This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
We're set for a two-game slate, one that features a pair of Game 6 clashes under what are surprising circumstances with both the underdog Hawks and Clippers finding themselves in position to close out their respective series at home. There are also some important injury situations to monitor ahead of tip-off for each contest, ones that could play a major part in whether either series goes the distance.
Slate Overview
Here's a closer look at the two games:
Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks (Projected total: 221.5 points)
Both teams appear to have settled into a groove on defense over the last two with those contests finishing with totals of 203 and 215 points. Oddsmakers appear to expect this do-or-die battle for the 76ers to feature a bit more fireworks, although the status of Joel Embiid (knee) will naturally play a part in Philadelphia's offensive expectations. There are certainly no shortage of talented scorers on either side for this total to hit or be exceeded, and it's worth noting both Games 1 and 3 comfortably eclipsed this number.
Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers (Projected total: 220.5 points)
The Jazz find themselves in dire straits after dropping three straight and offense is a particular concern after they scored 111 points or less in each. Donovan Mitchell has admitted his previously ailing ankle is once again bothering him, and his 33.3 percent shooting over the last two certainly seems to confirm that. His ability to play through a questionable designation will undoubtedly be important to Utah's fortunes. And with Kawhi Leonard once again ruled out for the Clippers due to his knee injury, LA will need to get similar complementary offensive contributions from the likes of Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson for this total to be exceeded.
Injury Situations to Monitor
NOTE: Injury reporting is especially fluid in the NBA, where the status of multiple players can change during the course of a day. Therefore, although the following serves as a foundation for the latest injury report as of the time the article is written, check back throughout the course of the day with RotoWire for the latest news regarding the status of all players on that night's slate.
Kawhi Leonard, LAC (knee)/ Status: OUT
With Leonard already ruled out, Paul George should once again see massive usage while the likes of Marcus Morris, Reggie Jackson, Terance Mann and Nicolas Batum will play larger roles.
Joel Embiid, PHI (knee)/ Status: QUESTIONABLE
Embiid is once again listed as a game-time decision. But as has been the case throughout the series, he's expected to suit up in a very high-stakes matchup.
Donovan Mitchell, UTA (ankle)/ Status: QUESTIONABLE
Mitchell appears to be a legitimate 50/50 proposition to see action. But considering it's a potential elimination game for the Jazz, it would appear he'll make every effort to play. If Mitchell were to sit, Jordan Clarkson could potentially draw a start at shooting guard.
Trae Young, ATL (shoulder)/ Status: PROBABLE
Young is expected to continue playing through his shoulder strain in what could be a series-clinching game.
Other notable injuries:
Mike Conley, UTA (hamstring)/ Status: QUESTIONABLE
Danny Green, PHI (calf)/ Status: OUT
Cam Reddish, ATL (Achilles)/ Status: OUT
Elite Players
We have three available players with five-figure salaries on Friday's slate – Joel Embiid ($11,200), Paul George ($10,600) and Trae Young ($10,300).
Embiid bounced back from his Game 4 dud to post 73.1 FD points during Wednesday's defeat. He's provided over 60 FD points in all but one game thus far, making him worth every bit his salary if he's indeed announced as available.
George should also be highly worthy of investment with Leonard ruled out again. The star wing now sports a 35.1 percent usage rate without Leonard on the floor and is coming off a tally of 67.7 FD points in Game 5.
Young has eclipsed 54 FD points in three of the first five this series. And despite some shooting struggles over the last two due to his shoulder strain, it's clear he's capable of delivering a 5x or greater return on salary.
Another player with a value in the high four-figures capable of delivering an elite score is Donovan Mitchell ($9,400). As mentioned earlier, his availability will have to be monitored throughout the day, but he becomes an excellent candidate for a rewarding fantasy night despite his ankle issues if confirmed for the contest.
Expected Chalk
In addition to the players just mentioned in the prior section, other likely chalk plays include:
Rudy Gobert, UTA ($8,000)
Center candidates are obviously at a premium on a two-game slate, making Gobert popular despite the fact he's only produced 23.6 to 32.5 FD points in the last three.
Ben Simmons, PHI ($7,800)
Simmons has scored over 30 FD points in three straight, including a tally of 44.9 two games ago.
John Collins, ATL ($7,500)
Collins has stepped up his scoring and rebounding contributions over the last two while recording 34.9 and 38.7 FD points on the strength of consecutive double-doubles.
Tobias Harris, PHI ($7,200)
Harris produced an atypically poor 2-for-11 performance from the field in Game 5, but posted 37.7 FD points while shooting 58.7 percent (including 44.4 percent from three-point range) in the first four this series.
Seth Curry, PHI ($6,200)
More on Curry in the next section, but needless to say, he'll be very popular after a 36-point outburst in Game 5.
Key Values
Marcus Morris, LAC vs. UTA ($6,400)
Morris was one of the Clippers' key contributors outside of Paul George in their huge Game 5 upset by posting 36.4 FD points on the strength of a red-hot 10-for-16 shooting night. He's now averaging 32.4 FD points per 36 minutes with Kawhi Leonard unavailable, but it's also worth noting he posted 27.5 and 35.7 FD points in Games 2 and 4 with his teammate playing a normal workload. Morris should certainly see a level of usage similar to Game 5, as his ability to rack up production via the three-point shot goes a long way toward filling the offensive vacuum created by Leonard's absence.
Seth Curry, PHI at ATL ($6,200)
As alluded to, Curry was spectacular on Wednesday by posting 49.4 FD points while shooting 13-for-19 from the field, including 7-for-12 from behind the arc. Although that marked a playoff best, it's hardly his only taste of offensive success this postseason, as he averaged 26.8 FD points in the five playoff games prior, dating back to the final installment of the quarterfinal-round series against the Wizards. Curry shot a red-hot 59.7 percent - including 56.3 percent from distance - in that sample, and the fact Atlanta ranks in the bottom half of the league in offensive efficiency allowed to shooting guards (23.1 percent) only strengthens his case.
Reggie Jackson, LAC vs. UTA ($5,500)
Jackson, like Morris, was excellent in a supplementary role in Game 5, producing 32.9 FD points across 37 minutes. The veteran point guard has also managed contributions of 34.6 (Game 2) and 25.7 (Game 3) FD points during the series and should once again be in line to take double-digit shot attempts with Leonard out of the equation. Jackson averages a solid 29.7 FD points per 36 minutes with Kawhi off the floor, and his playing time should be right in that neighborhood if recent patterns hold true.
