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This article aims to highlight some of the best NBA DFS Plays at every position for your cash game lineups. Keep in mind that the following player write-ups were constructed earlier in the day, and sometimes injury/rest situations can alter the fantasy landscape. Monitoring our NBA News & Headlines Feed throughout the day will keep you in the loop while giving you the subsequent DFS consequences of each information piece.
We’ll take a look at Thursday’s two-game main slate starting at 7:30 ET.
POINT GUARD
Mike James – Brooklyn (at Milwaukee) – DK: $3,800 / FD: $4,800 / Yahoo: $10
James Harden is still out for the Nets, so Mike James will retain a 25-30 minute role in Brooklyn’s backcourt. Fantasy success has come alongside that with 25 and 21 fantasy points in the first two games of this series. James has a fantasy-friendly game with the ability to score, assist, and even rebound despite his 6’1” frame (10 total boards in last two games). This should be another high-scoring game (234 over/under) for James to serve as a pleasant value filler.
Also Consider: Kyrie Irving, Rajon Rondo
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SHOOTING GUARD
Donovan Mitchell – Utah (vs. LA Clippers) – DK: $8,900 / FD: $9,500 / Yahoo: $39
Mitchell has been outstanding in the playoffs. He has taken his game even higher with Mike Conley sidelined over the past two games, hitting 52 and 59 fantasy points respectively. I’m expecting Mitchell to put the Jazz on his back even if Conley returns tonight. Of course, Conley’s potential absence would lead to more usage for “Spida”. No matter how you slice it, Mitchell is a priority on this two-game slate.
Also Consider: Bruce Brown, Joe Ingles
SMALL FORWARD
Bojan Bogdanovic – Utah (vs. LA Clippers) – DK: $5,900 / FD: $5,400 / Yahoo: $20
Bogdanovic depends on the status of Mike Conley. If Conley is out, then Bojan should have a more prominent role in the Utah offense. In the last two games with Conley sidelined, Bogdanovic has stepped up for 36 and 29 fantasy points respectively. He was only averaging 22 FPPG in three previous games. That accurately represents the difference with Conley on/off the court, so pay attention to the injury news and adjust accordingly.
Also Consider: Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum
POWER FORWARD
Royce O’Neale – Utah (vs. LA Clippers) – DK: $5,100 / FD: $5,800 / Yahoo: $17
Throughout his career, O’Neale has been known as a guy who sees quality minutes without it translating to fantasy success. However, he’s shaking that notion with a strong 34 FPPG mark over his last three games. O’Neale is doing it through peripheral stats like rebounds, assists, and steals while hoping to knock down several three-pointers along the way. He should have plenty of opportunities with another 35+ minute role tonight, and the Utah forward is an encouraging bargain choice on this slate.
Also Consider: Blake Griffin, P.J. Tucker
CENTER
Brook Lopez – Milwaukee (at Brooklyn) – DK: $4,600 / FD: $6,000 / Yahoo: $19
Lopez isn’t an exciting DFS option, but he should hold his own while allowing you to reach towards the superstars. The Milwaukee center has been mediocre in the first two games of this series, averaging 26 minutes and 24 fantasy points. That’s not great, but it’s not terrible either – especially on a shortened slate. My strategy is to save money at center to help spend up on Mitchell, Leonard, and others. Lopez is a practical way to execute that strategy.
Also Consider: Rudy Gobert
POTENTIAL BARGAINS
Blake Griffin (PF – BKN) came back down to earth after his 42 FP eruption in Game 1. It’s nice to know that he has upside in his back pocket, but Griffin’s baseline is probably more around 24-27 FP, which still represents plausible value on a two-game slate.
Joe Ingles (SG – UTA) would benefit if Mike Conley misses this game. Ingles saw 32 minutes while starting for Conley on Tuesday, which is encouraging. He only came through with 21 fantasy points, but that was despite a terrible shooting night (3-12 FG, 1-8 3PT). If he’s closer to average with his FG%, then we are looking at a potential 30 FP night.
P.J. Tucker (PF – MIL) is near minimum salary and I don’t mind him if you need a cheap filler to help make the superstars work in your lineup. Sure, Tucker threw up a 5 FP dud last game, but he’s still seeing 22-27 minutes for the Bucks. Minutes are valuable in playoff games, and Tucker could find reasonable production through rebounds, blocks, steals, and corner threes to bring forth serviceable DFS value. It’s risky, but I don’t mind rolling the dice on a guy who is getting minutes for near minimum salary.