Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals will take place Friday with the Boston Celtics one win away from the championship. The Celtics will attempt to sweep the Dallas Mavericks and officially secure the title, while the Mavericks try to stave off the inevitable for at least one more game.
Here’s a look at one potential DFS strategy managers could implement in Showdown contests on DraftKings for Game 4, complete with a captain’s pick, value plays and fades.
Captain Pick
Luka Doncic, $20,400
Yes, Doncic fouled out in Game 3 late at a crucial moment which potentially cost Dallas the win. Yes, Doncic fell back to Earth after a monster showing in Game 2. There’s just no one else who can hit those heights given the roles for each player on both teams, which means Doncic continues to be the choice for captain by default. He’s going to do his best to avoid being swept in front of his home crowd, so I expect a massive showing from him in Game 4.
Utility Plays
Jaylen Brown, $10,000
Brown is the favorite to win Finals MVP after going for 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in Game 3. That effort resulted in 53.5 fantasy points for DFS managers, by far Brown’s best showing in the Finals and one of his best of the postseason. The forward has become Boston’s vocal leader on the floor and is playing with energy throughout the game, something he has struggled to do at times in previous seasons. The Celtics are going for the kill and Brown is the head of the snake now. I’ll back him even at a high price point to keep up his excellent production.
Jrue Holiday, $6,800
Holiday remains consistent across the board, doing a little bit of everything for Boston in this series. He’s been the perfect upgrade for the Celtics at the point guard spot on both ends of the floor and it’s about to pay off. The veteran fell off in Finals MVP odds after Game 3 but he had strong consideration after Game 2 thanks to his steady play. He’s unlikely to hit 50 fantasy points again like he did in Game 2 but he’s a great addition to your lineup at this price point.
Al Horford, $5,800
With Kristaps Porzingis out in Game 3, Horford returned to his starting role and logged 37 minutes. The veteran big man should be in the starting lineup again tonight with Porzingis unlikely to play, and Horford’s ability to get hot from the perimeter makes him a strong addition to lineups at this price. Horford is consistent as a rebounder and will get some decent looks, so it’s only a matter of whether he’ll be able to knock them down to pay off for DFS managers.
Daniel Gafford, $4,400
It’s either Gafford or Dereck Lively for the Mavericks as the value center, and I’ll roll with the player who offers more offensively. Even with Lively closing Game 3 for Dallas, Gafford should get more touches on the interior over the duration of the contest. After going for 26.3 fantasy points in Game 2, Gafford fell off a bit with just 13.3 fantasy points in Game 3. As long as he plays 20+ minutes, he should be able to deliver a decent outing.
Xavier Tillman, $2,600
We’ve splurged on Doncic and Brown once again, which means the last spot in the lineup is a pure dart throw. Tillman took over as the backup big man in Game 3 over Luke Kornet, and I expect him to continue to have a role given his solid performance. The big man logged 12 fantasy points in 11 minutes, which is more than enough at this number. Back him to keep playing well in Game 4.
Fades
Derrick White, $7,400
White remains consistent as a fantasy player, although he hasn’t been able to catch fire from deep like he did earlier in the playoffs. That has limited his upside and thus makes him a candidate to leave on the bench at this price point. The veteran has made timely buckets so he remains an important piece for the Celtics, but it’s hard to justify putting him in the lineup over the likes of Holiday or Horford given the cost.
P.J. Washington, $6,200
It’s been an unfair series for Washington, who has largely done what is asked of him as the team’s third option. He’s averaging 14.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, which has led to 27.1 fantasy points per game. Unfortunately, there’s little upside due to his struggles from behind the arc and his usage will be inconsistent given the two guards he’s playing with. I expect Washington to be solid on the glass again and there’s a decent floor here but managers can go for other options with a higher ceiling for DFS lineups.
