Slate Overview
We're getting closer to the end of the NBA season, with the second round of the playoffs having already gotten underway.
To start, we've got Game 1 between the 76ers and Hawks. This series looks a lot closer with Joel Embiid's status in question due to a minor meniscus tear. That game tips off at 1 p.m. EDT.
After that, we've got what should be the feature contest with Game 7 between the Mavs and the Clippers. The road team has won every game in this series, and the game is in LA with a 3:35 p.m. start.
Let's go ahead and get into what you need to know to have success on today's slate:
Injury News to Monitor
Joel Embiid, PHI (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Embiid is listed as questionable for Game 1 versus Atlanta. He will go through a workout in pregame before his status is determined. I'm not particularly confident the big man will play, but definitely monitor this news.
De'Andre Hunter, ATL (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Hunter is questionable due to knee soreness. I would be shocked if he doesn't attempt to play, as he's been getting heavy minutes during the playoffs.
Serge Ibaka, LAC (back)/Status: DOUBTFUL
Ibaka hasn't played in the last four contests and I don't see that changing today.
Elite Players
Luka Doncic ($11,100) leads the way at the top. He's a fine option today in a win-or-go-home situation, and I would expect him to take a heavy percentage of Dallas' shots.
On the other side of that matchup, Kawhi Leonard ($9,900) also looks great with only one game this postseason with less than 55 fantasy points. I would lock him into your lineup.
Trae Young ($9,200) has been playing excellent, but faces a tough matchup against Ben Simmons.
If you want to get some leverage on the field, you could go to Paul George ($9,000) instead of Leonard. If you want even more leverage, Ben Simmons ($8,300) and Tobias Harris ($8,500) both look good if there's no Embiid.
Expected Chalk
I think Leonard and Doncic will be the clear chalk stars, so DraftKings' valuation looks fair at the top.
De'Andre Hunter ($4,400) could be more chalk in addition to Boban Marjanovic ($3,700).
Key Value Plays
De'Andre Hunter, ATL at PHI ($4,400)
Hunter played 30 minutes or more in four of Atlanta's five playoff games. He's listed as questionable with knee soreness, which I think could scare a few people away from rostering him. Earlier in the season, Hunter displayed the ability to rack up 40 fantasy points. While you shouldn't expect that today, having a player with that sort of potential at this salary is worth it to me.
Boban Marjanovic, DAL at LAC ($3,700)
The Mavs have been looking more and more to Marjanovic the past few outings and he's logged at least 15 minutes while starting in Games 5 and 6. He's a great point-per-minute contributor who can accumulate points and rebounds in a hurry. I think he's going to be popular on this slate, but I like the play.
Danilo Gallinari, ATL at PHI ($4,100)
Gallinari is one of those players who can randomly post 25 real-life points if he gets hot. He's a great 3-point shooter and should play 25 minutes or more if this matchup stays close. I also love Gallinari's salary and I think he's a bit undervalued following a few blowout games the previous series.
Other value to consider: Seth Curry, PHI vs ATL ($5,100); Danny Green, PHI vs. ATL ($4,900); Reggie Jackson, LAC vs. DAL ($5,400)
