Best lineup strategy for Nets vs. Heat NBA Showdown

The Brooklyn Nets dropped two straight games to the Cleveland Cavaliers and will get a shot at redemption against the Miami Heat on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET. Kevin Durant is expected to return from a one-game break, so we’ll get to see the Nets’ big three against a depleted Heat team that will be without several key players, including Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro. Let’s go over what plays could be ideal for Showdown DFS contests on DraftKings centered around the matchup.

Captain’s Picks

Durant ($16,200) and Kyrie Irving ($14,400) stand out as the options with the highest ceilings in this matchup. Durant is well-rested and will likely draw Andre Iguodala's attention on defense with Butler out of commission. He’s been one of the most consistent scorers in the NBA all year, and Miami has nothing close to an answer for him defensively.

Irving has been on a mission since returning from the leave he took for personal reasons earlier this month and has scored at least 37 points in back-to-back games. It’s clear that James Harden has accepted his role as a distributor, so expect Irving to keep chucking up 20 or more shots per game. Irving has been just as efficient as KD and is shooting better than 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from deep.

The third option I’d consider in this matchup is Bam Adebayo ($13,800). He leads Miami in points, rebounds, and blocks per game and is up against a Brooklyn team struggling in the post with DeAndre Jordan as its only reliable big. His upside isn’t nearly as high as the first two options, but Brooklyn was crushed by Cleveland’s bigs on Friday and gave up double-doubles to Andre Drummond and Larry Nance Jr.

FLEX Plays

Kendrick Nunn ($6,400) has been setting the net ablaze. He’s reached 40 DKFP in two straight games. Goran Dragic ($7,200) is probable with a foot injury and played in Miami’s last two games, but his involvement wasn’t enough to slow down Nunn, who’s played at least 34 minutes in three straight outings. It’s no secret that the Nets have struggled on defense, and Nunn is aggressive enough to take advantage of that.

Joe Harris ($6,000) had a pair of bad shooting nights against the Cavs’ impressive defense but can make up for those performances against a below-average defense that’s missing one of its best wing defenders. He’s getting his usual open looks, and I don’t expect him to shoot worse than 40 percent from the field for a third straight game.

Fades

Andre Iguodala ($4,000) is affordable but has only played 25 minutes once in his last 10 games. I don’t think that him starting will raise his ceiling by a significant margin. Brooklyn is a 7.5-point favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, and Miami’s young players could get more burn than Iggy if the game gets out of hand.

The Outcome

Brooklyn has too much offensive firepower to not come out on tap in this matchup and is riding a three-game winning streak at home. Miami doesn’t have two of its top three scorers to face off against the league's second-highest scoring offense. The Nets should get back on track with a win.

Final score: Nets win 123-110