This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Offense to Use:
San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies
You probably thought going into this series that it would be a defensive struggle. However, the Spurs shot 53.2% from the field (41-for-77) and 52.6% from distance (10-for-19) in a 111-82 win over the Grizzlies in Game 1. Even if Memphis had Tony Allen, that wouldn't make much of a difference with Kawhi Leonard looking locked in. He had 32 points on 11-of-14 from the floor (46.75 DKFP) in Game 1. It may even help if the Grizzlies make Game 2 more competitive, which will force the Spurs into a shorter rotation, rather than spreading out minutes throughout the bench if the game gets out of hand.
Defense to Avoid:
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
With only two games on tap for Monday, you could easily avoid the Spurs' defense and the Grizzlies' anemic offense. But instead, look for the reigning champs to come out and make a statement against the Pacers after a narrow 109-108 victory in Game 1 on Saturday. The Cavaliers enter Monday a 7.5 point favorite at home, and if they can get out to a big first-half lead, that wouldn't bode well for anyone on Indiana not named Paul George. Other than George, no other Pacers player had more than 32.0 DKFP in the Game 1 loss.
DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Mike Conley, PG, MEM at SA ($7,200): Despite struggling on offense in Game 1, Conley still managed to throw up 37.75 DKFP with 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds, three steals and a block. He only played 30 minutes in the blowout loss, but if the Grizzlies can make things interesting Monday, he should see upwards of 35-to-40 minutes. The top PG in the contest, Kyrie Irving at $8,000, has the highest ceiling, but could be heavily owned and shot poorly in Game 1 vs. the Pacers.
C.J. Miles, SG, IND at CLE ($3,200): You know the SG landscape is bleak when Monta Ellie is the highest priced option at $4,300. His teammate, Miles, is significantly cheaper and has some appeal if he can force coach Nate McMillan to give him more run in Game 2. He had five points in 16 minutes and got into foul trouble in Game 1, but played well against the Cavaliers during the regular season, averaging 17.0 points while shooting 56% from 3-point range in four games.
LeBron James, SF, CLE vs. IND ($11,300): There isn't one player on Monday's two-game slate that possesses the upside of Kings James. Sure, Paul George and Leonard are each capable of posting big DFS numbers, but neither give you as much confidence as James, who had 32 points, 13 assists, six boards and three steals (66.0 DKFP) in Game 1. In cash games, James is practically a must-play.
LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, SA vs. MEM ($6,400): The Spurs went to Aldridge early and often, with the big man finishing first on the team in field-goal attempts (18). San Antonio wants to go down low and force the Grizzlies' front court into foul trouble, which worked in Game 1. Aldridge finished with 20 points and six rebounds (30.5 DKFP), his highest scoring total since (surprise) March 23 when he had 23 points against these same Grizzlies. He's averaging 34.2 DKFP per game vs. Memphis in five outings this season, including Game 1, and is a safe bet at PF given his middling salary.
Kevin Love, PF/C, CLE vs. IND ($8,200): If you're looking to go against the grain a bit, there's no way the Pacers can survive the series vs. the Cavaliers without shutting down James and Irving. This could free up Love for more open looks in Game 2 after he only took nine FG attempts Saturday. Love was still relatively efficient despite a low amount of touches, finishing with 17 points, two 3-pointers, four boards and two blocks (27.0 DKFP). The risk in employing Love can't be downplayed, but the reward could be huge if he can get it going. Love did score 27 points with 16 rebounds vs. Indiana early in the regular season, as well.
Dewayne Dedmon, SA vs. MEM ($3,000): If you're picking at the bottom of the barrel, which could be often Monday with only two games, Dedmon is the cheapest starting center on the market. The Spurs like bringing Pau Gasol off the bench, and he'll likely see more minutes, but Dedmon still got 18 in the starting five. He didn't attempt any field goals, ripping down eight rebounds with two blocks for 15.5 DKFP. If he can get a few putbacks in a competitive Game 2, and maintain the same rebounding rate, reaching 20-plus DKFP is a possibility, which is all you really need from him.
