This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Here we go with a one-game playoff slate between the Bucks and Raptors on Thursday, May 23.
Because this is a single-game format, the following write-ups will be constructed differently. 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
Giannis Antetokounmpo – MIL vs. TOR ($11,600): The way the salaries shake out, you are deciding between Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard as your captain on DraftKings. I'm siding with Milwaukee's superstar at home tonight. Antetokounmpo has outpaced Leonard in fantasy production through three of four games in this series, and I'm expecting the Bucks to come out with plenty of energy after dropping two straight on the road. Don't overthink it: Antetokounmpo should be your captain in cash games tonight.
Kawhi Leonard – TOR at MIL ($11,400): This slate is pretty cut-and-dry at the top, where you'll want to snag both Antetokounmpo and Leonard then go from there. The Toronto forward is averaging 49 fantasy points per game this series, and his entire playoff body of work is even more impressive. Antetokounmpo is the first name I'm clicking into my lineup, but Leonard isn't far behind.
Marc Gasol – TOR at MIL ($6,600): It seems that Gasol has finally found his place in this series, responding with 55 and 41 fantasy points, respectively, over the last two games. He has been very mediocre ever since joining the Raptors, but he's playing with a ton of momentum while shooting 7-14 from distance over his past two games. Gasol is one of the keys to this series, helping Toronto draw even. The Raptors will need him to stay aggressive again tonight.
BARGAINS
Norman Powell – TOR at MIL ($4,400): Powell isn't anything special, but he has seen 30 or more minutes in back-to-back games while notching 31 fantasy points in each of those. Similar to his teammate Gasol, Powell has been much more aggressive offensively, and it has paid off for the Raptors. I'm expecting Toronto to deploy a similar strategy as their last two wins, which means Powell should be involved.
George Hill – MIL vs. TOR ($3,600): This is probably the best value pick of this single game slate. Hill has seen 25-30 minutes in every game this series, which translates to a solid 26-fantasy-point average. He has the ability to post double digit points to go along with a handful of rebounds and assists while chipping in a few steals. In short, Hill is a no-brainer who helps you squeeze the top dollar picks into the same lineup.
Fred VanVleet – TOR at MIL ($2,600): VanVleet is somewhat riskier than these other listed bargain, but he's also the cheapest semi-legitimate play on this slate. His production has been all over the place in the playoffs, but the backup guard has seen 24 or more minutes in each of his past three games. After a brutal 1-11 shooting night in Game 3, a better performance (5-6) in Game 4 boosted his fantasy total to 26 fantasy points. We aren't sure which version we'll see tonight, but VanVleet is worth looking towards if you need a cheap filler. Keep your fingers crossed that his shots are falling.
