This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
The quest for a NBA Finals berth continues for the Rockets and Warriors on Thursday, while the Cavaliers and Celtics take the floor again on Friday for Game 6. FanDuel does offer single game slates, though this article will focus on the site's multi-day slate instead, which features both of the aforementioned contests. The following list of players are options to consider for those jumping into the playoff action.
Guards:
James Harden, HOU vs. GS ($11,500): Arguably the biggest debate on this two-game slate is which expensive option to use. Of course, LeBron James could have that huge night that we all expect with the Cavaliers down 3-2 and on the brink of elimination. However, I still can't stray away from Harden when comparing the two, specifically because of his price. Harden is a full $2,000 cheaper than James and still has that big-game potential. Harden has surpassed 50 FanDuel points in eight of 14 playoff contests, including two of the four matchups played against the Warriors thus far. As a result, he's my top option for that upper tier of players.
Terry Rozier, BOS at CLE ($7,500): Rozier played much better in the Celtics' two previous series against the 76ers and the Bucks, which is somewhat surprising considering the team's current opponent, the Cavaliers, certainly aren't prided for their defense. As a result, his price has remained extremely fair compared to his overall upside as a DFS option. Rozier has surpassed 40 FanDuel points five times, two of which broke the 50-point mark as well. To hit value, Rozier really only needs to hit around 35-to-40 FanDuel points at his current price, so he seems like a very safe option to roll with at guard.
Jaylen Brown, BOS at CLE ($6,700): From a basketball standpoint, Brown has been extremely impressive throughout the playoffs and clearly has a bright future ahead of him. In terms of DFS production, he's been solid as well, though fairly inconsistent, which is always a bit concerning. That said, when Brown is on, he's got upper-30s or low-40s potential for FanDuel points and that would be more than enough to hit value at his current price. The Celtics have a chance to close out LeBron James and the Cavaliers on Friday and with Brown already brimming with confidence, it wouldn't be surprising if he comes out firing again.
Forwards:
Draymond Green, GS at HOU ($8,700): As the entire basketball community knows, Green is the guy that you look to for that coveted multi-category production. Yes, his price is getting a little expensive, but on a two-game slate, you're sometimes forced to overpay for players considering a lack of alternative options. Green has put up back-to-back games of 42.6 and 47.4 FanDuel points, respectively, which included double-digit boards in both contests. As long as he can avoid a pair of techs and an ejection, I fully expect Green to have his usual stat-stuffing production.
P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. GS ($5,300): Tucker has really elevated his play of late and has posted 35 or more FanDuel points in two of his last three outings. Despite the increase in production, FanDuel really hasn't raised his price too much, which makes Tucker one of the better value plays on the slate. Is there a chance he falls flat? Yes, that possibility is entirely possible. However, I'm willing to take a chance on him, especially considering his recent work on the boards.
Jordan Bell, GS at HOU ($3,000): This pick is certainly risky and a bit of a stretch, but with just two games on the slate, DFS owners need to do something to differentiate their lineups. If Andre Iguodala (knee) can't give it a go, expect Bell to get some run in the rotation once again after logging 18 minutes in Game 4. Bell was fairly efficient with that time and posted six points, five rebounds, one block and one steal, which was good enough for 18 FanDuel points. That strong showing could earn him some added run Thursday, though I would only give Bell a shot if Iguodala can't play.
Centers:
Al Horford, BOS at CLE ($7,900): The center position is pretty ugly between these four teams, but Horford at least provides some sort of consistency. He's had over 30 FanDuel points in all but two games so far in the playoffs and surpassed the 40-point mark five times. Clint Capela, the top priced option at $8,000, has seen sporadic minutes against the small-ball lineups of the Warriors, so he's a guy I'm avoiding at all costs. On the other hand, the Celtics and Cavaliers have switched up their lineups a few times throughout the playoffs, which usually impacts their centers minutes. As a result, Horford is really the only option that is consistent enough to where I feel comfortable using him in my lineup.
Tristan Thompson, CLE vs. BOS ($4,800): While I'm using Horford if possible, Thompson is a guy that has some upside at his price if you're in need of some salary relief. Thompson has hit 30-plus FanDuel points just twice in the playoffs, though his best outing came against the Celtics in Game 4 when he posted a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double for 38.4 FanDuel points. He's risky and extremely inconsistent, but again, could be an option for those who can't afford Horford.
