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.
We're into the conference finals now, and FantasyDraft is still offering two-day NBA contests. The rundown below will help you get ready for the upcoming slate of games. Be sure to play now because after this round, daily fantasy basketball is ending for the season.
With just four teams left, there aren't many options to choose from, but fear not, RotoWire is here to help:
Players to Target
J.R. Smith, G, CLE, $9,600: In the first game of the series Wednesday, Smith was the star (other than LeBron James) for the Cavaliers. Smith scored 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including eight three-pointers. In addition, he contributed eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one blocked shot. Given the fact that Kyrie Irving (knee) is hobbled, expect Smith to take a larger role in the offense.
Smith will be defended by Kyle Korver, which bodes well for the Cavaliers' guard because Korver is one of the worst perimeter defenders left in the playoffs. As detailed by Wednesday's game, he struggles to defend swingmen, and he allowed Smith to penetrate to the basket at will. If Korver stays on Smith, it will be a short series for the Hawks, but an excellent one for Smith.
Tristan Thompson, F/C, CLE, $12,000: Thompson has been the primary beneficiary in terms of minutes and production with Kevin Love (shoulder) out, and he continues to be an excellent value on FantasyDraft.
Thompson is averaging a double-double in the last six games, and has played close to 40 minutes in six of his last seven. With the Cavaliers lacking depth in the front court and starting center Timofey Mozgov unable to play more than roughly 25 minutes, Thompson is the big man to target for the remainder of the playoffs on FantasyDraft.
Players to Avoid
Andrew Bogut, F/C, GSW, $9,600: Bogut was thought to be the "x factor" for the Warriors in the playoffs, and he started out that way with a few excellent games in the first round. Of late, however, he has not played a big role.
Bogut is averaging 4.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in the postseason, and he played just 16 minutes in the first game of the Western conference finals. He has scored 16 points in the last five games combined and has grabbed just seven rebounds in the last two.
The Warriors have found that their smaller lineup has had success, which makes Bogut the odd man out. Until his role increases, be sure to stay away from him on FantasyDraft.
Shaun Livingston, G, GSW, $6,000: In playoff daily fantasy basketball, it is very hard to find cheap plays that can contribute to a winning lineup. Livingston was that player Tuesday, posting 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
But that was the first time he has done that this postseason, so do not expect it again. Livingston is averaging 17 minutes per game so far in the playoffs, and is averaging just 5.2 points per game. Now, each series is a new "season" per se, so Livingston could see more minutes, but it is not worth the risk since head coach Steve Kerr has been known to ride the hot hand in a given game, which explains the anomaly of Livingston's big performance.
Unless Livingston's role has greatly increased after one game, expect him to return to his normal 15-to-20 minutes off the bench as a relief option for Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
Notes
DeMarre Carroll reportedly has no structural damage in his injured knee, which means he may be able to return this series. Until he is able to go, Mike Scott and Kent Bazemore will see an uptick in minutes.
Dwight Howard (knee) is questionable for Game 2 on Thursday. If he is unable to go, Terrence Jones and Josh Smith will see more minutes and receive boosts in value.
Kyrie Irving (knee) is playing at less than 100 percent. With Kevin Love (shoulder) out and Irving banged up, expect James and Smith to carry the Cavaliers' offense.
