This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Here we go with a one-game playoff slate between the Warriors and Raptors on Thursday, May 30.
Because this is a single-game format, the following write-ups will be constructed different. For these contests, DraftKings allows you to roster a "captain" who collects 1.5 times the fantasy points. However, he also costs 1.5x the listed salary. From here, you'll have five remaining utility spots to assemble a lineup. The corresponding analysis will heavily consider the strategy within that while listing viable players to choose from.
TOP PICKS
Kawhi Leonard – TOR vs. GS ($11,800): The debate between Leonard and Stephen Curry as your DraftKings captain is hardly straightforward. A strong case can be made for either superstar, but I'm ultimately siding with Leonard at home. The Raptors should be able to defend Curry much better than what the Blazers had to offer, and I'm not sure the same can be said of Golden State trying to limit Leonard. It's a close call, but Leonard is the captain in my opinion.
Stephen Curry – GS at TOR ($11,400): Even though Curry didn't make the cut as the top overall pick, he's a fine second choice within this slate. You can also look towards teammate Draymond Green, but the difference in salary is only $800 from Curry. That has me looking towards the Warriors' point guard, especially with Kevin Durant still out of the mix. Even though I'm expecting Toronto to play better defense on the former MVP, he's still a plausible bet for 50-55 fantasy points. The Leonard-Curry stack is in full effect on DraftKings tonight.
Kyle Lowry – TOR vs. GS ($7,800): Lowry is my favorite mid-range pick who carries a lower salary than Green, Pascal Siakam, and Klay Thompson. You could argue that Lowry has a similar projection range as that trio, making for a better "per dollar" acquisition. The Toronto point guard has posted 37 or more fantasy points in three straight, and he's a strong candidate to surpass the 40 FP threshold while potentially flirting with a triple-double. Playing at home doesn't hurt, either, and I'm not worried about the sprained thumb on his non-shooting hand. Lowry has been producing despite the issue in recent games, and this is a healthy game environment for him to thrive.
BARGAINS
Fred VanVleet – TOR vs. GS ($5,400): We aren't exactly sure how the rotations will shake out in this new series, but I'm confident that VanVleet will see 30-35 minutes against the smaller Golden State lineups. The backup guard was seemingly non-existent in the first two rounds of the playoffs, but he's brimming with confidence after three straight quality showings to put away the Bucks. This seems like a strong game environment to keep him going.
Kevon Looney – GS at TOR ($4,800): As mentioned in the previous write-up, it can be difficult to predict rotations in Game 1, as both teams are reacting to different lineup combinations. However, Looney seems like a safe bet for 25-30 minutes, a role he has grown accustomed to over the playoffs. Looney is one of the few bargains with legitimate upside on this slate, posting 30 or more fantasy points in two of his past three.
Jordan Bell – GS at TOR ($2,000): Whether he's starting or not, Bell should see somewhere around 15 minutes tonight. That could be enough to post a respectable fantasy line for his dirt-cheap salary. Bell is nothing more than a value filler to help make the rest of your lineup work within the allotted cap space. Having said that, he's a reasonable "per minute" fantasy producer who is averaging 13 minutes and 14 fantasy points over the past five games with Durant sidelined. That will suffice considering the bargain asking price.
