Daily Fantasy Basketball 2015: Best NBA DFS DraftKings Lineup for April 21
Playoff basketball changes a daily fantasy player's mindset, allowing everyone to dissect repeating matchups while paying more attention to the stars.
Regular daily NBA participants are glad to no longer worry about starters resting or logging limited minutes. With the Larry O'Brien Trophy on the line, no teams will hold back, and the chances of a blowout are significantly depreciated during the playoffs.
The daily grind also no longer features any full slates. Gamers can focus all of their energy on the day's select few matchups. On Tuesday night, three evening games fill the docket, giving DraftKings players limited but high-quality choices.
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers
Top Plays: PG Kyrie Irving ($7,900); PF Kevin Love ($7,400); PG Isaiah Thomas ($6,700); PF Tristan Thompson ($4,400); C Kelly Olynyk ($4,000)
Who would have thought playoff experience amounted to nothing more than a meaningless narrative crutch? Turns out All-Stars don't suddenly forget how to play basketball during their first postseason run.
Rather than shrinking under the spotlight, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving glistened even brighter. Love, who became a diminished model of the old Minnesota Timberwolves' 25-12 fiend, produced 19 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.
Irving manufactured the most lucrative playoff scoring debut since LeBron James' initiation, per NBA TV:
The Boston Celtics' 111.8 defensive rating ranks worst among all postseason participants, and any perceived conflict among the Cleveland Cavaliers dissipated during their well-rounded victory. Both Love and Irving—particularly Love against the undersized Celtics—make valuable second-tier stars.
Isaiah Thomas brandished his high ceiling on Sunday, offering 22 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. While double-digit assists is an outlier for the instant-offense reserve, he's always a threat to produce points in a hurry.
Few Celtics are stable enough to trust on a regular basis, but a low-tier asset could contribute above value. After outshining Tyler Zeller from the bench, Kelly Olynyk deserves a larger slice of the pie.
Washington Wizards at Toronto Raptors
Top Plays: SG Bradley Beal ($6,500); SF Paul Pierce ($5,200); PF Amir Johnson ($4,400)
Even in overtime, neither the Washington Wizards nor Toronto Raptors sniffed triple digits during Washington's 93-86 Game 1 victory. Of Tuesday's three games, this one proves the least attractive.
Although Toronto finished the regular season No. 24 in defensive rating, Washington's No. 28-rated offense doesn't have the chops to capitalize. Both sides also ranked in the bottom 10 of pace, minimizing scoring opportunities on both ends.
Game 1, however, was not devoid of fantasy utility. Paul Pierce found the Fountain of Youth, scoring 20 points. NBA.com/Stats tracked the veteran's sizzling shooting:
Although chasing the hot hand often backfires, Pierce's 37 minutes represents his highest tally since Dec. 8, when he recorded 28 points through 39 minutes against Boston. After playing a restrained 26.2 minutes per game during the season, Pierce will receive a heftier postseason workload.
Bradley Beal, who is averaging 19.4 points per game in April, won't miss 17 shots again. The 21-year-old will continue to get opportunities, so he's a top choice for anyone fading James Harden.
Tyler Hansbrough started at power forward for Toronto, but Amir Johnson amassed 18 points and eight boards through 34 minutes. According to TSN's Josh Lewenberg, he'll stay prominently featured regardless of his starting status:
At $4,400, he's an affordable choice from the night's most underwhelming draw.
Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets
Top Plays: SG James Harden ($10,500); SF Trevor Ariza ($6,200); C Tyson Chandler ($6,600); SG Jason Terry ($3,700); PG J.J. Barea ($3,100)
No team converted more three-pointers than the Houston Rockets during the season, and no team surrendered more than the Dallas Mavericks. Game 1's 118-108 shootout provided a taste of what should be a savory series for daily gamers, with an added impetus on Houston.
Saturday's 45.5 DraftKings points careened below his norm, but Harden remains a safe superstar worth the hefty admission price. Even while making four field goals, he saved face by earning 17 foul shots and 11 assists.
Dallas concluded the season ranked No. 24 in DraftKings points allowed versus shooting guards, making Harden a steadier building block than James.
Including Saturday's double-double, Trevor Ariza has now submitted two strong April performances against the Mavericks. The 29-year-old will fill the stat sheet while getting open perimeter looks. He's another high-floor choice well suited for 50-50 contests.
For someone needing a cheap guard or utility option, Jason Terry exploited Dallas' vulnerabilities guarding the arc with four three-pointers. If a questionable Devin Harris can't suit up for the Mavericks, J.J. Barea will get enough playing time to make a dent at $3,100.
Advanced stats courtesy of NBA.com.
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