six game series victory over Memphis. He did his best to make his case for league MVP, but now he is up against Houston. He scored 40 or more DraftKings points in five of the six games in round one, highlighted by a 71 point outing in game four. We know what we are going to get from Kawhi, strong defense and rebounding, and the points will come for him. The problem at the small forward position tonight, is that you either spend up for Kawhi or LeBron, both are over $10k, or you are going for a value play. With a slate like this, take the guaranteed points with Leonard.
Serge Ibaka - PF, @ CLE ($6,600)
Ibaka had five strong games in round one and one game leaving something to be desired. He has gotten much better on the offense end, and can create a bit of offense for himself, rather than just getting easy put backs. He scored 26 or more fantasy points in five of the six games in round one. The upside with Ibaka comes from his chance to pull down 10 rebounds and grab a double double. Getting the bonus points on DraftKings is always nice for that, and in what should be a high scoring, higher paced game, Ibaka has a legit shot at it.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Pau Gasol - C, vs HOU ($4,300)
If you want to fit a few of the higher priced players in one lineup you will need to find a bit of savings somewhere, and Gasol is a good place to look. We know that he is on the back half of his career, and can't put up numbers like he once did, but he has enough to make some impact. He scored 15 or more fantasy points in five of six games in round one. He was averaging below one fantasy point per minute, which isn't the best, but the cost savings should outweigh lower potential production.
Also consider: Kevin Love, PF/C, vs TOR ($7,400)
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