This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
As the NBA season gets closer to the end, the games should only get more exciting.
Sunday gives basketball fans a pair of games to enjoy, starting with Brooklyn and Milwaukee at 3 p.m. EDT. The Nets have a 2-1 series lead, but it's a home game for the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo will do everything in his power to even the series.
The late contest will be between Phoenix and Denver at 8. The Suns have been dominating the series and come in with a 3-0 lead. It's up to MVP Nikola Jokic and company to defend home court for the Nuggets and avoid the sweep.
This will make for an interesting Sunday slate on DraftKings, so let's get into breaking it down:
Injuries to Monitor
James Harden, BKN (hamstring)/Status: OUT
Harden remains sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury in Game 1 of this series. His absence will mean more opportunities for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Jeff Green, BKN (foot)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Green hasn't played since Game 3 of the first round, but is listed as questionable. Keep an eye on his status prior to tip.
Elite Players
Giannis ($10,800) leads the way, followed by Jokic ($10,600). Both are in desperate need of a win and I won't fault you for picking either. It's whichever one you feel most comfortable with.
Kevin Durant ($10,300) and Kyrie Irving ($9,300) are next, though I'm not really interested in either of them. They are still in play, but I would rather go down to Devin Booker ($8,100) who offers the same upside at a much lower salary.
Expected Chalk
Chris Paul ($7,400) is going to be chalk. The point guard has scored close to 50 fantasy points in each of the last three matchups while showing no signs of the shoulder injury he suffered in the opening round.
Michael Porter Jr. ($6,300) also looks like a solid play at his salary and I expect him to be popular. He was over $8,000 for most of the season, so this tag seems low.
Finally, I'll say I expect Giannis to be the most chalk of the stud players.
Key Value Plays
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. BKN ($4,400)
Lopez has the upside to play at least 30 minutes in this matchup. The 86-83 from Game 3 was uncharacteristically low, and I expect both teams to score more today. Lopez has shown the ability to score above 30 fantasy points and can rack up threes and blocks. I'm going to have him in my center spot.
Austin Rivers, DEN vs. PHO ($3,600)
Rivers starts for the Nuggets and typically sees around 25-30 minutes. He's turned in some subpar performances these playoffs, but also has had a couple of decent scoring nights. If Rivers' shot is falling, he can easily reach value at this salary - which is the lowest of any starter - so I don't mind taking the risk on him here.
Jae Crowder, PHO at DEN ($4,600)
Like the other two, you're buying into playing time with Crowder. He starts for the Suns and should log close to 30 minutes. He doesn't typically score a lot, but is aggressive defensively and can rack up stats. I probably wouldn't have all three in my lineup, but each offers the potential to be in the winning one.
