This article is part of our FantasyAces NBA series.
With the NBA regular season wrapped, some may think it is the end of daily fantasy basketball. The truth is, it is a new beginning. Playoff fantasy basketball on FantasyAces is just as fun as the regular season, and in some cases it's more fun.
Since it is the playoffs, it means there is less frustration on injuries, rested players, etc., which means the rotations are more predicable.
There are two games Monday and three Tuesday, making way for two smaller slates to play on FantasyAces. But neither is your average small slate, because every game is likely to be close and the best teams in the NBA are all playing to win, which can't always be said for regular season games.
RotoWire aims to help you win on FantasyAces, as we will break down a few value plays, some players who are currently trending up and others who are trending down for the given slate.
There is value to be had on FantasyAces, and identifying that value will allow you to spend on top-tier players to round out your lineup.
Without further ado, here is our breakdown for Monday and Tuesday NBA Playoff games on FantasyAces.
Value Plays
Norris Cole, G, NOP, $3,800 – If Tyreke Evans (knee) misses any time, Cole will be one of the few cheap values available this postseason. After Evans left the game on Saturday, Cole played 33 minutes. He only scored eight points, but he was able to post 22.75 fantasy points, which is right at his expected value on FantasyAces.
If Cole starts, he'll be very highly owned because of his price, so be sure to select him in your cash games. As a cheap option, Cole will allow you to leave extra salary for expensive players like Anthony Davis or Stephen Curry.
Quincy Pondexter, G, NOP, $3,700 – Pondexter was the value of the day Saturday, as he scored 44.25 fantasy points, which is double his expected value on FantasyAces.
If Evans is out, expect Pondexter to play the majority of the minutes at small forward, making him an excellent value again, as the Warriors struggle against small forwards in terms of allowing fantasy points. While 44.25 fantasy points shouldn't be expected again, his minutes and ability to accrue fantasy points in secondary categories (six assists and nine rebounds in the first game of the series) means Pondexter will remain an excellent value play for Game 2 of the series.
Andrew Bogut, C, GSW, $4,950 – Bogut has finally been unleashed. During the regular season, his minutes were restricted in order to keep him healthy throughout the year.
The results in the first game were promising, as Bogut notched 44 fantasy points. That bodes well for his floor, as his rebounding ability and his knack for blocks and steals allows him to score in all kinds of ways.
Bogut has averaged more than a fantasy point per minute all season, making him a candidate for value in the playoffs with his increased workload. Be sure to consider him for your lineups at center, as he can be expected to score more than 30 fantasy points, which is what his expected value is at his price.
Trending Up
Isaiah Thomas, G, BOS – Thomas led the Celtics in scoring and assists, while he was second in rebounding in the first game of the series Sunday. It is clear that when Thomas is on the floor, he is the featured player of the Celtics' offense.
Thomas scored 22 points on 14 shots and he was the primary ball handler in his 32 minutes on the floor. There is speculation that Thomas may be moved to the starting lineup, which would increase his minutes to well over 36. Should this occur, Thomas would be one of the top plays at any position, given his ability to score and pass the basketball.
Thomas' price will likely be lower than anticipated, so be sure to keep an eye on him for your Tuesday lineups.
Terrence Jones, F, HOU – Jones played a huge role for the Rockets in the first game of the series Saturday. He finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and six assists in 34 minutes. Since Dwight Howard only played 17 minutes due to foul trouble, Jones was asked to score as a primary big man and he answered the call.
Even with Howard playing more minutes, Jones should continue to see double-digit shots. And Jones has the edge (on the offensive end, at least) in his head-to-head matched against Dirk Nowitzki, who is less than average on the defensive side of the floor at this stage in his career.
Jones' price on FantasyAces is likely to be close to $5,000, which makes him a value as he should approach 30 fantasy points In the coming games.
Trending Down
James Johnson, F, TOR – Johnson was a DNP–Coach's Decision in the Raptors' first game, which makes him unlikely to play much in the series going forward, especially since the game went to overtime.
Johnson is the best on-ball defender for the Raptors, but it seems that he will not be used off the bench, meaning more minutes will go to Amir Johnson and Patrick Patterson for the rest of the series.
Should the Raptors advance, future matchups could command a need for Johnson, but until then be sure to stay away from a potential zero on the scoreboard.
Good luck and be sure to enjoy playoff daily fantasy basketball on FantasyAces for this week's contests.
