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Welcome back, RotoBallers! Tonight, we've got two pivotal Game 5 matchups to see who will be facing elimination in Game 6 later this week. These articles focus on the overall best plays, which are typically more suited for cash games. However, some exceptions may apply, depending on the size of the slate.
The key to being successful in NBA DFS comes down to making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available. However, it's always really important to have a game plan, as well as the best players and spots circled first before making those adjustments. To keep up with all the latest developments and to 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 Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 8:00 p.m. EDT on FanDuel and DraftKings. As always, feel free to follow my X/Twitter (@Maxadelphia) to keep up to date with NBA news and for my nightly NBA bets if you're into that sort of thing. Let's go!
Today's NBA DFS Core Picks
For this being a two-game slate, there are plenty of ways to construct a lineup. It is possible to play two of the superstars together, even if one is Nikola Jokic, although you'll have to sacrifice a little bit more elsewhere to play him. It's also a slate full of mid-range options if you're looking for a more balanced lineup. However, there does appear to be a significant difference regarding game environments; Pacers at Knicks has a higher implied total by 10 points.
- Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. MIN - C ($11.3K DK; $12.1K FD)
- Jalen Brunson, NYK vs. IND – PG ($9.5K DK; $10.1K FD)
- Josh Hart, NYK vs. IND – SF/PF ($7.8K DK; $8.7K FD)
Today's NBA DFS Value Picks
The Knicks have dealt with the most injuries out of all the teams playing tonight and are the only team missing players that have played meaningful playoff minutes this postseason. However, all four teams playing tonight have at least one viable sub-$5K option, so ownership should be relatively spread out. Playing the correct cheap pieces will be the difference between leaving the slate with more money in your bankroll.
Top Value Plays:
- Miles McBride, NYK vs. IND - PG/SG ($4K DK; $4.4K FD)
- Obi Toppin, IND at NYK - PF/C ($4.2K DK; $4.4K FD)
- Jaden McDaniels, MIN at DEN - SF ($4.3K DK; $4.2K FD)
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Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard
The Knicks are as well-rested as a Tom Thibodeau-coached team could be halfway through the second round of the playoffs. We've seen Jalen Brunson go off when playing big minutes. He's scored no less than 57.5 fantasy points when playing 40+ minutes in the playoffs. This is a huge reason why the Knicks' key players will appear throughout these top plays.
Top PG Options:
- Jalen Brunson, NYK vs. IND ($9.5K DK; $10.1K FD)
- Jamal Murray, DEN vs. MIN ($7.6K DK; $8.1K FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard
SG has the most amount of viable, cheap options on the slate. Only two players with SG eligibility are priced over $5K, essentially pigeonholing you to play someone who is inexpensive.
Top SG Options:
- Anthony Edwards, MIN at DEN ($9.2K DK; $10.3K FD)
- Miles McBride, NYK vs. IND ($4K DK; $4.4K FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward
For cash games, SF looks to be a low-priority roster spot. It's the thinnest position on the slate, and the best options are all mid-range. Start with your "must-plays" and then see how your lineup is coming along to decide what your budget for SF is tonight.
Top SF Options:
- Josh Hart, NYK vs. IND ($7.8K DK; $8.7K FD)
- Jaden McDaniels, MIN at DEN ($4.3K DK; $4.2K FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward
PF is also pretty thin, but the big difference between PF and SF is that PF has three fantastic value options that all have Center eligibility. Much like SG, it feels like you're being nudged to spend down at PF.
Top PF Options:
- Michael Porter Jr, DEN vs. MIN ($6.5K DK; $6.2K FD)
- Obi Toppin, IND at NYK ($4.2K DK; $4.4K FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center
Just when it seemed like someone figured out how to stop the three-time and current MVP, Jokic posts back-to-back 60+ fantasy point performances. He could legitimately score as much as the next two highest-scoring Centers on the slate tonight and feels like the most obvious piece to start cash game lineups given his reasonable (for his standard) pricing.
Top C Options:
- Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. MIN ($11.3K DK; $12.1K FD)
- Precious Achiuwa, NYK vs. IND ($4.3K DK; $4.5K FD)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks
- Pacers at Knicks (215.5 total)
- Timberwolves at Nuggets (205.5 total)
Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids
- The Pacers are the deepest team on this slate, which can make them tough to evaluate from a fantasy perspective. There are solid plays on their roster, but their players have the highest probability of putting up a goose egg due to their depth.
- I mentioned that I think the Knicks are the team to target. However, that comes with one exception. Isaiah Hartenstein is a great tournament option but he has been too volatile for his price for cash games.
My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today
Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.
- My favorite overall play on the slate: Nikola Jokic
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Josh Hart
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Anthony Edwards
- My favorite value play: Miles McBride
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