RADIO
Happy Tuesday, Rotoballers! After our first evening without playoff basketball in almost five weeks, it's time to dive right back in with Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns. Thanks to Devin Booker's first career triple-double, a Chris Paul-less Suns team took Game 1 over a Kawhi Leonard-less Clippers unit. Now, L.A. will need Paul George, Terance Mann, and the rest of its role players to step up as it looks to avoid an 0-2 hole for a third consecutive series.
Kawhi Leonard (knee) and Chris Paul (health protocols) are officially out for Game 2. While we wish we could see these two on the court, it clears up any lingering questions about the roles of other players for both teams. Vegas believes Phoenix doesn't even need CP3 because they've got the Suns as a six-point favorite for Game 2. They've also set the over/under at 224 points. Considering Game 1 was 120-114, the bettors feel like a slower-paced game is in the cards.
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 6/22/21. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. With COVID-19 a significant factor, remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before lineups lock.
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Los Angeles Clippers (+6) (109 total)
Paul George - SG (Cpt: $18,000, Util: $12,000)
With Kawhi Leonard (knee) on the shelf, Playoff P is stepping up as the leader of the Clippers. Over the last three games, George is averaging 33 points on 24 field-goal attempts, along with 9.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, four threes, two steals, and 1.3 blocks in 41.6 minutes. It's produced three of his four best performances in DFS during these playoffs, and he's averaging 61.1 fantasy points per game in this three-game stretch.
While there are a couple of contrarian options to play as your Captain on this slate, it may come down to the two biggest stars on the court. Booker had the shiny triple-double, but George is posting all-around efforts. It should give him a safer floor, and he's capable of a massive night when he puts it all together. Plus, he's averaging 9.8 three-point attempts in his last five games and hitting them at a 44.9 percent rate to give his ceiling a bit of a boost.
Reggie Jackson - PG/SG (Cpt: $12,900, Util: $8,600)
It's Reggie Jackson's world, and we are living in it. The 31-year old guard is coming alive in the latter half of the playoffs as he shoulders a more significant workload for the Kawhi-less Clippers. In the last three games, Jackson is averaging 42.25 FPPG and providing a spark to L.A.'s starting five. Jackson's averages have shot up across the board in the previous three contests, with 24.3 points, 5.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and two steals per game.
Despite those sparkling statistics, I am hesitant to go all-in with former Pistons guard. He's had rollercoaster-like stretches in his career, and just when you think you're shooting to the moon is when the next drop comes along. These three games are the first time Jackson has scored 22 points in three straight games for the Clippers. And while I'm enjoying the ride right now, I can't shake the feeling that the time to get off is coming sooner than we think.
Terance Mann - SG (Cpt: $9,600, Util: $6,400)
Speaking of rollercoasters, let's take a look at Terance Mann's last two games. In Game 6 against the Jazz, Mann was the hero of the night. The former-Florida St. standout racked up 39 points on 21 field-goal attempts and hit seven of his 10 three-pointers in 36 minutes. The basketball world was losing its mind, and people wondered if Mann can be the third man next to Kawhi and PG13. Then, the 24-year old follows it up in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals with nine points on four shot attempts.
It could've been Ty Lue at his mad scientist finest. The Clippers Head Coach hasn't set a solid playoff rotation through the first two rounds, and it wouldn't be surprising to learn he's still tinkering away with lineups. He's down a Kawhi Leonard, so it's hard to fault him trying new stuff, but playing Mann worked in a huge Game 6, and I hope they go back to him in Game 2. We've seen the ceiling (50.5 fantasy points), and hopefully, we see some consistency with Mann's role in this series moving forward.
Other options: Marcus Morris Sr. ($7,000), DeMarcus Cousins ($2,000)
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Phoenix Suns (-6) (115 total)
Devin Booker - SG (Cpt: $17,700, Util: $11,800)
I'm sure some people in our DFS bubble are brave enough to fade Devin Booker in Game 2. However, I am not one of those people. The line between bold and dumb is a thin one, and it's rather difficult to traverse. So I'll be rolling with the rising superstar who posted a Game 1 triple-double, and I'll sleep easy tonight.
Booker's Game-1 performance was nothing short of spectacular. Without Chris Paul, the two-time All-Star erupted for 40 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, and three triples. The triple-double is nice, but it's just an accumulation of Booker's recent postseason form. Since a Game 3 loss to the Lakers in Round 1, Booker is averaging 29.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over the last seven games (all Suns wins) and is part of the 50-40-90 club with his shooting averages. The Suns will be without CP3 again on Tuesday, and it'll leave a lot of responsibility for Booker to carry the franchise, and our DFS lineups, to another win.
Deandre Ayton - C (Cpt: $13,800, Util: $9,200)
Ayton has to be one of the best surprises in the playoffs. I understand when it's all said and done; our great-grandchildren will look at the 2018 NBA Draft and wonder why anyone went ahead of Luka Donic. Still, Ayton is playing in the Western Conference Finals, and Luka is sitting at home. He's made leaps and bounds in this postseason alone, and the Suns should feel extremely comfortable with him as their third guy once Chris Paul returns.
Over the last five games, Ayton is averaging a double-double with 15.4 points and 10.2 rebounds. The 2019 All-Rookie player is also averaging 11 shots per game and making them at a 63.6 percent clip. Those numbers won't register on a regular-season DFS slate, but this is a one-game showdown slate. An almost guaranteed double-double is an excellent floor for any player.
Cameron Payne - PG (Cpt: $9,300, Util: $6,200)
With Paul sidelined for another contest, DFS players can expect Cameron Payne to get a full workload once again. The 26-year old has four games under his belt with at least 25 minutes of action in the playoffs and is a significant DFS contributor when reaching that benchmark. Payne is averaging 14.5 points in those four games to go with 6.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and two three-pointers while accumulating 33.8 fantasy points per game. There's not a lot of reason to use him as your Captain tonight, but, at $6,200, he will be a helpful addition to your DFS lineup as a utility player.
Other options: Mikal Bridges ($7,800), Jae Crowder ($7,200)
