This article is part of our PrizePicks NBA series.
Tuesday's four-game playoff slate in the NBA presents a great opportunity if you're looking to play PrizePicks for the first time. For those unfamiliar with the platform, it provides a unique spin on DFS in which you pick two, three or four players and predict if each will go over or under their projected fantasy score. Entries must consistent of at least two players on different teams.
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Without further ado, here are three players to target and three players to avoid while crafting your entry.
Players to Target
Joel Embiid, PHI vs. BKN: Over 57 FP: Embiid (knee) absolutely destroyed the Nets in Game 4, recording 31 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and six blocks on his way to a 79.7 fantasy score. Embiid has now posted a fantasy score of at least 58 in two of the three games in which he has played in this series. His ability to rack up blocks is huge given the scoring rules for PrizePicks. It's also encouraging that Embiid logged 32 minutes Saturday, his most of any game in the series. The Sixers would love to close this series out Tuesday to give Embiid some extra rest before the second round, so look for Embiid to be highly productive and hit the over.
DeMar DeRozan, SA at DEN: Over 39.5 FP: This matchup between the Spurs and Nuggets is the only series tied at two games each. If the Spurs are going to pull out a win in Game 5, it's going to be on the shoulders of DeRozan. An ejection in Game 4 didn't help his stat line, but DeRozan had recorded a fantasy score of at least 40.4 in each of the first three games. After averaging 21.2 points, six rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.1 steals per contest during the regular season, DeRozan's ability to contribute in multiple categories leaves him with a favorable chance of hitting the over.
Caris LeVert, BKN at PHI: Over 33 FP: It took LeVert a while to return to form after suffering a gruesome foot injury early in the season, but he's played extremely well for the Nets in this series. After averaging 20.7 points, five rebounds, 1.7 assists and one steal across the first three games, the Nets inserted LeVert into the starting five for Game 4. While they didn't win, he took advantage of the promotion by scoring 25 points to go along with five rebounds, six assists and one steal. It certainly helped LeVert's cause that he played a whopping 42 minutes. If he can approach that type of playing time again Tuesday, LeVert has an excellent chance of surpassing this projection.
Players to Avoid
Nikola Vucevic, ORL at TOR: 39 FP: The Magic would not have made the playoffs had it not been for the stellar regular season play of Vucevic, who averaged career-highs in points (20.8), rebounds (12) and assists (3.8). However, it's been a tough series for Vucevic with the Raptors focusing on stopping him on the offensive end. While the under might seem appealing, it should be noted that he did explode for a 54.8 fantasy score in Game 3. He's going to remain the focal point of the Magic's offense and his upside is off the charts, so it might be best to just avoid him altogether.
Steven Adams, OKC at POR: 29.5 FP: Adams doesn't receive a lot of headlines playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George, but Adams is extremely important to the Thunder's success. The Blazers have done a good job of limiting his contributions in this series, leaving him to average 12.3 points, eight rebounds and 1.3 steals. However, he showed his upside with a 35.3 fantasy score in Game 1 and is a double-double threat whenever he takes the floor. Adams could have a strong performance with the Thunder on the brink of elimination, so taking a risk by adding him to your entry isn't ideal.
Rudy Gay, SA at DEN: 24 FP: At first glance, Gay's averages of eight points and 7.8 rebounds during this series might make you jump on the under. One of the main reasons for his lack of production is that he's shooting just 30.3 percent from the field. The Nuggets are a good defensive team, so there is a chance Gay continues to struggle Tuesday. However, he shot 50.4 percent from the field during the regular season, so he's experienced a significant decline. Even if he improves his efficiency by just 10 percentage points for this game, he could hit the over. It's better to just avoid him on a night with so many other viable options.
