This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Team Analysis
Offense to Use:
Portland Trail Blazers at Minnesota Timberwolves
Because there's only one game Monday, the contest features that game between Portland and Minnesota, and four 7 p.m. ET matchups Tuesday. But the game Monday should be the highest scoring of the bunch. The Trail Blazers' offense has been on a torrid pace as Portland continues its push for the playoffs, having scored 114.6 points per game during a six-game winning streak. The Blazers dropped 112 on the T-Wolves earlier in the streak, though that was with Jusuf Nurkic in the lineup. Regardless, Portland has two feature guards in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, and plenty of cheap players with upside.
Defense to Avoid:
Toronto Raptors at Indiana Pacers
This is more of a testament to the Pacers 2OT game vs. the Cavaliers on Sunday than the Raptors' ability to stop them from scoring. Indiana should be absolutely drained after Sunday, so expect Toronto to pound on them again, defeating the Pacers for the second time in four days. Despite Indiana's fatigue, Toronto's defense would probably have an easy time anyway, only having to contain Paul George in order to limit the Pacers' offense to under 100 points. Each are jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference, but expect a better showing from the Raptors.
Teams on Back-to-Backs:
First game: Cavaliers, Hornets
Second game: Trail Blazers, T-Wolves
DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Damian Lillard, PG, POR at MIN ($9,600): Dame is worth spending up for coming off back-to-back games of 31 points. He's got the Trail Blazers on a six-game winning streak largely because of his outside shooting, hitting at least four 3-pointers in five of six. The T-Wolves struggle to defend the 3-point line, and don't have a shutdown guard to lock up Lillard.
Jeremy Lin, PG, BKN at PHI ($6,600): Lin has been impressive in DFS despite struggling to score on the court. He's averaging just 13.2 points in his past six, but also 5.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals (30 DKFP per game) in that span. He was able to force plenty of turnovers vs. the 76ers last week, racking up four in 30 minutes.
Evan Fournier, SG, ORL at CLE ($5,700): Fournier has a lot of appeal, not only as a cash-game guard, but in tournaments as well. The Cavaliers are in a trap game Tuesday with a matchup for first place in the East with the Celtics set for Wednesday. Cleveland is also coming off a 135-130 2OT win vs. the Pacers on Sunday. Fournier has had success against the Cavs in two games, averaging 18.5 points (28.6 DKFP). His scoring should help him reach value in 50/50's, but the kicker is his secondary stats (steals, assists, rebounds), that may put him over the edge.
Paul George, SF/PF, IND vs. TOR ($8,100): George has the slight upper hand on Karl-Anthony Towns ($10,500) and LeBron James ($10,200) as far as elite options go. The Pacers' All-Star is significantly cheaper than both James and Towns. He's going to be asked to do a lot vs. the Raptors, similar to what he did Saturday, scoring 28 points with nine rebounds and three assists (46.25 DKFP). Indiana is clinging to playoff hopes at this point and are in a big spot at home after a tough loss to the Cavs on Sunday.
Marvin Williams, PF, CHA at WAS ($6,200): Williams has been inconsistent since his hot streak a month ago, but he's in a good spot Tuesday against the Wizards, who aren't a very strong rebounding unit. Despite a poor performance Sunday, Williams has over 30 DKFP in four of his past six games. He's banged seven 3-pointers in his past three games, and put up a respectable 35.5 DKFP on 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists on March 18. Williams is a relatively safe play with tournament upside considering his ownership should be low.
Noah Vonleh, PF/C, POR at MIN ($4,100): With Jusuf Nurkic out for the remainder of the season, Vonleh is an easy value play Monday vs. the T-Wolves. Getting the nod at PF vs. the Suns on Saturday, Vonleh threw up 12 points and 13 rebounds in 35 minutes (35.75 DKFP). It was just the second time in 10 games that Vonleh reached eight field-goal attempts, and that number is likely to increase as he gets more comfortable in this expanded role. He'll need to stay out of foul trouble, but that's the only thing standing between Vonleh and another 30-plus DKFP night.
Brook Lopez, BKN at PHI ($7,300): Lopez is arguably the best play at center for the combined five-game slate. The last time he faced the 76ers, Lopez posted 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists (51.25 DKFP). He's averaging a cool 47.5 DKFP in three games vs. Philadelphia this season and his outside shooting has become a plus lately. Lopez has hit at least two 3-point shots in four straight games and his salary can help you balance your lineup with some of the elite players on the slate looking less appealing than usual.
Frank Kaminsky, PF/C, CHA vs. WAS ($5,300): Kaminsky has found his scoring touch, pouring in at least 18 points in three of his past four games. He's been hot from outside, draining 11-of-18 from distance in his past three, though his rebounding totals leave a lot to be desired. Kaminsky should be able to take advantage of the Wizards' smaller lineup and will create matchup problems should Marcin Gortat draw his assignment. The Hornets big man isn't going to break the bank and has some sneaky upside in a game that expects to be high-scoring.
Shawn Long, PF/C, PHI vs. BKN ($3,900): We're diving deep into the bargain barrel for this one, but let's give credit where credit is due, as Long has proven to be a valuable tournament asset lately. He had nine points, five boards and two blocks in 18 minutes Sunday vs. the Raptors, and previously scored 16 points with four rebounds (25 DKFP) Friday vs. the Cavs. Jahlil Okafor isn't coming back anytime soon, and Long has certainly earned increased minutes, which would come in handy in a nice matchup vs. the Nets.
