This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Offense to Use:
Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic
The Bulls are coming off a tough loss to the Nets on Saturday and will be out for blood vs. the Magic in a must-win game. Orlando has lost six of seven, allowing at least 114 points in each of its losses during that stretch. Chicago got a boost on offense with the return of Dwyane Wade, but it's unclear if PG Rajon Rondo will be back in the lineup. If anything, the Bulls offer a handful of cheap value players, including Robin Lopez ($5,100), Bobby Portis ($4,100) and Paul Zipser ($3,100) to compliment Jimmy Butler ($10,500).
Defense to Avoid:
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston Rockets
Normally it would be crazy to avoid the Rockets offense vs. any team in the NBA. But with Houston playing Sunday without Trevor Ariza and Eric Gordon, and locked into the 3-seed in the West, don't expect the usual 120-plus points. It would be wise for the Rockets to rest their key players and the Clippers are trying to secure home-court advantage in the first round. Los Angeles has won five in a row and just held the Spurs, who opted to play their normal rotation, to 87 points on the road. These types of trends are important to consider this late in the season despite conventional thinking.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Hornets
Second game: Rockets, Cavaliers, Pistons
DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Isaiah Thomas, PG, BOS vs. BKN ($8,300): With the Cavaliers loss Sunday, the Celtics have a chance to recapture first place in the Eastern Conference. Thomas won't want to let this opportunity slip through Boston's hands again, so expect him to take over vs. the Nets' borderline D-League squad. The NBA's third-leading scorer has seen his price plummet a bit, making him a very appealing cash-game play. Thomas is averaging 29.4 points while shooting 48.9% from the floor over his past five games (44.6 DKFP per contest). He has the best matchup among the elite PG options and is a safe bet to return value.
Dwyane Wade, SG, CHI vs. ORL ($5,500): Wade returned from a fractured elbow in Saturday's loss to the Nets, scoring 14 points with seven rebounds in 25 minutes (25.25 DKFP). That performance was a bit underwhelming, but D-Wade normally steps up in big spots, which is exactly what the Bulls are in Monday vs. the Magic. Because of the long injury absence, Wade's price has fallen, making him a bargain given his ceiling. Chicago's lineup behind Butler can easily be stacked with Wade, Nikola Mirotic and Jerian Grant should Rondo sit again.
Kelly Oubre Jr., SG/SF, WAS at DET ($4,100): With the Wizards locked into home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, they've given Oubre plenty of playing time since the middle of March. He's played at least 23 minutes in each of his past nine games, scoring in double figures with at least five boards in three straight. Washington has no reason to risk the health of Otto Porter (back), so should he sit again Monday, Oubre would draw another start and be in line for higher usage. He's a solid tournament filler who should be able to provide 5x his salary in DKFP.
Paul George, SF/PF, IND at PHI ($9,900): Targeting players with something to play for against teams that already have scheduled tee times is always a good strategy late in the season. George and the Pacers vs. the 76ers is the epitome of that thinking. He's been on a tear trying to get Indiana into the postseason, scoring at least 35 points in three of four, including 43 points, nine rebounds and nine assists (77.25 DKFP) on April 2 vs. the Cavs. In three games vs. Philadelphia this season, George is averaging 41.4 DKFP, so his floor is already high enough due to the matchup.
Aaron Gordon, SF/PF, ORL at CHI ($6,600): The Magic have no reason to hold Gordon back and he's been an excellent tournament play of late. Gordon has scored in double figures in eight straight, including a two game stretch with a combined 54 points and 31 rebounds (117.75 DKFP). His size and athleticism should give the Bulls fits both on offense and defense, so another double-double could be in store for Gordon. Though the game is must-win for Chicago, coach Fred Hoiberg's crew has been known to show up flat in these situations. Gordon is worth a look given his increased ceiling.
Henry Ellenson, PF, DET vs. WAS ($4,100): Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy confirmed Ellenson would see increased minutes to end the season, and that's exactly what he got Friday vs. the Rockets, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds (32.25 DKFP). He's expected to return to a bench role Sunday vs. the Grizzlies, but will still be an appealing value play. The Wizards may be without PF Otto Porter, which would make life easier should Ellenson get a start. But coming off the bench may be better considering Washington's second unit is a joke.
DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs. HOU ($7,300): Jordan's price has jumped up $700 since he had 17 points and 17 boards (44.75 DKFP) in a win vs. the Spurs on Saturday. The Rockets are going to be playing the second of a back-to-back and will likely rest players in preparation for the playoffs, while the Clippers are fighting for home court. Jordan has an excellent floor, scoring at least 36.25 DKFP in each of his past six games. He's also shooting a cool 79.4% from the floor and averaging 16.8 boards in his last five games.
Myles Turner, IND at PHI ($6,400): If you aren't keen on playing George due to his high price, Turner is a decent bet for a solid performance vs. the 76ers. Turner is coming off 23 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks (42.0 DKFP) in a blowout win vs. the Magic on Saturday, his highest DFS total since March 26 (against Philadelphia). The Pacers aren't going to hold him back and his $700 jump in price since Saturday is a nice indicator that Turner is a prime target.
Boban Marjanovic, DET vs. WAS ($5,000): Similar to Turner and George, if Ellenson doesn't tickle your fancy as a value play for the Pistons, Boban will. Detroit finally unleashed the Boban vs. the Rockets on Friday, with the big man finishing with 27 points and 12 rebounds in 28 minutes (46.5 DKFP). He should see a nice run Sunday vs. the Grizzlies, which could bump his ownership percentage up significantly while keeping his price the same. Obviously monitor the Pistons lineup, but consider Marjanovic a strong cash-game lineup bargain.
