This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
LAC vs. PHX (-5.5), O/U: 224
The Suns took Game 1 thanks largely to a massive performance from Devin Booker. He dueled Paul George for three and a half quarters before Phoenix pulled away late. With Chris Paul (COVID-19) and Kawhi Leonard (knee) ruled out again, it's reasonable to expect that we see something similar tonight. Lineups and roster construction will also be similar, so it's important to look for ways to get different. Planning for a blowout would be one option; so would using a cheaper player in the captain spot or leaving some salary on the table. The more optimal the lineup is, the more people you would split with if it wins. If you're not willing to take risks, the upside in these showdowns is severely limited. If your goal is just to make a profit, I'd suggest playing double-ups rather than GPPs.
Injuries to Monitor
Kawhi Leonard (knee): OUT
Leonard has been ruled out for Game 2 and there hasn't been an update on his future status. The Clippers are likely to handle it on a game-to-game basis. Terance Mann has been starting his absence.
Chris Paul (COVID-19 protocols): OUT
Paul will miss his second consecutive game tonight as he remains in the league's health and safety protocols but it seems likely that he will be back for Game 3 in Los Angeles. Cameron Payne will get another start at point guard.
Elite Players
Paul George ($12,000)
George put up a 34/4/5 line that helped him to 55.5 fantasy points in Game 1. He shot just 3-11 from two-point range but went 7-15 from beyond the arc. He's topped 50 DK points in four consecutive games as he's been forced to carry the Clippers in Kawhi's absence. Him and Booker are clearly the top two plays on the slate and they will be very popular. If the game stays close, they're almost certain to be on the winner. If you want to fade George, plan for a Suns blowout.
Devin Booker ($11,800)
Booker was sensational in Game 1 as he recorded a triple-double that included 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. He sees more of the ball and is tasked with more of the play-making responsibilities anytime that Paul isn't in the lineup, so expect another spike in assist rate for Booker. He's likely to be the most popular player on the slate and rightfully so. It's a really tough fade, but if you're willing to take on big risk, planning for a Clippers blowout seems like the only scenario where he might not end up on the wining lineup.
Expected Chalk
Cameron Payne ($6,200)
Payne will get another start at point guard in place of Paul. He's coming off 32.25 DK points in 29 minutes Sunday and probably would have seen a bit more run had it not been for foul trouble. He fills up the stat sheet in a variety of ways and we saw him have big games in these spots throughout the regular season. I'd expect him to be the most popular player on the slate not named Booker or George. He's an appealing option for the captain spot as well.
Value Picks
Deandre Ayton ($9,200)
Ayton had 20 points and nine rebounds that helped him score 33.75 DK points in Game 1. Most encouraging were the 37 minutes he played. He's the safest of these value options and his double-double potential gives him 40-plus fantasy point upside.
Reggie Jackson ($8,600)
Jackson has stepped up in the absence of Leonard and has taken on a larger scoring role. He's topped 30 DK points in three consecutive games while seeing 37-plus minutes and attempting at least 15 shots in each of them.
Nicolas Batum ($7,600)
Batum continues to start at center as the Clippers have been favoring a smaller lineup. He's averaging 40 minutes in his last three games and has double-double upside as evidenced by 10 rebounds in Game 1. He also chips in with steals and blocks, which help make his floor safer.
Jae Crowder ($7,200)
Crowder has been a consistent contributor throughout the playoffs, failing to reach 20 fantasy points just once this postseason. He played 33 minutes in Game 1 and attempted seven three-pointers. He's shown upside as well, putting up 30-plus DK points in three of his last eight games.
Rajon Rondo ($2,600) / DeMarcus Cousins ($2,000)
Both Rondo and Cousins are risky as they've been in and out of the rotation, so their minutes are anything but safe. However, both players are good from a point-per-minute perspective. Rondo is coming off 25.25 fantasy points in 22 minutes Sunday while Cousins put up 19 fantasy points in 13 minutes. The cheap salaries make them worth the risk.
