This article is part of our PrizePicks NBA series.
There should be plenty of drama in the NBA on Tuesday with two Game 5's of series that are both tied at two games apiece. This slate of playoff action also brings another opportunity to win some cash on PrizePicks. 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.
If this is your first time playing on PrizePicks, be sure to sign up using our promotional offer. New members who sign up and make their first deposit get a free 2-pick entry to win $25 and a 25% first deposit instant match. For the instant match promotion, the maximum deposit is $4,000 for $1,000 in Promo Money. If downloading the app, use promo code: WIRE.
Here are some players to target and avoid while creating your entry.
Players to Target
Jimmy Butler, PHI at TOR: Over 42.5 FP: If there is one thing that you can count on with Butler, it's that he won't shy away from big moments. After a poor performance in Game 1, he's rebounded to score at least 47.2 fantasy points in each of the last three games. Not only has he stepped up his offensive game, but he's also averaged 10 rebounds, six assists, 1.3 steals and one block during that three-game stretch. With the Sixers hoping to steal a win on the road, look for Butler to provide another valuable all-around stat line and hit the over.
Paul Millsap, DEN vs. POR: Over 34.8 FP: The Blazers have had no answer for Millsap, who has produced a fantasy score of at least 37.2 in three straight games. His success shouldn't come as much of a surprise considering he averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, two assists and 1.7 steals across three regular season games against Portland. He's a nightly double-double threat who can provide plenty of defensive stats, as well, so roll with the over here.
Kyle Lowry, TOR vs. PHI: Under 34.5 FP: With Kawhi Leonard recording a monstrous usage rate, Lowry has only averaged 12.3 shot attempts in the Round 2 series against the Sixers. Add in Lowry's 38.8 percent shooting from the field during that stretch, and it's not shocking that he hasn't been very productive. He's only topped a 34.5 fantasy score in two of the Raptors' nine playoff games, so the under is an appealing option.
Players to Avoid
Kawhi Leonard, TOR vs. PHI: 56.2 FP: Leonard has put the Raptors on his back in this series and has his team in position to take a 3-2 lead on their home floor Tuesday. He's averaged 22.3 shot attempts while shooting 61.8 percent from the field across the first four games, leaving him with tremendous scoring upside. However, this is a huge fantasy score for him to hit. Even with 39 points and 14 rebounds in Game 4, Leonard finished with 56.3 fantasy points. He's going to have a big game, but this number is so high that is might be best to avoid picking a side.
Enes Kanter, POR at DEN: 31 FP: After the Blazers lost Jusuf Nurkic (lower leg), the pressure was on Kanter to fill the void at center. He hasn't disappointed, although he's had to play through an injured left shoulder in this series. The injury hadn't limited his production until Game 4 when Kanter finished with just five points on five shot attempts. Even though he has the potential to record a robust double-double whenever he takes the floor, it might be best to stay away from making a call here based on his injury.
Gary Harris, DEN vs. POR: 26 FP: The Nuggets have been leaning on Harris for significant playing time, which has enabled him to log at least 34 minutes in six straight games. Despite the expanded role, he only averaged 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and one block during that stretch. While he has scoring upside, he's never been much of a contributor in the way of rebounds or assists, which makes this line a little tricky. Since it's not a huge number, he could still hit the over if he catches fire from the field. He could also fall flat if his shots aren't falling. It's too risky to make a decision here either way.
