TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls: There's no defense to fear Friday, but the one with the biggest flame-out potential is Chicago. If Derrick Rose can't create, the Bulls get in trouble quickly, and the other key playmaker (Jimmy Butler) is expending all of his energy guarding a now-engaged LeBron James. For the sake of a good game, hopefully they perform better than Game 2, but it's certainly possible they flop again.
Offenses to Use
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers: It's a fantasy-friendly night all around, but these two teams can combine for some crazy point-totals. If Chris Paul (hamstring) remains out, opportunities will remain for guys like Jamal Crawford and Austin Rivers. On the other bench, Dwight Howard and James Harden have been great options for the majority of the playoffs. These are two teams to target on Friday.
First game of a back-to-back:: None
Second game of a back-to-back:None
Point Guard
Derrick Rose, CHI ($7,700): The Bulls go as Derrick Rose does, and he'll continue to get plenty of touches (and shots) in Game 3. With Chris Paul's status still up-in-the-air, and Kyrie Irving rising in price, Rose is a solid option to target. He's put up over 40 DraftKings points in both games of the series against Cleveland despite shaky shooting efficiency.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving (at CHI)
Shooting Guard
Jamal Crawford, LAC ($4,900): Crawford has shined in Chris Paul's absence, putting up two 35-DraftKings-point games in two tries. Even if the star point guard returns for Game 3, Crawford will get a similar minutes workload, and is still an affordable -- and productive -- option at shooting guard.
Other suggestions: James Harden (at LAC), J.R. Smith (at CHI)
Small Forward
Matt Barnes, LAC ($5,300): Barnes has averaged 28 DraftKings points over his last five games, which explains his rapid price increase. He's still fairly cheap, and is a productive, cost-cutting alternative to LeBron James, who is another great option for Friday's contests.
Other suggestions: LeBron James (at CHI), Trevor Ariza (at LAC)
Power Forward
Tristan Thompson, CLE ($4,700): Thompson was officially inserted into the starting lineup for the Cavaliers in Game 2, and promptly grabbed six offensive rebounds en route to a 12-rebound night. He only had five points (21 DraftKings points), but his ability to crash the offensive glass should eventually lead to a game bigger than his low salary if he maintains his current workload of 36 minutes per game in Round 2.
Other suggestions: Blake Griffin (vs. HOU), Terrence Jones (at LAC)
Center
Dwight Howard, HOU ($8,300): Howard has come out in full-force against the Clippers, hitting DraftKings points totals of 48 and 59 in the first two games. His price isn't outrageous yet, and his performance so far this postseason suggests that he will continue his dominant pace.
Other suggestions: DeAndre Jordan (vs. HOU)
INJURY REPORT
Out
K.J. McDaniels (wrist)
Kevin Love (shoulder)
Game-Time Decision
Chris Paul (hamstring)
Iman Shumpert (groin)
Jordan Hamilton (concussion)
