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Friday brings two potential elimination games in the NBA playoffs. The downside of just two games is that we have limited options in DFS.
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 5/3/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EDT on FanDuel and DraftKings.
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Today's NBA DFS Core Picks
Luka Doncic continues to churn out monster stat lines. In this series versus the Clippers, he has averaged 30.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.0 steals. While he has only shot 41.7 percent from the field, he has averaged 25.4 shot attempts and 7.2 free-throw attempts per game. His floor is as high as it gets.
Paolo Banchero only scored nine points in Game 4, partly because he only needed to play 29 minutes in the Magic’s lopsided victory. In Game 5, he posted 39 points, eight rebounds, and four assists over 38 minutes. This game being played in Orlando leaves Banchero with added upside. He shot just 43.2 percent from the field during the regular season, but he shot 48.2 percent at home.
Like Banchero, Franz Wagner played better in Orlando during the regular season. He shot 50.5 percent from the field at home, compared to 45.7 percent on the road. His best performance of the series came at home in Game 4 when he produced 34 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. His salary won’t destroy your budget on either site, making him even more appealing.
- Luka Doncic, DAL vs. LAC – PG ($11,900 DK; $12,000 FD)
- Paolo Banchero, ORL vs. CLE – SF/PF ($8,300 DK; $8,700 FD)
- Franz Wagner, ORL vs. CLE – SF/PF ($7,200 DK; $7,700 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Value Picks
It hasn’t been the best series for Darius Garland, who scored 15 points or fewer in each of the first four games. He broke out a bit in Game 5, scoring 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the field. His upside isn’t as high as it was during the regular season because of this difficult matchup against the defensive-minded Magic, but his salary is low enough now that he can still provide value.
Jalen Suggs is yet another member of the Magic with noteworthy shooting splits. He shot 44.8 percent from the field on the road during the regular season, but he shot 49.1 percent at home. He showed his upside by scoring 24 points at home in Game 3, making him a viable potential value option.
After losing the first two games in Cleveland, the Magic moved Wendell Carter Jr. into their starting five. He has logged at least 24 minutes in all three games since, including 33 minutes in Game 5. He averaged 11.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists over 26 minutes per game during the regular season, so a return to that role makes him someone to consider in tournament play.
Top Value Plays:
- Darius Garland, CLE at ORL – PG ($6,500 DK; $6,700 FD)
- Jalen Suggs, ORL vs. CLE – PG/SG ($5,700 DK; $5,800 FD)
- Wendell Carter Jr., ORL vs. CLE – C ($4,400 DK; $5,000 FD)
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Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard
Doncic’s salary will do a number on your budget, but he could be well worth it. He’s worth building your entire lineup around. However, for those looking to differentiate their lineup in tournament play, Garland should at least be considered.
Top PG Options:
- Luka Doncic vs. LAC ($11,900 DK; $12,000 FD)
- Darius Garland at ORL ($6,500 DK; $6,600 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard
Kyrie Irving scored just 14 points in Game 5, but he did chip in four rebounds, six assists, and two steals across 35 minutes. For the series, he is averaging 25.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.8 steals. Expect him to continue to have a high usage rate as he and Doncic look to carry the Mavericks’ scoring attack.
KYRIE IRVING.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 2, 2024
Top SG Options:
- Kyrie Irving vs. LAC ($8,900 DK; $9,200 FD)
- Jalen Suggs vs. CLE ($5,700 DK; $5,800 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward
A two-game slate already doesn’t leave us with a ton of options. Combine that with teams using short rotations in the playoffs and value options can really be hard to find. One who at least has scoring upside is Norman Powell, who averaged 13.9 points per game and shot 48.6 percent from the field during the regular season. He can go off at any moment, like he did in Game 3 when he scored 21 points across 30 minutes. Expect him to play enough to have an opportunity to score in bunches again.
Top SF Options:
- Franz Wagner vs. CLE ($7,200 DK; $7,700 FD)
- Norman Powell at DAL ($4,900 DK; $4,500 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward
Jonathan Isaac was moved to the second unit when Carter was inserted into the starting five. Still, he has logged at least 20 minutes in two of the last three games. He is a good three-point shooter and can rack up steals and blocks at ridiculous rates. It won’t cost much to add him to your lineup, making him potentially worth the risk.
Top PF Options:
- Paolo Banchero vs. CLE ($8,300 DK; $8,700 FD)
- Jonathan Isaac vs. CLE ($4,200 DK; $5,000 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center
The Cavaliers’ center situation will be important to monitor. Jarrett Allen (ribs) is listed as questionable after missing Game 5. Evan Mobley excelled in his absence, posting 14 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks over 39 minutes. He will still have a significant role even if Allen does play, but his upside is higher if Allen is sidelined again.
the BLOCK heard 'round the LAND.@evanmobley | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/ybjShjcdam
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) May 1, 2024
Top C Options:
- Evan Mobley at ORL ($7,300 DK; $8,000 FD)
- Wendell Carter Jr. vs. CLE ($4,400 DK; $5,200 FD)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks
- Clippers at Mavericks (206.5 total)
- Cavaliers at Magic (200 total)
Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids
- It’s difficult to get excited about any of the role players on the Mavericks. Doncic and Irving dominate the ball so much that most of their supporting cast doesn’t have much scoring upside.
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: Luka Doncic
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Paolo Banchero
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Evan Mobley
- My favorite value play: Wendell Carter Jr.
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