RADIO
Happy Cinco de Mayo mi amigos. With the first set of games in round two completed, injuries, and the sheer influence of playoffs have sparked every player that receives significant minutes in each game. Players like Matt Barnes and Mike Dunleavy have been playing completely outside of their value range. Trying to find those cheap players to free up space for superstars is increasingly difficult as teams gets closer and closer to a title. Every starter is more and more expensive every game and the cheap plays are relying on players who only receive 15-20 minutes a game. The bench is where gems are hidden and I am going to try to uncover a few gems that should look to shine in game two.
Basketball is a funny sport and any player is capable of MVP type performances on any given night. The trick to DFS is finding those players who are the going to produce in a limited amount of minutes. While I cannot predict what will happen on any given night, I will attempt to provide you with the a different perspective on players and reasoning to play those players on that given night. Players seem to use momentum to their advantage during the playoffs so look for players to carry momentum through consecutive games. I will select two players from each team, one of a higher price, and one value player. If it helps with frustration, I will practice what I preach and will use most of the players I advise to strengthen the advisor-advisee relationship. DFS, just like life is about balances and finding those balances in any situation.
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Washington Wizards @ Atlanta Hawks - Lineup Enhancers
John Wall (WAS, G) - $9,400
John Wall ran the Wizards offense in game one and proved to be too much to handle for the Hawks guards. He neared a triple-double and should look to provide a similar performance today. He seemed to thrive off of the Hawks home crowd which can be very scary for Hawks players and fans alike. He was unstoppable and looks hungry for a game two win in Atlanta. Wall can carry the team on his back when he needs to but has had great support from the rest of his team. He should not have a problem scoring and creating offense for the Wizards but an 18 point, 13 assist
game is hard to repeat...but not impossible, especially for a player like John Wall.
Otto Porter (WAS, F) - $4,800
I like to play the hot hand and after recording his first double-double in the playoffs, Otto Porter should produce again in game two. The mighty Hawks fell hard at home and Porter played a pivotal role in the victory. He played 34 minutes in game one which is great from a DFS standpoint due to his low price for someone that will play a significant amount of minutes. Porter is a must play simply due to his low price and high ceiling especially after a solid outing in game one.
Al Horford (ATL, C) - $7,900
If you watched game one, Horford was all over the court, recording a monstrous double-double with 17 points, and 17 rebound, adding seven assists. While the Hawks did not seem to have an answer for John Wall, the same could be said about Horford. It seemed like every shot he took was falling and controlled the glass like he always has on his home court. Horford should own the paint the whole series and his shooting range along with ability to see the court well makes Horford an obvious play. His price is surprisingly low for a player that nearly recorded a triple-double against one of the stingiest defenses in the Eastern Conference.
Kyle Korver (ATL, G) - $6,400
He may not be a value option but the Hawks seem to stick with playing their starters as much as possible. Much of the Hawks bench has been nonexistent, and was evident in the game one loss. Korver had one of his worst shooting performances this playoffs in game one but should rebound in game two. A shooter like Korver is able to find his stroke quickly but struggled last game. He 33% from the field wasn't terrible but for him was an unorthodox outing. With game two back at home Korver should find his stroke as the Hawks need a big game two win at home.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Golden State Warriors
Marc Gasol (MEM, C) - $8,500 & Zach Randolph (MEM, F) - $7,100
The only real success in game one by the Grizzlies was the production of their front court with Marc Gasol finishing with 21 points and Zach Randolph finishing with 20 points. Unfortunately the Grizzlies seemed to be overwhelmed by the fast pace of a Golden State team and came away with a hefty loss at the hands of the Western Conference’s best team. Where Gasol continued his usual production it looks like he should have no problem scoring against the Warriors. Randolph on the other hand was an unlikely producer as he seemed invisible during round one. Randolph should look to repeat his production and I predict him to have a better game two. The Warriors should have no problem handling the series but if Gasol and Randolph can continue to produce points and grab rebounds, the Grizzlies may squeak out a few home wins.
Draymond Green (GS, F) - $8,300
As one of the most complete players in the playoffs, Draymond Green had a decent outing in game one recording 18 points, five boards and three assists. It was not the best game from Green as he should look to game two to bounce back to his normal 40-50 FPS in game two. PLayers like Green can be usually contained in one game but is very unlikely for him to continue that mediocre play to game two. The Grizzlies defense is tough but the focus will be on the talented Golden State backcourt which should free up Green for easy buckets throughout the game.
Other Players to Consider
Stephen Curry (GS, G) - $10,700
The recent MVP recognition may spark Curry to reach inhuman like levels and produce ridiculous numbers like he usual is capable of. His high price makes him a more avoidable player but his ceiling could be higher than ever trying to live up to the MVP hype. Curry is another high risk high reward player that every DFS player should keep their eye on.
Marreese Speights (GS, F) - $3,000
In the unlikely chance that the Warriors impose a hefty lead on the Grizzlies, Marreese Speights is reliable to produce given the amount of minutes. Regardless of the number he manages to score a few points and grab multiple rebounds with his time on the court. Speights is a very cheap option on a day where cheap options are very uncommon. I hope the Warriors can dominate game two which will allow significant minutes for Speights and allowing him to produce especially for such a cheap price. The risk is very high as game two should not be a blowout like game one. If it is, then Speights should get around 10-15 minutes along with a few points.
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