The playoffs are here and we are looking at one of the best times of the year for the NBA. We have a two-game slate where we have two teams trying to get back into their series, so should be some close game
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 5/5/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on DraftKings.
You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. Give me a follow on Twitter @DFS_Tom. Good luck!
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Marcus Smart - PG, BOS @ PHI (DK - $5,900)
Smart has posted 28 or more DraftKings points or more in each of the first two games this series and should be in a spot to continue that trend. He has also played 32 or more minutes per game, which is a bit higher than his season average, a sign that is always encouraging in the playoffs. He isn't a pure scorer but is able to provide value by filling up the stat sheet, so no real worry he won't be able to reach value.
JJ Redick - SG, PHI vs BOS (DK - $5,800)
The 76ers got punched in the gut the first two games, and they need to win this game today to have a shot at coming back. Despite being one of the older guys on the team, Redick has been one of the most consistent players for Philadelphia. He has scored 20 or more real points in four straight games, for a total of 28 or more DraftKings points. He doesn't contribute in many other stats, and is reliant on pure scoring to reach value, so more of a GPP play.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Ben Simmons - SF, PHI vs BOS (DK - $8,300)
Simmons had a terrible Game 2 vs Boston, and you'd like to think he can't be worse than that. Only up from here! He finished with a single real point for a total of 17 DraftKings points, which was by far his lowest in the playoffs. At this point, you want to bet on his pure skill to lead him and the 76ers to a bounce-back win and post the numbers he is capable of. It also helps that he is simply too cheap for the level of production he had in the first-round vs the Heat. He had 41 or more DraftKings points in all five games in the opening round.
Tristan Thompson - PF, CLE vs TOR (DK - $4,800)
Is Tristan Thompson consistent? No. Is Tristan Thompson cheap? Yes. In the last game of the first-round, he posted a double-double for a total of 33 DraftKings points. In the first game of this series, he also posted a double-double for 30 DraftKings points, and in the most recent game, he had only 4 DK points. That is a massive range of outcomes, but with that, he provides plenty of tournament upside. You are betting on his ability to see the minutes and be productive in that span while coming in at a cheaper price.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Jonas Valanciunas - C, TOR @ CLE (DK - $7,300)
Valanciunas has 36 or more DraftKings points in four straight games and has posted four straight double-doubles. He often goes overlooked on the Raptors, since he has very high highs and plenty of lows. They need him to continue on this streak and help the Raptors grab a game on the road. He has taken 13 or more field goal attempts in three of his last four games, so plenty of scoring upside for him tonight.