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The NBA playoffs have arrived, and it is always interesting when the defending champions are set to take the floor.
With only three games on the card (which will likely be the case moving forward), it is definitely wise to spend up on several big money guys. In doing so, it is imperative to find some value options at each position as well.
In this article, I will be providing you with daily NBA lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/20/17. The picks will range from some of the elite players, to mid-priced options, and value plays. Shall we dance?
DraftKings DFS Guards
Giannis Antetokounmpo - PG/SF, vs TOR ($10,100)
This is exactly where we want to spend up on Thursday night. The series shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3, where the Greek Freak has seen a rise in all his offensive categories throughout the regular season. Right now, Antetokounmpo is locked in, and is coming off a 24 point, 15 rebound double-double in Game 2. The Bucks will look to take an important two games to one lead; this guy should be at the center. I was just in Greece, where everyone was rooting for him and Milwaukee. With two nations behind the rising star, it is hard to believe that one of the league's best dunkers won't explode tonight.
Iman Shumpert - SG, @ IND ($3,500)
After being benched during the entirety of Game 1, Shumpert started the second half of Game 2 once J.R. Smith could not return to action. Shumpert provided an immediate spark for the defending champs, and while he only scored five points, helped solidify the team's late rally against the Pacers. With Smith now questionable to lace up Thursday night with a hamstring injury, Shump could see a heavy boost in minutes. Despite the MRI for Smith coming back negative and the veteran practicing on Wednesday, Shump should still see a rise in his court time after being a key part in Tuesday's win. He doesn't need to do too much to reach projection either.
Also Consider: Kyrie Irving - PG, @ IND ($8,600)
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Paul George - SF/PF, vs CLE ($10,500)
Paul George is locked in, and has been for all of April. Throughout the month, George is averaging 32.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. PG13 also seems like the only thing standing in the way of Indiana getting swept by the Cavaliers in the first round. If the Pacers have any hope, it lies in the hands of their best player. Expect another 30-plus point performance from George as the series now moves to Indiana.
Khris Middleton - SF, vs TOR ($6,500)
I'm not crazy about too many other small forward options for Thursday night's slate. But I am very excited about Khris Middleton. Alongside Antetokounmpo, expect another solid performance from Middleton during Game 3 of a series tied at one game a piece. Middleton has played 41 minutes in both games, and is coming off a 2o point performance in Game 2, where he drained all three of his attempts from behind the arc.
Also Consider: Patrick Patterson - PF, @ MIL ($2,800)
DraftKings DFS Centers
Tristan Thompson - C, @ IND - ($4,800)
Tristan Thompson is certainly the more consistent rebounder than someone like Greg Monroe (still a solid play). Since rebounds are worth more in DraftKings than in FanDuel, Thompson is the smarter value play here. Thompson has posted double-digit rebounds in back-to-back games, and is averaging 11.5 boards in the early going of the series. Double-doubles are also rewarded in DraftKings, and not in FanDuel. Even though he has only averaged six points per game in this series, Thompson is still the safer pick, at a cheaper price. This is the game to target on Thursday.
Also Consider: Greg Monroe - C, vs TOR ($5,200)
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