With just one game, let’s discuss tonight’s NBA showdown slate. Remember, playing a showdown slate requires a slightly different mindset. Read on to see my top NBA plays, focusing on showdown strategy. Good Luck!
Point Guard
Patrick Beverley - LA Clippers (vs. Denver Nuggets)
The Charlie Hustle award would go to Beverley (If there was one). Beverley is back to his normal minutes and conditioning. If (and this is a big if) he can keep his emotions in check and avoid fouls and ejections, he should be a fine play tonight. I like the Clippers to win tonight to close out the series. It will be a team effort. Beverley totaled 17.8 DK points in his last game over 27 minutes. Considering his salary and upside, roster Beverley across all DFS formats.
Other PG Option: Jamal Murray - Denver Nuggets - (vs. LA Clippers) [[ad:athena]]
Shooting Guard
Lou Williams - LA Clippers (vs. Denver Nuggets)
Lou is more of a GPP play. He tends to perform better when LA is losing. I do love his matchups but I don’t think that the Clippers will go down too much at any point in the game. I actually see them blowing out the Nuggets but if you think the game stays close, investing in Lou Williams makes sense. He runs the second unit and is a great point per minute player. The Clippers are favored by -375 with a 216 under/over. This is the largest favored line so far this series. If the game stays close, Lou will produce along with Harrell, if not Kawhi Leonard is our guy! Find out why below.
Other SG Option: Gary Harris - Denver Nuggets - (vs. LA Clippers)
Small Forward
Kawhi Leonard - LA Clippers (Denver Nuggets)
Leonard is the centerpiece of this offense. Sure, his roster percentages will be high but this is chalk that you’ll want to eat today. For those who don’t know what chalk is, it’s basically just a popular play. I’m expecting Kawhi to be upwards of 70% rostered. Can you fade him? Sure. Would I? No. Fading Kawhi will be today’s pivot due to his expected ownership. Lock in Kawhi for Cash and GPP tournaments. Remember, this is a showdown slate, having as many super stars as possible is the most important first step in making your lineups.
Other SF Option: Michael Porter Jr. - Denver Nuggets - (vs. LA Clippers)
Power Forward
Marcus Morris - LA Clippers (Denver Nuggets)
Morris is a smart value play on this slate. Will he get you 40+ fantasy points? Probably not but he will allow for lineup flexibility to roster Kawhi and Paul George in the same lineups. With 25.8 DK points in his last game over 36 minutes played, it’s safe to say the Clippers want him on the court as much as possible. His skills don’t always translate to stats but he’s skilled and needed nonetheless. At such reasonable salaries around the industry. Lock in Marcus Morris for today’s showdown slate!
Other PF Option: Paul Millsap - Denver Nuggets - (vs. LA Clippers)
Center
Nikola Jokic - Denver Nuggets - (vs. LA Clippers)
Even in a loss I believe the Joker shows up. In this series, he’s averaged 49.7 DK points per game and hasn’t played less than 30 minutes in a single game. Making a lineup for today’s game solely depends on the game narrative. Who do you think will win? Will it be close or a blow out? A daily fantasy lineup is essentially a manifestation of how a given game plays out. Although, I do like the Clippers in a blowout today. You can totally consider rostering Jokic if you think Denver can keep this one close.
Other C Option: Mason Plumlee - Denver Nuggets - (vs. LA Clippers)