RADIO
Both series tonight have taken a turn for the worst when it comes to DFS. Both teams are head and shoulders ahead of their competition and anything can happen tonight. It is very likely we see narratives tonight that weren't there, and unsung heroes will be the saviors. There isn't but one superstar to really pay up for and I don't see how you can fade LeBron James at any point in the playoffs. If you roster players like Jose Calderon, Aron Baynes and Jeff Green, you have a chance of rostering James, but I promise the rest of your roster will be lacking...a lot.
Ben Simmons HAS to rebound after his last game and Joel Embiid is always going to be a sold source for production. Terry Rozier saw a massive increase in price, which is understandable but risky in case he doesn't have an outstanding game. I'll put all of this in perspective. I'll take Rozier of Kyle Lowry tonight, Kyle Korver over Marco Belinelli, and Al Horford over Jonas Valanciunas.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 5/5/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel.
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Fred Van Vleet - PG, @ CLE ($3,800)
Although I've been skeptical of the Raptors backcourt being able to produce when it matters, this will be the ultimate test and I only expect Fred Van Vleet and Delon Wright to step up. Delon Wright hasn't really been providing the stats needed to be useful in DFS, but Van Vleet is all production. His last game was his best this series, and he should continue to pick up momentum the more the Raptors look to him for scoring. His price is extremely low given his upside, so assume Van Vleet will get his opportunities but note that it's not guaranteed because he's still an inexperienced point guard.
Jaylen Brown - PG, @ PHI ($5,200)
Although Jaylen Brown is still somewhat recovering from an injury, he's clearly able to produce. I'd prefer him posting a stat line that consists of more than 14 points a few rebounds, but there's still a touch of uncertainty because of him coming off an injury. The minutes don't seem like a problem, but Brown is still an inconsistent shooter. Luckily with his price, he only needs to score around 15-20 points and get a few boards. At this point, with the amount of shooting Brown has been doing, it's hard for me to see the Celtics not letting Brown try to get to his spots.
Also Consider: Kyle Korver - SG, vs. CLE ($4,400)
FanDuel DFS Forwards
C.J. Miles - SF, @ CLE ($3,500)
C.J. Miles hasn't been very effective this series and it's hard or me to see any reason why it would be. the only thing is, he knows he needs to score and the rest of the Raptors know the importance of him catching fire. Now that the Raptors are against the wall, they are going to start resorting to nay offense they can get in hopes to keep the Cavaliers, mainly LeBron James at bay. With an EXTREMELY low price, the Raptors second unit is looking more enticing every game they lose. It's clear the starters can't do enough so look for the bench to try and make their presence felt before it's too late.
Jayson Tatum - SF, @ PHI ($6,800)
Jayson Tatum continues to shine in the spotlight although his production is skeptical. It's not that he plays differently, it's just he doesn't hit his shot which is actually favorable for DFS. Granted, the mental aspect being the reason for a play isn't the greatest, but Tatum is going to continue to be a big part of the Celtics offense and playmaking. Until that changes, Tatum will always have upside even if his price reaches into the $7,000 range.
Jeff Green - PF, vs. TOR ($4,000)
Since he's producing, you might as well roster Jeff Green. With the Cavaliers revolving only around LeBron James for offense and consistency, Green is arguably the next best player. It's not saying too much but when you need a cheaper option and know the Cavaliers at home will only help production. Since his price is so low, there always a bit of downside but it shouldn't matter seeing how the Raptor defense has done little to limit really anyone on the Cavaliers.
Also Consider: Kevin Love - PF, vs. TOR ($7,500)
FanDuel DFS Centers
Al Horford - C, @ PHI ($7,500)
With not many centers available and Al Horford being an option that won'y break the bank, you don't really have much choice. Selling out for Joel Embiid makes complete sense and I don't blame you, but that will limit you on the rest of your choices. Just play it safe and roll with Horford, who has been playing well this playoffs AND this series. You should consider Jonas Valanciunas as well, simply because Horford is known for having great games and minimal stat lines. All in all, this is a game I would absolutely NOT fade Horford. The Celtics are rough on the road and Horford is likely to be one of the few consistent options.
