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The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on August 22, 2020. Jake Finnen provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
At one point last night, the air was sucked out of everyone's lungs, and all watching Mavericks-Clippers feared the worst. When Luka Doncic went down holding his ankle, barely able to put weight on it as he left the court, a speedy exit meant a quick return for the young king. It was deemed just an ankle sprain, and while he did try to come back into the game, albeit too late, it still meant that the Mavericks had a chance. Doncic is the reason the Mavericks are winning right now, and it's hard not to want him to continue to succeed. Luckily he has a day off, but Game 4 is right around the corner and leg injuries and basketball players do not mix well. We all hope for a fast recovery.
With the games being played, there was a pretty obvious trend. If you play it safe, the right players are there. You do not have to spend up to make a well-rounded roster, just lacking those big-time superstars always makes you feel like you are going to miss out. Rather than my usual super-value plays, expect some more mid-level options that are set to make a serious splash Saturday.
Without further ado, here are our daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 8/22/20. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before lock.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Chris Paul - PG, vs. HOU ($7,800)
The first player I noticed was Chris Paul. After last game, I don't see any regression, and if you like to take player's words for it, Paul has already talked about himself stepping up even more than he has already. If you want to take that as a sign, which I did, then Paul at just $7,800 doesn't seem too terrible. Especially seeing how the reality of the fact, that Oklahoma City's offense is stagnant without Paul and hitting 3's late in the game should give him more than enough confidence to start Game 3 off the way he ended Game 2. If his price were higher, I'd consider him an easy fade, but I think at below $8K he at least exceeds his projected.
Yes, you can also play Shai Gilgeous-Alecander here as well, both are viable based on how the Thunder offense operates.
Justin Holiday - SG, vs. MIA ($4,100)
The Holiday name doesn't really resonate negatively with DFS players, but Justin Holiday is significantly less of a consistent option. Usually he has a good game every two games or so, but playing against the Heat, Nate McMillan has clearly found something he likes about the matchup. Playing Holiday forces the Heat to take more contested jumpers and forces them to stay home on rebounds more often than they would like to. Since the battle between Bam Adebayo and Myles Turner has become more impactful, other players are having to step up in terms of rebounding and play defense in the paint.
Holiday isn't a paint presence, but he does all those little things the Pacers need right now. Since Holiday plays defense and has shown the ability to score in bunches, playing him alongside Victor Oladipo, Malcolm Brogdon, T.J. Warren, and Myles Turner makes complete sense.
Gary Trent Jr. - SG/SF, vs. LAL ($4,800)
His price shouldn't be this high based on his history against the Lakers, but every game he seems to be slowly figuring things out. He shined before playoffs, and the atmosphere has made an immediate impact on his efficiency. His confidence doesn't look shot, but he does seem slightly more hesitant in terms of producing. Last game was a step in the right direction, and regression hasn't happened with Trent since the bubble started. He's young and will have bad games, but as long as he is getting minutes for this Portland team, and considering they need offense to help Damian Lillard, I expect his production to only go up as the series progresses.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Danuel House Jr. - SF/PF, vs. OKC ($4,700)
Similar to Justin Holiday, just with more upside and consistency, Danuel House Jr. is going to be heavily played today. After improving every game, last game was a defining moment for House and DFS players. He might not focus on statistical output, but he focuses on the things that lead to stats, three's and rebounds. That it his calling card and the Thunder are struggling to really contain that aspect of his game. Oklahoma City cannot afford to lose, but more importantly, they can't afford to gameplan for House with the rest of the Rockets starters. Until Russell Westbrook comes back, House is an easy play, especially at that price.
Terrence Ross- SG/SF, vs. MIL ($5,000)
Does anyone else look at Terrence Ross' game log and see if they can notice the every other game trend? Just me? Ok. Regardless, there is only so much to be said about Ross at this point in DFS' lifespan. He's been around for forever and hasn't really changed his style. You know what you are getting when you play him, but you also know that if you play him on a night where he is hitting, he is, without a doubt one of the best plays that night. Call it a hunch, but Ross didn't play well last game after playing well the game before, and wouldn't you know he didn't play well the game before that, despite playing well the game before THAT. You see where I'm going with this.
Jusuf Nurkic - PF/C, vs. LAL ($8,900)
Jusuf Nurkic might have won Game 1, but he lost Game 2 handily and Anthony Davis made it known what exactly Nurkic has to overcome. It's a steep mountain, but the Blazers don't have a choice, especially if Damian Lillard isn't 100% because of his finger. Nurkic needs to repeat his Game 1 figures and that means he needs to step up his game on the rebounding end more than anything. Nurkic dominated from the jump Game 1, grabbing every rebound he could. Game 2 was a different story and he was out-hustled. Not really a knock being out-hustled by Anthony Davis, but if Portland wants to win, they need more from Nurkic. Expect them to look for him more often than the previous two games.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Bam Adebayo - C, vs. MIA ($7,300)
Even though Bam Adebayo was busy dealing with Myles Turned all game, his stats suffered and he price took a minor dive. Even though he will still be guarding Turner, the Heat were extremely lucky they were shooting hot from the field and Duncan Robinson carried most of the offense. Miami doesn't need to get Adebayo involved, but the more they do, and they more freedom he has to take the ball up and work in the post just multiplies his upside. I'm not saying he has Turner figured out, but based on last game, Adebayo is ready for a heavy defensive workload combined with offensive output.
Brook Lopez - C, vs. ORL ($5,300)
Brook Lopez is shooting well and the rest of the Bucks aren't. It's a simple play and the only downside is whether Lopez is actually hitting. Seeing how this is playoffs and Lopez is one of those players that shines in that envireoment more than shying away, its no surprise that he is one of the more productive options Milwaukee has. If Khris Middleton can't find his stroke, the Bucks have no choice but to resort to outside shooting from their tallest player. The price won't kill your salary, but know the risk, upside, and that Lopez is absolutely a focal point of the Bucks offense. The downside is minimized and that's just science.
Good luck to everyone in their NBA DraftKings contests!
