The 2024 Eastern Conference Finals continue Saturday with Game 3 between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. The Celtics are going for the commanding 3-0 series lead while the Pacers hope to punch back at home, where they have not lost yet in these playoffs.
Here’s a look at one potential lineup strategy DFS managers can employ for Showdown contests involving Saturday’s game with a captain pick, utility plays and fades.
Captain Pick
Pascal Siakam, $13,500
Siakam came back to Earth a bit after going for 52 fantasy points in Game 1, logging 37.3 fantasy points in Game 2. However, the forward has an opportunity to have a truly massive outing at home in Game 3. The Pacers could be without Tyrese Haliburton, who is likely to be limited even if he does suit up. That means Siakam has a bigger responsibility as the piece acquired at the trade deadline to make this partnership successful. This is his moment to establish himself as a true second star on this roster.
Utility Plays
Jaylen Brown, $9,400
There’s no way Brown can be left out of your DFS lineup after his first two games in this series. He might be emerging for Boston at the perfect time as the team’s best player, with Jayson Tatum having a bit of a shooting slump. Brown has tallied 101.6 fantasy points over the first two games and should remain aggressive as the Celtics try to set up a chance to sweep the series. He’s a lock as a flex play.
Derrick White, $8,200
White has hit 42+ fantasy points in each of the first two games, and could see more usage if Jrue Holiday is limited in any way due to an illness he picked up. Even if Holiday does play, White should be able to have fantasy relevance due to his three-point shooting. He’s become a bit more consistent and if the volume starts to climb a bit, he could really go for a big number. Even though the Pacers are solid against opposing guards, it’s hard to fade White given his current form.
Myles Turner, $7,800
The Pacers big man saw a six-game streak of 30+ fantasy points snapped in Game 2, where he laid a big dud with 14 fantasy points. I expect Turner to bounce back in front of his home crowd, especially if Haliburton is ruled out or severely limited. The Pacers need Turner to be a factor in this matchup as long as the Celtics are thin on the interior, which means the touches should be there for him to rediscover his fantasy value.
Andrew Nembhard, $6,000
After back-to-back 30+ fantasy-point showings, Nembhard has slid a bit but remains solid as a starting guard. He combined for 54.8 fantasy points over the first two games, and could have a bigger role if Haliburton is ruled out. Nembhard has been solid on the assist front throughout the playoffs and he’s not afraid to take big shots. He’s also a better perimeter scorer at home than on the road, which bodes well for him in this particular contest.
Aaron Nesmith, $5,000
Nesmith started off the postseason with two 30+ fantasy-point showings. He’s fallen slightly but has a solid floor. He’s especially good at home, as his style of play tends to create moments where the crowd can get involved. He’ll get more looks if Haliburton is out, and is a substantially better shooter at home than on the road. Nesmith hasn’t had two games in a row under 20 fantasy points this postseason so he’s worth adding to your lineup at this price point.
Fades
Tyrese Haliburton, $9,600
It sounds like Haliburton is truly a 50-50 proposition but the star guard seems more likely to power through the hamstring injury than sit out with the Pacers teetering on the brink of elimination if they lose Game 3. However, I do think Haliburton will be limited if he does suit up to the point where he’s not helping the team as much. He’s one to stay away from in DFS lineups tonight.
Al Horford, $6,400
Horford might actually see more minutes in this game given Boston’s injuries in the frontcourt but I don’t think he’s going to hit the heights of his Game 5 performance against Cleveland again. He’s slowly fading against the Pacers, who might be able to take advantage of 1-on-1 matchups against him as the game goes on. He’s a tempting proposition at this price point but I’d stay away.