Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals will take place Sunday evening with the Dallas Mavericks hoping to level the series while the Boston Celtics look to gain a 2-0 edge. The Mavericks have not lost back-to-back games in the postseason but the Celtics looked dominant in the opener. Boston has faltered in Game 2s in their previous playoff series, so this is a good chance for Dallas to bounce back.
Here’s a look at one potential DFS lineup strategy in Showdown contests on DraftKings for Game 2 with a captain’s pick, value plays and fades.
Captain Pick
Luka Doncic, $20,700
Doncic’s streak of seven straight games with 60+ fantasy points ended in Game 1, largely due to his inability to rack up assists. Even with this setback, Doncic was able to tally 49.5 fantasy points. The Mavericks superstar should continue to have high usage in Game 2 as Dallas tries to level this series and he’s worth backing as a captain despite his struggles in the opener.
Utility Plays
Kristaps Porzingis, $8,600
Porzingis logged 30+ fantasy points in the first three games against Miami before suffering a calf strain which kept him out for most of the playoffs. He returned in Game 1 with a huge showing, going for 34 fantasy points in a bench role. The Mavericks don’t have a great defensive plan for Porzingis and he should continue to take advantage of that in Game 2. Add him to your lineup for just under $9k.
Derrick White, $7,200
I think White is in line for a bounceback effort in Game 2. He was consistently around 40 fantasy points in the series against the Pacers but managed just 27.5 fantasy points in Game 1. White’s three-point shot has been consistent but he hasn’t exploded quite like he did early in the playoffs against the Heat. Perhaps tonight is that night for the veteran point guard. He’s a solid flex play.
Al Horford, $5,600
At this price point, Horford is a good addition to most DFS lineups given his role. He got the start in Game 1 despite Porzingis returning to action and there’s a chance he retains that designation tonight. Horford has been given the green light to fire from deep and he’s largely paid off on that confidence with a solid floor. If the Celtics start to pull away, Horford might get more minutes as Boston tries to ease Porzingis back into action. Add the veteran big man for Game 2.
Daniel Gafford, $4,600
Gafford only played 14 minutes in the blowout loss, and he’s got to be better for Dallas to have a chance to even up this series. For the first time in the playoffs, Dereck Lively looked overwhelmed and was unable to contend with Boston’s bigs. That could mean more minutes for Gafford, who has been a better scorer than Lively. With Doncic being in the lineup at a huge price tag, this is where you’ll have to start adding value plays. Dallas’ starting big man is as good an option as any.
Payton Pritchard, $3,200
Boston’s backup guard has had a string of poor fantasy performances, going for under 10 fantasy points in the last three games. Of Boston’s bench options though, he’s most likely to have decent usage and contribute offensively. At this price, he doesn’t need to do too much to pay off for DFS managers.
Fades
Kyrie Irving, $9,000
While I don’t believe Irving will struggle as much as he did in Game 1, there’s something about playing in Boston which seems to throw him off his game. That’s not a risk worth taking at this price point, so it’s best to leave him out of your lineup. Irving has logged 25 or less fantasy points in two of his last three games, so he’s in a bit of a rough stretch right now.
P.J. Washington, $6,200
Washington continues to contribute on the glass as his offensive production wanes but he’s unlikely to explode like he did against the Thunder. He’s gone for under 30 fantasy points in three straight games, and Boston’s defense has been relentless in these playoffs. There’s little chance the Mavericks forward rediscovers his shooting touch in Game 2. Keep him on the bench for this contest.