This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
This article is for the two-day contests that begin on Wednesday, May 20, and end Thursday, May 21. Two general pointers for these two-day contests:
Whenever possible, fill the most restrictive positions with the players whose games are on the first day. For example, if you plan to use both J.R. Smith (a shooting guard who plays Wednesday) and Corey Brewer (a shooting guard who plays Thursday), make sure that Smith is in your SG slot, and Brewer is in your G spot. This ensures maximum flexibility if Brewer is announced as inactive after Smith has already played.
Make sure to check in on your lineup before tip-off on the second day of the contest. A lot can happen in 24 hours that might make you want to change your lineup, especially updated injury statuses.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks: Both of their defenses have been stifling during the playoffs; however, the Hawks will spend Wednesday trying to defend the hottest offense in the playoffs. The Cavaliers' offensive rating (110.9) is the best in the playoffs, despite them averaging less points per game than the Warriors. The Hawks offense, on the other hand, has been mediocre this postseason, ranking easily last among the four teams still alive.
Offenses to Use
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors: Game 1 of this series is already in the books. That gives daily gamers a valuable set of data to consider when creating their lineups. The same data cannot yet be available for the Hawks-Cavaliers, since their Game 1 is on Wednesday. Game 1 is especially helpful for understanding the type of roles that secondary and tertiary players are likely to have throughout the series. The Warriors get the nod over the Rockets because the Warriors have been the better per-possession team throughout the both the regular season and the playoffs, on both offense and defense.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Shaun Livingston, GS (vs HOU), PG, ($2,600): For three games in a row, Livingston has played an important role off the bench for the Warriors. He's played more than 20 minutes in all three. His play is impacting more than just the box score. He is making timely, momentum-swinging plays, which bodes well for his continued use in Game 2.
Other suggestions: Stephen Curry, GS (vs HOU), PG, ($10,400)
Shooting Guard
J.R. Smith, CLE (at ATL), SG, ($4,800): Smith and Iman Shumpert are both playing important roles for the Cavaliers. Shumpert has had more success over the last two games, but his price has over-inflated as a result. Smith's price, and the prevailing conventional wisdom about his expectations, are both spot-on. Smith is a confident, emotional player, and Wednesday will mark arguably the biggest game of his career.
Other suggestions: Klay Thompson, GS (vs HOU), SG, ($7,200)
Small Forward
Trevor Ariza, HOU (at GS), SF, ($6,500): Ariza was solid in Game 1, scoring 20 points with three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and four threes. Ariza is big enough, and good enough, to remain effective even if covered by Draymond Green or Andre Iguodala. Ariza's price is low, in light of his recent production.
Other suggestions: Josh Smith, HOU (at GS), SF, ($5,400)
Power Forward
Tristan Thompson, CLE (at ATL), PF, ($5,800): Thompson (shoulder) injured himself during Game 6 against the Bulls but said he is ready to play Wednesday. He has double-doubled in three of his last four games and posted 12 points and seven rebounds in the fourth game. As long as Thompson is healthy enough to receive his full compliment of minutes, he is capable of major production.
Other suggestions: Draymond Green, GS (vs HOU), PF, ($7,700); Paul Millsap, ATL (vs CLE), PF, ($8,200)
Center
Al Horford, ATL (vs CLE), C, ($7,900): There is no need to overthink the center spot in this contest. There are plenty of discounts available at other positions, so managers ought to find themselves with salary available. The Hawks need a good game from Horford to stay competitive in Game 1, and Horford has a tendency to rise to the occasion. He double-doubled in five of the seven games against the Wizards.
Other suggestions: Andrew Bogut, GS (vs HOU) C, ($4,800)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Marreese Speights (calf)
Patrick Beverley (wrist)
K.J. McDaniels (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
Kyrie Irving (knee) expects to play Wednesday.
Tristan Thompson (shoulder) expects to play Wednesday.
Dwight Howard (knee) is day-to-day, but he is optimistic that he will be able to play Thursday.
