NBA DFS: DraftKings, FanDuel Daily Fantasy Basketball Picks (5/23/24) - Today's Top Lineups

We are back with another showdown slate on FanDuel and DraftKings. Game One was an absolute thriller, and the Pacers almost shocked the world, but a Jaylen Brown clutch three sent it to OT. The Pacers are showing they can keep it close is good for us, as blowouts kill lineups, and that is not what we are looking for here. The lineup construction is a little bit different than your typical DFS slate, as these include a 1.5x multiplier Captain's spot on DK that carries elevated salaries for each player, and MVP (2x), STAR (1.5x), and PRO (1.2x) spots on FanDuel where player's salaries are the same regardless of roster spot.

The key to being successful in NBA DFS comes down to making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available. But it's always really important to have a game plan, and the best players and spots circled first before making those adjustments. To keep up with all the latest developments and 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 5/23/24. 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. Good luck, RotoBallers!

Today's NBA DFS Core Picks (Captain/MVP/STAR)

Jayson Tatum looks to be the clear number-one option on this slate. He had 58+ fantasy in four straight playoff games, including a 61 FP performance against the Pacers on Tuesday. I don't think we have to worry too much about blowouts like everyone thought this series was going to be, as the Pacers have come to play and have almost taken game one. This should lead everyone to play maximum minutes.

Pascal Siakam does a little bit of everything on the court, and that showed in game one as he was three assists shy of a triple-double. He has been a bit volatile in the playoffs, but he should be good for at least 35 FP coming into game two after nearly having 50 FP in game one.

Myles Turner is a great way to get different and is a solid cheaper Captain spot on DK. He finished with 43 FP in game one and has scored 30+ FP in six straight playoff games. His ability to stretch the court and be the big man the Pacers need is going to be crucial in helping the Pacers get the win here in game two.

Highest Usage Rate Among Active Players In The Playoffs (Min. 20.0 MPG) :

1. Luka Doncic — 31.0%
2. Anthony Edwards — 28.6%
3. Jayson Tatum — 27.9%
4. Jaylen Brown — 27.8%
5. Pascal Siakam —… https://t.co/2aeoK3bbJC pic.twitter.com/X7VvIxB5wR

— Stat Defender (@statdefender) May 23, 2024

Top Captain's Spot/MVP Plays:

1. Jayson Tatum, BOS vs IND - SF/PF ($17.4K DK; $16.5K FD)
2. Pascal Siakam, IND at BOS - PF ($13.5K DK; $13.5K FD)
3. Myles Turner, IND at BOS - C ($12K DK; $12.5K FD)

Also consider: Tyrese Haliburton, IND at BOS - PG ($14.4K DK; $14.5K FD)

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Today's NBA DFS Value Picks (Utility/PRO)

Jrue Holiday will probably garner some decent ownership after having his best game of the playoffs this season. He finished with 55 FP in 48 minutes. He has been inconsistent so far, but I think matchup matters, as he played extremely well in the last two games against the Pacers in the regular season. Jrue Holiday will likely be one of my first clicks on both sites.

T.J. McConnell is about as cheap as I'm looking to go, at least on FD. Obi Toppin is an option, too, but I like the consistency of T.J. much more. He has logged 25 FP in three straight games, and his defensive prowess and scoring will be needed off the bench heavily if the Pacers want to stay close in this game.

Al Horford played solid minutes in their game seven wins over Cleveland and the game one win over Indiana. In those games, he finished with 55 and 32 FP. As long as Kristaps Porzingis is out, Horford should continue to see solid minutes and get decent usage at the center position against the Pacers.

Tyrese Haliburton with Jrue Holiday guarding him in game 1:

- 5:00 matchup minutes
- 27 possessions
- 0/3 FG (0%)
- 2 TOV

"Jrue Holiday is the best defender in the NBA.” -Tyrese Haliburton pic.twitter.com/WmIcsbrPF6

— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) May 22, 2024

Top Utility/PRO Plays:

1. Jrue Holiday, BOS vs. IND - PG ($7.4K DK; $11.5K FD)
2. T.J. McConnell, IND at BOS - PG ($5.6K DK; $9K FD)
3. Al Horford, BOS vs. IND - PF/C ($6.6K DK; $10.5K FD)

Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids

This slate, I'm making my lineups a little more balanced rather than forcing studs and taking bad value. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith are decent options, but I'll be fading the cheaper options like Payton Pritchard and Obi Toppin.

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: Pascal Siakam
• My favorite CASH play on the slate: Jayson Tatum
• My favorite GPP play on the slate: Myles Turner
• My favorite value play: Jrue Holiday

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis