This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Here we go with a three-game playoff slate on Thursday, April 18.
We have a few injuries to monitor with potential for more while moving closer to tip-off. You'll want to stay in the loop with Rotowire's NBA News Feed before setting your final lineups. As of Thursday morning, these are the situations we are looking at:
Joel Embiid is questionable. The saga continues. I'm assuming he'll play tonight, as he ended up playing through a doubtful tag in Game 1. Having said that, the minutes could be somewhat tapered.
These notable players will continue to miss time: DeMarcus Cousins, Allen Crabbe, James Ennis III
With that, I'll be breaking down the best fantasy choices on DraftKings for Thursday. The following write-ups contain a blend of cash game staples, bargain fillers, and tournament pivots.
GUARDS
Stephen Curry – GS at LAC ($9,100): Curry should be a staple through all formats tonight. Sure, he's going to be popular, but there's a good reason behind that. The Warriors will look to avenge their stunning loss on Monday, and Curry is the focal point of that angle. Not having Cousins in the lineup should push a little more usage to the perimeter as well.
Gary Harris – DEN at SA ($5,100): Harris has battled injuries and inconsistencies throughout most of the season. As a result, his minutes were scaled back around 20-25 down the stretch. However, Harris has been unleashed with a full workload in the playoffs, and his salary is still based on the previously reduced role. That creates an easy bargain opportunity, and the Denver guard is coming off a nice 32 fantasy point performance through 35 minutes in Game 2.
Other guards to consider: Lou Williams – LAC vs. GS ($7,400), Klay Thompson – GS at LAC ($5,900)
FORWARDS
Ben Simmons – PHI vs. BKN ($7,700): If you paid attention to Monday's DraftKings NBA Cheat Sheet, then you understand that Philadelphia was looking for Simmons to be aggressive in Game 2. He ended up with a triple-double to go along with 56 fantasy points in a resurgent 22 point blowout against the Nets. You better believe he's going to retain that aggressive mindset to keep the Sixers in dominant form. It seems that Embiid still isn't close to 100% healthy, so Simmons will need to pick up the slack in this road contest.
Montrezl Harrell – LAC vs. GS ($6,300): Harrell is another DFS staple through all formats. He has been the rock for LAC through both games this series, posting 43 and 41 fantasy points respectively. I'm expecting him to keep that pace, and not having to worry about DeMarcus Cousins on the other side provides a small boost to Harrell's fantasy value.
Other forwards to consider: Rudy Gay – SA vs. DEN ($5,000), DeMarre Carroll – BKN at PHI ($4,600)
CENTERS
Draymond Green – GS at LAC ($6,700): I mentioned Curry and Harrell as staples through all formats tonight. Go ahead and add Green to that list. He gains even more fantasy traction while stepping up in Cousins' absence. It's not like he needs the help, as Green has posted 40 and 38 fantasy points respectively in the first two games of this series. Playing up in pace against a Clippers team that struggles against opposing frontcourts doesn't hurt. Don't overthink this one!
Jakob Poeltl – SA vs. DEN ($3,900): Poeltl is an interesting value filler to consider in your utility spot. He should see around 20-25 minutes for the Spurs, a role that has translated to a 19 FPPG average through the first two games of this series. Poeltl doesn't score much, and the matchup isn't great. However, he grabs enough rebounds with potential for a few blocks to post respectable fantasy value for a near-minimum salary. If Poeltl allows you to snag the aforementioned necessities in this article, then go ahead and lock him in for value.
Other centers to consider: Kevon Looney – GS at LAC ($4,100)
