This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
LAC vs. PHX (-5.5), O/U: 214.5
Saturday's Game 4 featured poor shooting on both sides, but the Suns hung on to take a 3-1 lead in the series thanks to a monster performance from Deandre Ayton. They're expected to close it out tonight at home against a Clippers team severely weakened by Kawhi Leonard's absence. Most people build showdown lineups in accordance with the odds and previous box scores, so keep that in mind when trying to differentiate. Planning for a Clippers upset would be a simple way to get leverage. If you're on the Suns, stacking them without Paul George in hopes of a blowout would be contrarian. If you're planning on a close game and rostering the popular players, leave some salary on the table or choose a cheaper captain.
Injuries to Monitor
Kawhi Leonard (knee): OUT
Leonard will remain in Los Angeles to receive treatment on his knee. The Clippers continue to evaluate his status on a game-to-game basis. Saturday's starting lineup was Patrick Beverley, Reggie Jackson, PG, Marcus Morris and Ivica Zubac. Terance Mann, who had been starting previously, dropped back to the bench but still saw 33 minutes.
Elite Players
Paul George ($11,800)
Despite shooting 5-for-20 from the field, including 1-for-9 from three-point range, George put up a 23/16/6 line and 55 fantasy points in Saturday's loss. He's scored at least 55 DK points in five of his last six games while shooting less than 44 percent from the field in all but one. He has the highest floor and as much upside as any player on the slate, and I'd expect him to be the most popular option in this range.
Devin Booker ($11,000)
Booker has really struggled of late, failing to reach 30 DK points in three consecutive games. He's shot 31 percent from the field in that span, including just 2-for-15 from the three-point line. From a fantasy perspective, he's not the same player when Chris Paul is in the lineup. Paul's dominance on the ball considerably lowers Booker's assist rate and he becomes more inconsistent as a result. He will likely be the least popular of these three.
Chris Paul ($10,600)
Paul's shooting woes have been worse than Booker's this series. He's gone 11-for-41 (27%) from the field through two games but still averaged 38 fantasy points, thanks mostly to 19 assists. The fact the he's attempted 19 and 22 shots in those games is very encouraging, however. He averaged more than 50 DK points per game in the Denver series and that's where I'd expect him to be if he shoots a little better. I prefer him over Booker if choosing between the two, but rostering them together can makes sense as well.
Expected Chalk
Patrick Beverley ($3,200), assuming he starts again
Beverley scored only 10 fantasy points in 34 minutes Saturday but I'd still expect him to be the chalkiest of the cheap options. $3,200 for that type of run is just too cheap, especially considering the lack of value on the slate as a whole. Not only is Beverley relatively safe, he's shown upside too, putting up 32.5 DK points in the close-out win over Utah. It doesn't take much to make value at such an affordable salary and rostering a player in this range makes it easier to afford the stars. He will be popular, and rightfully so.
Value Picks
Deandre Ayton ($9,200)
Ayton is coming off of a massive game Saturday when he scored 19 points, grabbed 22 rebounds and blocked four shots on his way to 61 fantasy points. He's been the Suns' best player in this series and from a fantasy perspective, he offers safe value with plenty of upside.
Reggie Jackson ($8,600)
Jackson had his worst game of the series Saturday as he shot just 8-for-24 and failed to reach 30 DK points for the first time in six games. The 24 shot attempts really stand out, and the 40 minutes he played is encouraging as well. There's plenty of upside if he shoots well.
Mikal Bridges ($7,600)
Bridges had six points, 13 rebounds and 30.25 DK points in Game 4. He's played at least 35 minutes in four of the last five games. There isn't much else to like in this salary range and Bridges offers upside due to the variety of ways he can fill up a stat sheet.
Ivica Zubac ($6,800)
Zubac has started three consecutive games with the Clippers needing a big center to contend with Ayton. He's been great from a fantasy perspective, recording three straight double-doubles while playing 33 or more minutes and scoring 30-plus DK points in each game. He's seen a significant salary bump but still should be good value.
Cameron Johnson ($4,000)
Prior to Saturday's disappointing 10.5 fantasy points in 17 minutes, Johnson had seen at least 24 minutes in the first three games of the series while topping 20 DK points twice in that span. Beverley will be a popular option in this range but it wouldn't be too surprising if Johnson bests him. The cheap salary makes him viable on his own and the potential leverage adds to his appeal.
