This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
As we begin play in the second round of the playoffs, single-game offerings will become the norm. Today, we focus on Game 1 between the Nets and the Bucks. While we will touch on basic strategy for tackling FanDuel's single-game format. Read my recent article for more in-depth analysis for building single-game contests.
Unlike other sites, the multipliers do not align with a corresponding salary increase on FanDuel, so the approach to deciding your slots at 2x, 1.5x and 1.2x are much more straightforward. While you still need to be unique to take down a tournament in this format, finding a win in smaller cash fields (50/50s, 3-max) is usually the best use of your bankroll.
MULTIPLIER SLOTS
When playing FanDuel's single-game format, a common mistake is UNDERVALUING the 2x multiplier and OVERVALUING the 1.2x multiplier. While a 0.2 percent bump in production isn't very significant, doubling a player's output is huge. It's essential to get the MVP slot right. Tonight, we have four viable options. They are also the prime candidates for the other two multiplier spots.
James Harden, BKN ($15,500)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL ($15,000)
Kevin Durant, BKN ($14,500)
Kyrie Irving, BKN ($13,500)
Pretty obvious, right? Let's now explain why I placed them in this order.
The guard position for Brooklyn is in a better situation against the Bucks. The Celtics are better defenders in the backcourt, and while the Bucks aren't slouches defensively, the player that isn't keyed by Jrue Holiday is in line for a bigger payday. Since Harden is usually the off-the-ball shooter in this scenario, he should be the more open man. Irving and Holiday will chase each other around the court when they go man-to-man, and although both Irving and Harden will be solid perimeter threats when the Bucks play zone, Harden should end up as the more prolific player overall. The numbers bear this out as well. Harden outscored Irving in all four games against Boston.
The argument between Giannis and Durant is more of an open question. One reason is a lack of historical data. There is little doubt that this All-Star showdown will dictate how this series shakes down, but because both players have had their share of injury woes, we are limited to just three games where they shared the court this season. Their three-game averages are below:
Antetokounmpo: 39.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.1 blocks, 1.1 steals
Durant: 34.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.3 blocks, 0.7 steals
If we look at these numbers in a vacuum, the victor is obvious. However, it's worth noting that Durant's long-term injury situation played a part in marginalizing his output somewhat, and both players come into this series injury-free. One thing is certain. Their ability to post prolific totals against each other is evident, and it's unlikely that one will shut the other down.
There's no doubt that this battle will be hard-fought in the trenches, which is why I lean toward Harden as my MVP tonight. Of course, MME players should diversify these four in the three multiplier spots with a minimum of 20 percent exposure to each, and I will give Harden a bit more push in his percentage.
UTILITY SPOTS
Let's first look at the baseline we are dealing with due to our multiplier selections. Based on our allotment at the top, we are looking at a max of $45,000 and a minimum of $43,000, leaving us a range of $15,000-$17,000 for the remaining two utility spots. Based on player projections, the lowest viable player is at $7,000. If we opt for a play at that level, we are allowed another player at 8k with a Harden/Giannis/Durant stack and 10k with a Giannis/Durant/Irving stack.
I think the crucial addition at UTIL has to be Pat Connaughton ($7,000). With Donte DiVincenzo (foot) out for the remainder of the playoffs, Connaughton will likely start in Game 1. Although he didn't do much in his Game 4 start, the team had the game well in hand, and Connaughton could not find his stroke from beyond the arc. If we go the Connaughton route, we have two very viable Brooklyn players at 8k who can fill out our final UTIL position nicely. Thanks to a game-time call for Jeff Green (foot), there is an opportunity for increased output from Blake Griffin ($8,000) and Nicolas Claxton ($8,000). Griffin has the most potential since he will begin the game as the starter, but Claxton should get consideration as a tournament option.
UNIQUE BUILDS
While our final solutions above are solid, they aren't the only way to play the slate.
Khris Middleton, MIL ($12,000)
Jrue Holiday, MIL ($12,500)
During this series, both of these players are virtual locks to be second-leading scorers for the Bucks. If you employ either of these players in any of the multipliers, you'll end with an identical average with some combinations. But if, for example, you stack Middleton with Giannis and Durant, you're allowed an average of $9,150 for the remaining positions, which opens up the opportunity for UTIL boosters like Bryn Forbes ($9,000), Bobby Portis ($8,500), and even star-scrub options involving Joe Harris ($10,000).
