This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
Each week, RotoWire will provide value plays for your daily fantasy basketball lineups on FantasyDraft. You have a salary cap of $100,000 to select a lineup comprised of eight players. Of those eight players, you must select three guards, three forwards/centers and two utility players. The scoring is as follows:
Points Scored – 1.0 point for each point scored
3-Point Basket – 0.5 bonus points for each three-pointer made
Assist – 1.5 points for each assist
Rebound – 1.25 points for each rebound
Steal – 2.0 points for each steal
Block – 2.0 points for each blocked shot
Turnover – minus 0.5 points for each turnover
Double-Double – 1.5 bonus points for double-double
Triple-Double – 3.0 bonus points triple-double
FantasyDraft is running contests in beta stage, but full capabilities for their users are available. There are 50/50s, guaranteed tournaments, and more available options in the lobby, so be sure to check it out.
The target for each player to reach value is 2.5x the player's salary. If a player costs $10,000 against the cap, expected value is 25 fantasy points.
It's time for the NBA Playoffs, and FantasyDraft will be offering NBA contests. The rundown below will help you get ready for the weekend's slate.
Value Plays
Guard
C.J. McCollum, POR – Assuming McCollum (ankle) is healthy and Arron Affalo (shoulder) isn't ready to return for the beginning of the playoffs, the second-year guard will be in line for an increased role this postseason. In his final six games of the season, McCollum played 25 minutes or more in each outing, tallying over 30 minutes in three of his last four.
McCollum took 82 shots in those six games, attempting 12 or more shots in five of the six contests. His usage will decrease in the playoffs, as LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard will carry the load, but McCollum could be the third or fourth option alongside Nic Batum.
Forward/Center
Paul Pierce, WAS – For those who played NBA daily fantasy during the regular season, this seems like a stretch. But remember that in the NBA playoffs, starters will play, and play a lot. Pierce was inconsistent in terms of fantasy production during the regular season, but he still showed flashes of solid productivity.
Pierce played 30 minutes or more just 15 times this season, which severely limited his value in daily fantasy formats. But it may be a blessing in disguise, as it has caused his price to remain low entering the postseason. Pierce's per 36-minute statistics for this season included 16.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. With extra playing time likely headed his way in the postseason, he could approach those numbers. A line of 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists seems mediocre, but Pierce's price will likely be close to $9,000 for the playoffs, and that production reaches value at his expected price point.
Notables
During the NBA playoffs, rotations are shortened. Most teams will play their starters over 35 minutes with key reserve players playing 15-20 minutes off the bench. There is not much value to be had, because most of the players worth taking are highly priced, so be sure to keep a balanced approach for the NBA's playoff matchups. That being said, a few injuries will free up some cheap options, but those player's prices are sure to rise on FantasyDraft.
Russell Westbrook won't be available for use in the NBA playoffs. While this seems obvious, it makes a big deal in lineup construction. Not having in play Westbrook at well over $20,000 on FantasyDraft frees up your roster flexibility, which allows a more balanced approach.
The Spurs are one of the better playoff teams year in and year out. While they are a frustrating team to predict during the regular season, it is all systems go come the postseason. As a result, do not fade the Spurs during their playoff run. Players like Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard are all likely to play over 30 minutes, making them excellent plays on FantasyDraft.
Here are the first round matchups:
Western Conference
(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) New Orleans Pelicans
(2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks
(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (6) San Antonio Spurs
(4) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies
Eastern Conference
(1) Atlanta Hawks vs. (8) Brooklyn Nets
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (7) Boston Celtics
(3) Chicago Bulls vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks
(4) Toronto Raptors vs. (5) Washington Wizards
The NBA playoff schedule is structured, so there will be four games per day in the first round, and the number will decrease as teams are eliminated.
Good luck, and do not forget to join the fun at FantasyDraft and sign up now.
