Here we go day two of the 2020 playoffs. Four games today starting at 1:30.
The Vegas lines have three of the four games staying close. The Bucks are a 12 point favorite over the Magic.
The Magic get the largest pace bump on the slate at +7 and the Thunder are right behind at +6. I have a lot of interest in the Thunder players as they get a nice pace bump and an excellent matchup as the Rockets have been one of the worst teams on the year and the worst in the bubble.
The Blazers have been playing a tight rotation and now they are down a player, so Hassan Whiteside should see some additional run and Mario Hezonja could some additional minutes. Most of the starters have been playing high 30s and low 40s in minutes.
POINT GUARDS
Chris Paul
In the bubble Paul has played well putting up 30 or more FPs in all games but one and that one he only played 23 minutes. This is an excellent spot for him in a pace up game against the worst defensive team in the bubble that will be without Russell Westbrook. This is the type of game where you see the upside from Paul as the game runs faster and this opens up more opportunities for him. A few addition shots, rebounds steals and before you know it he has a 50 burger. He is the leader of this team and I expect him to take charge today and lead the Thunder to victory. In the past two games against the Rockets he posted 50 and 42 FPs respectively.
Damian Lillard-playing at a high level again. Price is reasonable on FanDuel and on the high side on DraftKings at 11.4k. He gets a tougher matchup with the Lakers today, but dropped 82 FPs on them earlier this year along with two 50 FPs performances. I will have some Lillard today.
Markell Fultz- starting in a fast paced game.
VALUE
Goran Dragic- cheap option on DK and starting today.
Alex Caruso-should see minutes and Blazers have struggled vs opposing PGs.
SHOOTING GUARDS
James Harden
The Rockets will be without Wesbrook today which increases Hardens usage from 36% to 43% and FPPM form 1.6 to 1.8. Will definitely have exposure to him as he can go off on any given night, especially with no Westbrook. Something to note- the Thunder have done a good job at limiting Harden this year keeping him to an ever age of 45 FPs with a high of 57. Giannis is the other pay up spot and he has been an absolute FPPM beast this year At just shy of 2.0. He is the contrarian play at has similar upside to Harden. Giannis has a very nice price on DK.
Jimmy Butler- Butler loves playing against TJ Warren. Will step up today. Just dropped a 50 burger on them.
VALUE
Terrance Ross
Dennis Schroder- back in the mix. Love this pace up spot off the bench for Schroder.
Kentavios Caldwell-Pope
SMALL FORWARDS
Danilo Gallinari
Gallo is under priced on FanDuel at only 5.2K. His fantasy point average is 28. This is a pace up spot where he should see some additional minutes in the playoffs which helps his upside. As you can see like the Thunder players going against the faster paced Rockets who play little to no defense.
VALUE
Jae Crowder
Good defender and can do a little bit of everything. Should see solid minutes in this matchup.
Justin Holiday
James Ennis
POWER FORWARDS
Anthony Davis
Davis should have his way against this Blazer team today as long as he can stay on the court. Blazers have no one to contain Davis. 78, 42 and 63 vs Blazers this year.
Darius Bazley-played at a high level towards the end of the season.
VALUE
Marvin Williams
CENTERS
Nikola Vucevic
The Magic get a big pace bump today against the Bucks. This is a very good spot for Vucevic with the pace bump and the fact that the Bucks have not played defense as well as they did earlier this year. Vucevic should dominate Brook Lopez as he did in the past(52 and 49 FPs over the last two matchups).
Steven Adams
VALUE
Hasan Whiteside
JaVale McGee
**Chris Paul and Anthony Davis are my locks. Will have a mixture of the rest of these plays in my lineups.
