This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Here we go with a one-game playoff slate between the Warriors and Blazers on Monday, May 20.
Because this is a single-game format, the following write-ups will be constructed different. For these contests, DraftKings allows you to roster a Captain, who collects 1.5 times the fantasy points. However, he also costs 1.5x the listed salary. From here, you'll have five remaining utility spots to assemble a lineup. The corresponding analysis will heavily consider the strategy within that while listing viable players to choose from.
TOP PICKS
Stephen Curry – GS at POR ($11,200): Selecting a captain comes down to three legitimate choices: Curry, Draymond Green, or Damian Lillard. While Green was the top fantasy producer of Game 3, Curry is the safer top choice for tonight's action. I'm not completely ignoring Lillard, but it's difficult to pay his salary while he's dealing with separated ribs. That leaves us with the former two-time MVP, who is averaging a balmy 56 fantasy points per contest in this series. Expect more of the same as Golden State goes for the sweep.
Draymond Green – GS at POR ($10,600): As mentioned in the previous write-up, Green was the top fantasy scorer of Game 3 with 68 fantasy points across 38 minutes. He posted an impressive triple-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists to go along with a block and four steals. Green was averaging 45 fantasy points over the first two games of this series, and that's a plausible expectation. Of course, he carries upside beyond that against a Portland team that ranks bottom ten in defensive efficiency to opposing frontcourts.
C.J. McCollum – POR vs. GS ($9,400): The decision between McCollum and Klay Thompson comes down to price. If you can pay the extra $600 without sacrificing anything, then go with McCollum. Having said that, I don't mind taking Curry, Green and Thompson in the same lineup if push comes to shove. However, McCollum is poised for a big game with Portland's back against the wall at home. I briefly touched on it earlier, but Lillard is dealing with an injury that partially explains his recent struggles. As a result, McCollum could be asked to lead the Blazers as they look to postpone elimination.
BARGAINS
Kevon Looney – GS at POR ($4,600): Looney had a relatively disappointing performance in Game 3 while only tallying 15 fantasy points. That's a considerable downturn after averaging 24 fantasy points over his previous four playoff outings. However, I'm not concerned, as Looney saw 27 minutes on Saturday. Rebounds didn't fall his way in that one, but the backup big man still represents one of the better bargain options on this single game slate.
Seth Curry – POR vs. GS ($3,400): The "other" Curry follows the write-up of Looney above. Curry was also great in Game 2, but only posted 11 fantasy points in Game 3. Similar to the rationale used with Looney, you have to appreciate Curry's playing time, which checked in at 30 minutes on Saturday. He failed to make the most of that extended run, but Curry is a strong value selection while averaging 30 minutes over his past two games.
Meyers Leonard – POR vs. GS ($5,400): Enes Kanter has really struggled defensively in this series, causing Portland coach Terry Stotts to start Leonard over him in Game 3. Leonard was more than just a starter in name, as he played 31 minutes compared to just seven for Kanter. I'm not sure if that will be the concrete plan moving forward, but it's safe to say that the scales have tipped in Leonard's favor when comparing playing time. Leonard was able to take that extended role and rack up 27 fantasy points, which puts him in serious bargain consideration if granted another start.
