This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Here we go with a two-game playoff slate on Monday, April 29.
We only have a few injury situations to consider tonight. Mike Scott will not play for Philadelphia, while Enes Kanter is questionable for Portland. The Kanter news is particularly interesting. If he's out, Zach Collins could step into a larger role. The decision will likely come in pre-game warmups, so plan accordingly.
The Sixers also added Joel Embiid to the injury report Monday morning, but he's expected to play despite missing shootaround with a stomach issue.
With that, I'll be breaking down the best fantasy choices on DraftKings for Thursday. The following write-ups contain a blend of cash game staples, bargain fillers, and tournament pivots.
GUARDS
Damian Lillard – POR at DEN ($9,200): Lillard will be a popular pick after his heroics in the series against Oklahoma City. Facing Denver on the road isn't the best of situations, but the Portland floor general has had nearly a week to rest up and prepare for the second round. He unquestionably has some of the highest upside when looking at any player on this slate, and you'd be wise to make room on your DFS squad.
Gary Harris – DEN vs. POR ($4,900): Harris isn't an exciting fantasy selection, but he'll help offset the cost of Lillard and the other expensive picks. The good news revolves around Harris' playing time, as he's routinely seeing 34-36 or more minutes in competitive games. That's expected to be the case against Portland tonight, as this matchup has a four-point spread and 216 over/under. Go ahead and look towards Harris for steady value.
Also Consider: C.J. McCollum – POR at DEN ($7,000); Furkan Korkmaz – PHI vs. TOR ($2,700)
FORWARDS
Kawhi Leonard – TOR vs. PHI ($9,000): The salary is bulky, especially when trying to make other top-dollar picks work in this slate. However, Leonard deserves your attention after coming off a complete performance in Game 1. He posted 45 points with 11 rebounds and 70 overall fantasy points, showcasing next level aggressiveness that makes him an unquestioned DFS asset, regardless of the cost.
Tobias Harris – PHI at TOR ($7,200): If you don't have enough salary to make Leonard work, Harris is the next best thing. His upside doesn't hold a candle to the Toronto superstar, but he's nearly $2,000 cheaper while looking at an encouraging situation himself. As we noticed in Game 1, the Raptors will be devoting plenty of defensive resources to stopping Joel Embiid. Harris seized that opening by posting 44 fantasy points through 38 minutes, and I wouldn't be surprised if that becomes his role in this series.
Also Consider: Maurice Harkless – POR at DEN ($4,500); Paul Millsap – DEN vs. POR ($4,800)
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic – DEN vs. POR ($10,000): Jokic is the most expensive player on this slate. I also believe he's the highest priority of your DFS lineups. The Denver center has lived up to the hype so far, flirting with a triple-double in every game of the first round while finally getting one with 21 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 7. This is arguably an easier individual matchup for Jokic, facing the likes of a banged-up Kanter, who was already suspect-at-best on the defensive end. That's a confident draw in and of itself, but Portland has nobody to defend Jokic if Kanter is out or limited. Either way, the Nuggets big man should dominate.
Pascal Siakam – TOR vs. PHI ($7,300): Siakam is a priority pick for me tonight. The decision is tough between him and the similarly-priced likes of Harris, but I believe the Toronto forward has more staying power. Philadelphia ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency to opposing power forwards, and Siakam took advantage with 39 fantasy points through 35 minutes. That happened despite Leonard unleashing full takeover mode, so Siakam has upside if the Sixers focus on stopping his All-Star teammate.
Also Consider: Zach Collins – POR at DEN ($2,900)
