This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Defense to Avoid:
Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs
We're going bold with this pick for a few reasons. For one, there isn't really an ideal defense to avoid with only four teams playing. Sure, the Spurs have the top-rated defense, but they have to deal with one of the best offenses in the NBA. The Rockets were able to hold San Antonio to 104.7 points per game during the regular season and really only need to worry about Kawhi Leonard going off. Houston actually wasn't bad on defense in the first round, ranking 6th in defensive efficiency (104.3).
Offense to Use:
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors
LeBron James and the Cavaliers' offense are only going to get stronger as the playoffs go on, as their defense certainly isn't going to come up big any time soon. The Big 3 of James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love made up 73.6 points per game in the first round for Cleveland, but don't sleep on the contributions of role players like Channing Frye, Deron Williams and Tristan Thompson. The Raptors' defense really only looked good in Round 1 due to an underwhelming Bucks offense.
DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Kyrie Irving, PG, CLE vs. TOR ($7,700): For some reason, Kyle Lowry ($8,000) is priced higher than Irving. This is a bit odd, even considering how awful the Cavs defense is. But take Kyrie at this price and run with it since he dropped 25.3 points per game in the first round. He was 7-for-32 from 3-point range vs. the Pacers, but that percentage should increase vs. the Raptors, who were last in opponent 3-point percentage in the first round (41.5).
Tony Parker, PG, SA vs. HOU ($5,300): Of the bargain-bin point guards, Parker is the most appealing, particularly for cash games. He's coming off three straight vintage performances to help the Spurs close out the Grizzlies, averaging 21.6 points (33.2 DKFP) per game in that stretch. Parker will be on essentially four days rest, which should have him fresh for the series-opener.
Cory Joseph, PG/SG, TOR at CLE ($2,700): Joseph is a bit of a reach considering what he did in the first round, but hold on for a second. If the game script plays out in the Cavaliers favor, the Raptors will likely opt to save their rotation players for Game 2. Joseph could be in line for around 20 minutes should that happen, and he did have two double-digit scoring games vs. the Bucks. On the other hand, Cleveland's defense is putrid and Joseph could take advantage of its second unit in limited action in place of Lowry.
LeBron James, SF, CLE vs. TOR ($11,400): If you're choosing between Harden and James, the King is the obvious choice. LeBron was a beast in the first round, carrying the Cavaliers to a sweep despite struggling at times. James had over 60 DKFP in each of the four games despite failing to record a triple-double. He's playing about five more minutes per game than Harden, though that could change if Cleveland runs away with Game 1. Even if the Cavs do, that will likely be because LeBron threw up 20-10-10 before halftime or something obscene.
LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, SA vs. HOU ($6,500): The chance of Rockets/Spurs being more competitive than Cavs/Raptors is high, so that gives Aldridge an edge over his counterparts in that game. Regardless, he was solid in the first-round series vs. Memphis, leading San Antonio with 7.3 rebounds per game. His scoring was down in that series, but likely because the Grizzlies front line of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph was a tough task. Things should get much easier vs. the Rockets, who will throw up plenty of shots for rebound opportunities. Houston also has a less imposing forward contingent for Aldridge.
Trevor Ariza, SF/PF, HOU at SA ($4,800): The three-and-D specialist should see plenty of Leonard in this series, which means plenty of minutes. Ariza struggled from downtown in Round 1, going 3-of-16, but should avoid Leonard on the other side of the ball. If he can make a higher percentage of those shots, Ariza would become a strong value play for GPPs. Given his price is low and he's a starter on a high-powered offense, Ariza can easily be stacked with other Houston players not named Harden, should the superstar struggle vs. Kawhi.
Kevin Love, PF/C, CLE vs. TOR ($7,400): Sure, stacking the Big 3 for the Cavaliers isn't exactly ideal, but it's feasible. Love is the top center on the market and possesses the highest ceiling at the position. He shot 9-of-22 from downtown in the first round, but as mentioned above, Toronto struggled to defend the three vs. the Bucks. Also, Love averaged 21.7 points and 12.3 rebounds per game vs. Toronto during the regular season.
Nene Hilario, HOU at SA ($4,400): Hilario is quietly tied for third on the Rockets in playoff scoring (13.6 points per game), and is leading Houston in rebounding with 6.6 per game. Harden has shifted back more toward a primary scorer rather than all-around stud, which should help Hilario continue to thrive off the bench. He's capable of putting up big offensive numbers, as displayed in Game 4 vs. the Thunder, making him a tad more appealing than starting center Clint Capela ($4,500).
