Playoffs have arrived, and we couldn't be happier. There's nothing like watching two MVP candidates square off for at least four games in a row. While James Harden and Russell Westbrook unfortunately won't take the floor tonight, the defending champions will.
On a night with only a handful of games (as will be the case moving forward), it's imperative to draft a couple big money guys. In doing so, it will be important to find value options at each position.
In this article, I will be providing you with daily NBA lineup picks for FanDuel on 4/20/17. The picks will range from some of the elite players, to mid-priced options, and value plays. Shall we dance?
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Kyrie Irving - PG, at IND ($9,000)
This is the time of the year that Kyrie Irving shines the most. Just look at last year's postseason and NBA finals. The point guard options are very thin on Thursday night, so it would certainly be wise to spend up on someone who has already proven his value during the playoffs. Irving has posted 23 and 37 points in the first two games of the series, and could really help put the nail in the coffin during Game 3. Until proven otherwise, Irving is a must-play for the remainder of the playoffs. The flashy guard is just getting started. His assist total dropped in Game 2, but that is easily forgiven when he puts up 35-plus points.
Also Consider: Mike Conley - PG, vs SA ($7,300)
Monta Ellis - SG, vs CLE ($3,900)
The Indiana Pacers need more from other players not named Paul George. Thaddeus Young is also mentioned on this list, but in order to draft Irving, we need other value options at the guard spots to free up cap space. Ellis has not blown anyone away with his scoring performances in the early going of the series, nor will he, but did drop 11 points in Game 2. He has averaged 26.5 minutes per game, solid for his low price, and has played better at home during the regular season. Although not much, Ellis is averaging 9.4 points per game at home, compared to his 7.6 on the road.
Also Consider: Giannis Antetokounmpo - SG, vs TOR ($10,500)
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Khris Middleton - SF, vs TOR ($5,900)
I'm not crazy about too many other small forward options for Thursday night's slate. But I am very high on Khris Middleton. Alongside Antetokounmpo, expect another solid performance from Middleton during Game 3 of a series tied at one game a piece. Middleton has played 41 minutes in both games, and is coming off a 2o point performance in Game 2, where he drained all three of his attempts from behind the arc.
Also Consider: Paul George - SF, vs CLE ($10,000)
Patrick Patterson - PF, @ MIL ($3,600)
Patterson is another value option at the forward spot, and is coming off a really solid performance for daily fantasy. In an uncharacteristic 30 minutes of floor time, Patterson scored eight points, grabbed three rebounds, dished out three assists, and added three steals; good for 21.1 fantasy points. I'm all about riding momentum in daily fantasy. Let's just hope he flirts with the same amount of minutes in Game 3 as he logged during Game 2.
Also Consider: Thaddeus Young - PF, vs CLE ($5,400)
FanDuel DFS Centers
Greg Monroe - C, vs TOR ($5,900)
Greg Monroe has been a solid part of Milwaukee's offense and defense in the early going of the postseason. Coming off a loss, the Bucks will look to take an important 2-1 lead as the series shifts to their home court. Monroe posted a double-double, 14 points and 15 rebounds, in a winning effort during Game 1. His point total rose to 18 in Game 2, but his rebounds dropped to four. I wouldn't worry about that becoming a consistent trend as the Bucks will continue to rely on Monroe as their starting center. His minutes should also increase as the series progresses further.
Also Consider: Tristan Thompson - C, at IND ($4,600)
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