Best lineup strategy for Trail Blazers vs. Timberwolves NBA Showdown

In one of eight games to tip-off on Saturday, we have the Portland Trail Blazers taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves. This is the first of a two-game series between the two Western Conference teams.

This game features a few great DFS plays that could end up making or breaking your lineup. Many DFS players will opt to pick Damian Lillard or Karl-Anthony Towns in their captain spots, which are not be bad options.

However, where you can really separate yourself from your opponent is with the FLEX picks, in which both teams have some interesting choices. Let’s go over the Showdown fantasy outlook for the game for contests on DraftKings.

Captain’s Picks

Damian Lillard ($18,300) — Dame Dolla is not a bad captain pick for Saturday’s showdown contest. The star combo guard has a favorable matchup against Minnesota, who are ranked 16th against PG/SGs (OPRK). On Thursday night against the Phoenix Suns, Lillard had 30 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds (54.8 DKFP). It was the fourth time in five games that Lillard had scored 50-plus fantasy points or more. This season, Lillard is averaging 29.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.3 rebounds, and 50.7 fantasy points per game.

Karl-Anthony Towns ($16,800) — If you want to save some of salary cap at the captain spot, then Towns is the next best option. Without D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley on the floor, he’s their best player. The talented center is coming off a below average performance on Wednesday night against the Pelicans, where he had 16 points (7-19 FG, 2-10 3pt) and seven rebounds. He also scored 29.8 DKFP, which is well below his season average of 46.2 fantasy points per game.

On Saturday night, Towns will be facing a Portland frontcourt that ranks third against PF/Cs (OPRK) this season. In the Timberwolves’ last five games, he is averaging 41.3 fantasy points per game.

FLEX Plays

Anthony Edwards ($8,600) — Anthony Edwards is an obvious flex play for a Timberwolves team devoid of talent and firepower on the perimeter. This season, the first overall pick is averaging 15.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 26.6 fantasy points per game. He has scored in double-figures in five straight games, recording 22.4 points a game. In their last five games, Edwards has been a tremendous value play exceeding his season fantasy points per game average.

Gary Trent ($7,000) — We harped on this with Damian Lillard, but there could be numerous opportunities for other perimeter players on Portland to have success. Trent has scored in double-figures 14 in out of the last 15 games. With no CJ McCollum, Trent is getting minutes and is not shying away from shooting the basketball.

In Portland’s last five games, the former Duke Blue Devil is averaging 15 points, but shooting a horrendous 37.8 percent from the field and 26.3 percent from three-point range. Trent Jr. is a fine play, but if his shooting numbers scare you, then look at Carmelo Anthony.

Fades

Enes Kanter ($9,200) — This might be a crazy fade based on how Kanter is playing lately, but at this price, you could probably use that salary elsewhere. The veteran center should have a tough battle inside against Karl-Anthony Towns. But after Towns, he should be able to feast against the other Minnesota big men.

Kanter has achieved a double-double in six-straight games for Portland and he’s going up against a Timberwolves’ team that ranks 27th versus Cs (OPRK). But when you think of a $9000 salary player in DFS, you have your sights set on a superstar player, who can give you great value. If Kanter was priced between $7K-8K, then he would be a no-brainer FLEX play.

The Outcome

The spread for this game is set at five points, with the Trail Blazers being favored on the road. Portland should be able to win this game going away, if they take good shots and play defense on the other end. Lillard will likely turn in another 40-50 DKFP outing, while KAT will be the focal point of Minnesota’s offense. We should expect Portland to cover and possibly win this game by double digits.

Final score: Portland 125, Minnesota 115