This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Here we go with a two-game playoff slate on Monday, April 15.
We have a few injuries to monitor with potential for more while moving closer to tip-off. You'll want to stay in the loop with Rotowire's NBA News Feed before setting your final lineups. As of Monday morning, these are the situations we are looking at:
Joel Embiid is questionable. Jonah Bolden would start if Embiid misses tonight. If Embiid plays, he's a strong DFS candidate through all formats.
Ed Davis is questionable. Davis played 25 minutes with 36.5 fantasy points in Game 1, so there's some DFS potential if he plays. Otherwise, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will need to step up in the Brooklyn frontcourt.
These notable players will continue to miss time: Allen Crabbe, James Ennis III
With that, I'll be breaking down the best fantasy choices on DraftKings for Monday. The following write-ups contain a blend of cash game staples, bargain fillers, and tournament pivots.
GUARDS
Stephen Curry – GS at LAC ($8,800): The Warriors are expected to dominate this series, and Curry made sure that was the case in Game 1. He posted 38 points with 15 rebounds and seven assists, good for 72.75 fantasy points. His opponent, the Clippers, rank seventh in pace and bottom ten in team defensive efficiency, so Saturday's outburst isn't a fluke. Curry is an obvious play in this slate, but he's worth the premium salary.
Jimmy Butler – PHI vs. BKN ($7,400): Butler came up big despite Philadelphia dropping Game 1 against the Nets. He posted 55 fantasy points through 39 minutes, helped by 36 real points on 11-22 shooting. Butler will continue to play a heavy role for the Sixers, especially if Embiid isn't 100%. The Philadelphia shooting guard is a strong play through all formats with an attainable $7,400 price tag.
Ben Simmons – PHI vs. BKN ($7,300): This is a tournament play. Most people will be looking towards Curry or Simmons at the guard positions. That's a fine strategy for cash games, but don't forget about Simmons in GPP formats. Simmons mentioned that he hopes to get more offensive touches in Game 2, looking to be much more aggressive. That's an adjustment Philadelphia will look to make following Saturday's loss, and don't be surprised if Simmons responds with a productive night.
Other guards to consider: Andre Iguodala – GS vs. LAC ($4,000), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – LAC at GS ($5,500)
FORWARDS
Draymond Green – GS vs. LAC ($6,100): Green checks in as a safe mid-range play with a great matchup playing up in pace against a Clippers team that struggles with opposing frontcourts. The Warriors' power forward ended up with 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in Game 1 on Saturday, good enough for 38 fantasy points. I'll consider that his baseline moving forward, which represents healthy value on this abbreviated slate.
Montrezl Harrell – LAC at GS ($5,900): Harrell was one of the few bright spots in the Clippers 104-121 loss at Golden State on Saturday. The big man posted 43 fantasy points through 30 minutes, and he'll need to stay aggressive if LAC wants any chance at an upset. Pairing him with Green makes for an easy way to round-out the forward positions on DraftKings.
Other forwards to consider: DeMarre Carroll – BKN at PHI ($4,400)
CENTERS
If Ed Davis ($3,900) ends up playing, he makes for an interesting bargain on a slate in desperate need of value. As mentioned earlier, he posted 36.5 fantasy points through 25 minutes in Game 1, and it appears he'll play a significant role in this series if healthy.
Joel Embiid – PHI vs. BKN ($9,800): Will he play? If so, how much? If Embiid is active tonight, you can't help but consider him through all formats on DraftKings. He's facing a Brooklyn team that was absolutely abysmal against opposing centers throughout the regular season. That carried into Game 1, as Embiid posted 57 fantasy points through 24 minutes despite only shooting 5 of 15 from the field. Keep your eyes glued to the injury report, as the saga of Embiid's status continues.
DeMarcus Cousins – GS vs. LAC ($7,100): Cousins is cheaper than Embiid while finding himself in a great matchup as well. The Clippers are one of the worst teams in defensive efficiency allowed to opposing centers. The Warriors didn't need him to do much in Game 1, as Cousins ended up watching Curry pour in three-pointers to build a healthy lead. However, the opportunity is certainly there if Cousins wants to take advantage.
Other centers to consider: Ed Davis – BKN at PHI ($3,900)
