:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67437896/usa_today_14949249.0.jpg)
We saw things play out a little bit differently than we would have anticipated in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. For one, the Los Angeles Lakers won a Game 1. The side that shouldn’t surprise anyone is that the Denver Nuggets are trailing in a series. Either way, it seems like things could play out either one extreme or the other. Predicting which extreme that is will be difficult. So let’s take a look at some DraftKings Showdown plays to consider for the contest, which locks at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Set your DraftKings lineup here.
Players to Fade
Michael Porter Jr. ($8,000)
I will gladly die on the “Fade MPJ hill” in this series. Sure, he had a pretty decent Game 1 with a double-double on 14 points and 10 rebounds. His price even went down, so that could entice uneducated people to play him. This is not a good idea. The Nuggets got destroyed in Game 1 and I could see adjustments being made on defense. If that’s the case, MPJ may not play 29 minutes again and at this price, that wouldn’t be good.
Jerami Grant ($6,200)
There isn’t really a place for Grant in your lineup in a series like this. If it’s going to be the Lakers dominating, then Grant will get minutes but it may result in not so great fantasy production. His price is pretty high for what you get out of him. A player that may hit some 3-pointers but is only really in there for defense. If Grant can’t contain LeBron James and/or Anthony Davis, what’s his purpose? I don’t know. So Grant really doesn’t give any type of ceiling and his floor is low.
Value Picks
Markieff Morris ($3,800)
Morris’ price dropped from Game 1 and he was actually pretty productive, draining 3 shots from outside for 9 points. This was done in just 16 minutes and Morris even chipped in a couple of steals and some rebounds. I think the Lakers will opt for more small ball lineups to speed up the Nuggets and get them uncomfortable playing outside of the half court offense. Morris could see additional playing time in the front court.
Dwight Howard ($2,800)
The flip side of the whole Morris thing is that Frank Vogel wants to use more size in this series to deal with Nikola Jokic. Howard got in there and caused some problems early on for the Nuggets. He is still athletic and can rip down rebounds. It only took 16 minutes to produce 23.75 DKFP in Game 1. At this price, I’m fine taking another flier on Howard to show up on the big stage. He’s been there before.