What's going on everyone! John aka "LucidMedia' here. I hope you all had a fantastic Memorial Day Weekend, let's get this short week started off right!
The big news we're looking at tonight is Anthony Davis. The Lakers have come out and said that he is doubtful for tonight's game, which opens up some value in that Lakers lineup.
This article will supply you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for the DraftKings on 6/1/21. You can also check out today’s FanDuel lineup picks. It’s also important to monitor injury news as a result of COVID-19 as the slate can completely change before line-up lock. Without further ado, let’s dive into the picks!
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Devin Booker - SG, vs. LA Lakers ($8,100)
Devin Booker hasn't had his "big game" of this series yet, as the Lakers have done a pretty good job of neutralizing him. With Chris Paul still bothered by his shoulder injury he suffered in game one, I can see tonight being Booker's night. His volume has slightly decreased throughout the series, but his minutes per game has been around or over 40 minutes in each game this series. It's important to note that these playoff games are full of adjustments made by teams and coaches, and I think Monty Williams sets up Book for success this evening.
James Harden - PG/SG, vs Boston ($10,600)
Most had to know this was coming. Harden has been a top option in DFS for as long as I can remember, and this doesn't change tonight. Harden has seen a slight decrease in Usage so far this postseason (about a 3% drop), however, it's not affecting his DFS value as he's playing over 36 minutes per game and has had a 0.07 DK points per minute boost since the playoffs started. He's got the best matchup at his position on the slate, and he's the Net that I will be targeting.
Marcus Smart - PG/SG, at Brooklyn ($6,500)
We all know by now that the Nets don't play very much defense. Their games are high paced and there's often a TON of points scored. Tonight we get a little value with Marcus Smart. Kemba Walker isn't expected to play so Smart will likely take over the point guard duties for Boston. In a two gamer we have to take all the value we can get, and Smart looks like a nice option.
Bonus Guards: Dennis Schroder ($5,800), CJ McCollum ($7,500)
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DraftKings DFS Forwards
LeBron James - PG/SF, at Phoenix ($9,800)
There's not really much I have to say here. Playoff LeBron with (likely) no Anthony Davis, in a pivotal game 5? He should be a lock in all formats tonight. I will be starting every lineup I make with him in it.
Evan Fournier - SG/SF, at Brooklyn ($6,200)
I'll start off by saying that I hate rostering this guy as much as just about anyone in any DFS sport. However, with Kemba off the floor it opens up some value in Fournier. He is and always will be more of a tournament option for me, but tonight I can see him fairing well in a high-paced, high-scoring matchup.
Kyle Kuzma - SF/PF, at Phoenix ($4,600)
Kyle Kuzma is in the exact same boat for me as Fournier. Not a guy I love to roster, but a guy who's value opens up with an unfortunate injury in the lineup. Kuzma is just too cheap tonight for a guy who's going to start and likely get 30+ minutes at that swing-forward position. I will likely be rostering him in all formats.
Bonus Forwards: Mikal Bridges ($5,000), Robert Covington ($4,800)
DraftKings DFS Centers
Nikola Jokic - C, vs. Portland ($10,400)
Jokic is another "lock button" for me tonight. He is the best center on the slate, has had a 6% boost in usage in the playoffs, and is primed for a big night against Portland who struggles to defend the Center position. You're getting a guy who's averaging over 5x value at the most important position in NBA DFS. Roster him!
SIDE NOTE: I usually like to play double-center on DK. I see value opening for Tristan Thompson tonight as not only is Kemba likely to miss tonight's game, but Robert Williams III is likely out as well. In a slate where we want a few studs so we'll have to grab some mid-to-low priced guys, TT is certainly one I'm targeting.
Bonus Centers: Tristan Thompson ($5,500)