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Monday brings two more playoff games in the NBA. As we approach the Conference Finals, we are running out of two-game DFS slates. Let’s enjoy this one while we still can.
The key to being successful in NBA DFS comes down to making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available. But it's always really important to have a game plan, and the best players and spots circled first before making those adjustments. To keep up with all the latest developments and get access to updated projections, grab an NBA season pass and also gain access to our RotoBaller Premium Discord, where @chiefjustice6 is talking about the slate up until lineups lock!
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 5/13/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EDT on FanDuel and DraftKings.
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Today's NBA DFS Core Picks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to stuff the stat in multiple areas. In the first three games against the Mavericks, he has averaged 31.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 3.0 blocks per game. He logged 34 minutes per game during the regular season, but he has played at least 37 minutes in every game against the Mavericks. With his skill set and that kind of playing time, he is one of the safest options for this slate.
Donovan Mitchell (calf) is listed as questionable for Game 4 against the Celtics. The Cavaliers have only won one of the first three games, but Mitchell has done his part by averaging 31.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in the series. He is the driving force behind the Cavaliers’ scoring attack, so as long as he is cleared to play, he has the potential to produce another monster stat line.
With the Celtics trying to regain homecourt advantage, Jaylen Brown stepped up to post 28 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in Game 3. He has scored at least 25 points in three of the last four games and he is averaging 6.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs. His salary isn’t overly expensive on either site, which makes him even more appealing.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC at DAL – PG ($9,800 DK; $10,900 FD)
- Donovan Mitchell, CLE vs. BOS – PG/SG ($9,000 DK; $9,600 FD)
- Jaylen Brown, BOS at CLE – SG/SF ($7,700 DK; $8,000 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Value Picks
One of the main reasons why the Mavericks are up 2-1 over the Thunder is how well P.J. Washington has played. He recorded 29 points and 11 rebounds in Game 2. In Game 3, he posted 27 points and six rebounds. He logged at least 40 minutes in both of those games and hit a total of 12 three-pointers. With how hot he is right now, expect him to also log heavy minutes in Game 4.
The Celtics are loaded with scoring options, so Jrue Holiday doesn’t always get a ton of shot attempts. He was aggressive early in Game 3 and finished with 18 points. That was in addition to his eight rebounds and five assists. While his scoring numbers haven’t been reliable, he is averaging 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game in the playoffs. If he is able to put forth one of his better-scoring nights again, he could provide significant value.
The injury to Maxi Kleber (shoulder) has forced the Mavericks to rely more on Daniel Gafford. Gafford has responded by averaging 12.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in the series against the Thunder. He has battled a couple of injuries along the way, so while he might not be completely healthy right now, he should play enough to have the potential to provide value.
Top Value Plays:
- P.J. Washington, DAL vs. OKC – PF/C ($6,000 DK; $6,900 FD)
- Jrue Holiday, BOS at CLE – PG ($5,600 DK; $5,900 FD)
- Daniel Gafford, DAL vs. OKC – C ($5,500 DK; $6,200 FD)
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Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard
Gilgeous-Alexander is someone to consider building your entire entry around. Fading him in cash contests could be fatal. However, for those looking to differentiate their lineup in tournament play, Holiday is a viable option at a much cheaper salary.
This step-through by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was COLD 🥶pic.twitter.com/5zmiujU5YA
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 10, 2024
Top PG Options:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at DAL, ($9,800 DK; $10,900 FD)
- Jrue Holiday at CLE, ($5,600 DK; $5,900 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard
Caris LeVert has the potential to go off whenever he steps onto the floor. After a quiet performance in Game 2, he has posted at least 15 points and six rebounds in both of the last two games. There is a risk that comes with deploying him in DFS, but his salary is so cheap on both sites that if he has one of his better-scoring nights again, he could be a bargain.
Top SG Options:
- Donovan Mitchell vs. BOS, ($9,000 DK; $9,600 FD)
- Caris LeVert vs. BOS, ($4,600 DK; $5,000 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward
Viable options with cheap salaries aren’t always easy to find in the playoffs. Teams usually shrink their rotations, leaning heavily on their starters for big minutes. Playing time isn’t an issue for Max Strus, who has averaged 35 minutes per game during the playoffs. He has shot 36.5 percent from behind the arc for his career, so he is intriguing, with plenty of minutes likely in the cards again. If he catches fire, he could far outproduce his salary.
Top SF Options:
- Jaylen Brown at CLE, ($7,700 DK; $8,000 FD)
- Max Strus vs. BOS, ($4,900 DK; $4,500 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward
Jayson Tatum was aggressive early in Game 3. He would go on to attempt a total of 25 shots, which was the most that he has taken during the Celtics’ current playoff run. He didn’t disappoint, scoring 33 points to go along with 13 rebounds and six assists. Not only is he a terrific scorer, but he is averaging 10.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game during the playoffs. As long as Game 4 isn’t a blowout, Tatum should be worth his hefty salary.
Jayson Tatum with a RIDICULOUS fadeaway from behind the basket 😱
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 12, 2024
Top PF Options:
- Jayson Tatum at CLE, ($9,500 DK; $9,900 FD)
- P.J. Washington vs. OKC, ($6,000 DK; $6,900 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center
While Chet Holmgren doesn’t have an overly high usage rate, it’s what he does outside of the scoring column that makes him appealing in DFS. During the regular season, he averaged 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. In this series against the Mavericks, he has averaged 7.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.0 blocks. Also appealing to him is that his salary isn’t cumbersome on either site.
Top C Options:
- Chet Holmgren at DAL, ($6,900 DK; $7,600 FD)
- Daniel Gafford vs. OKC, ($5,500 DK; $6,200 FD)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks
- Thunder at Mavericks (214.5 total)
- Celtics at Cavaliers (207 total)
Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids
- Al Horford has not done much since Kristaps Porzingis (calf) went down. Over four games, he has only averaged 7.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Gafford has more upside and similar salaries, so Horford isn’t someone to target.
My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today
- My favorite overall play on the slate: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Donovan Mitchell
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: P.J. Washington
- My favorite value play: Jrue Holiday
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