This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
It's been over a week since the NBA Playoffs started.
In that time, we've been treated to games of all varieties. We've watched Trae Young lift Atlanta to a Game 1 victory against New York on his last-second shot. We also saw Milwaukee dismantle Miami on its way to a series sweep, becoming the first team to advance to the second round.
Sunday brings us four more contests with the potential for anything to happen. That means another chance to try to take down a DraftKings NBA slate.
The day begins with New York and Atlanta at 1:00 p.m. EDT and concludes with the Clippers and Mavericks at 9:30 p.m, with both series possibly ending up tied at two games apiece.
The NBA Playoffs is a different beast than the regular season, so it only makes sense that your DFS strategy would also change. With teams tightening their rotations, there is less value to be found. That only makes studying the slate that much more important.
Here's what you need to look out for today:
Injuries to Monitor
Chris Paul, PHO (shoulder)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Paul injured his shoulder in Game 1 and hasn't looked the same since. He's been playing through the problem and I expect him to continue to do so. He hasn't looked his usual self, so I would avoid rostering him.
Anthony Davis. LAL (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Davis has been quoted as saying he will play, so I would say he is more probable than questionable.
Robert Williams, BOS (ankle)/Status: DOUBTFUL
Williams injured himself in Game 3 and it looks like it will keep him out of today's matchup with Brooklyn. We can look for Tristan Thompson to handle the majority of the center minutes for the Celtics.
Kemba Walker, BOS (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Walker is reported to be a game-time decision as Boston looks to even the series with the Nets. I would be surprised if he doesn't go, but it's clear the injury is bothering him.
Jeff Green, BKN (foot)/Status: OUT
Green is out at least 10 days as he recovers from a foot injury. The Nets don't really need him this series, so they can afford to give him time to heal. Look for Nicolas Claxton to get more minutes in Green's absence.
Luka Doncic, DAL (neck)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
I would be extremely surprised if Doncic does not play.
Serge Ibaka, LAC (back)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Ibaka has been dealing with injuries all season and is in danger of missing Game 4. Even if he does, he's a minor part of the Clippers' rotation.
Elite Players
Luka Doncic ($11,100) leads the way with the highest salary on the slate. He boasts triple-double upside and is in an interesting position with the Mavericks looking to take a 3-1 lead.
Of the Nets trio, Kyrie Irving ($8,500) is the cheapest after a dud performance in Boston. I don't mind going to him if you think he can redeem himself. You can also go back to Jayson Tatum ($9,800) after his huge performance in Game 3.
I am not sure what is taking so long for Kawhi Leonard's ($9,200) salary to come up. He has racked up 55 or more fantasy points in all three of the Clippers' postseason matchups.
Finally, Trae Young ($8,800) is a player I have a lot of interest in. We're witnessing him grow into his own in his first playoff experience as one of the NBA's most exciting young players. And like Doncic, Young has a chance to give Atlanta a 3-1 series advantage with a victory.
Expected Chalk
I expect Leonard to come in heavily rostered as his salary still doesn't reflect his value.
I think Derrick Rose ($6,800) has a chance to be chalk with how well he's been playing and the minutes he's getting.
Cameron Payne ($5,400) could get a lot of interest with the recent struggles from Chris Paul in this series.
Maxi Kleber ($4,100) is seeing his salary rise, but ultimately is still too low for a player who is likely to get 30 or more minutes.
Key Values
Terance Mann, LAC at DAL ($3,600)
Mann is starting to see his court time increase as the Clippers look for ways to dig themselves out of a 2-1 hole. He played 19 minutes in Game 3 as Patrick Beverley saw his minutes dip to just six. I expect that trend to continue today and think Mann is a fine value option.
Maxi Kleber, DAL vs. LAC ($4,100)
I alluded to this in the previous section, but it bears repeating: Kleber is too cheap for the minutes he's going to get. There will be a lot of lineups that play him, but that's only because he's the best value on the slate. Don't try to overthink yourself out of playing Kleber.
Cameron Payne, PHO at LAL ($5,400)
Payne has stepped up big time the past couple of games as Chris Paul deals with his shoulder injury. The guard is 6-of-12 from 3-point range during those contests while accumulating 39 and 35 fantasy points. It's clear the Suns need Payne right now as Paul is not 100 percent healthy. This is also the first game Paul has been listed as questionable. If he's held out completely, it only adds to Payne's potential.
