There are two NBA games on Tuesday’s slate.
No team is playing the second leg of a back-to-back.
As for injuries, Trae Young is probable. Keaton Wallace, Jaylen Wells are out.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, ORL is -5 over ATL with the total at 217. GSW is -7 over MEM with the total at 229.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K Play-in Special [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors ($8,900): I’m working under the assumption that Stephen Curry will be one of the most rostered players on the slate. Therefore, I will likely go with Jimmy Butler as leverage, and since I think this game will likely be an up-and-down affair, clicking on Morant seems like the path for a comeback. Since Taylor Jenkins was fired, the Grizzlies offense has been utilizing more pick-and-roll action, which is obviously perfectly suited for Morant. The usage rate has been over 35% after languishing in the high-31% range for much of the season. Morant has put up over 50 FPTS in five of the last 11 games, including 52.25 FPTS against the Warriors five games ago.
Other Options: Stephen Curry ($9,300), Trae Young ($9,100), Desmond Bane ($7,800)
Value
Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks ($4,600): Anthony missed nine games in March due to a toe injury. Prior to that, he was starting and playing 31 minutes a night. In the last six games of the season, though, Anthony was receiving 15-to-20 minutes off the bench. I’m thinking the Magic were just bringing Anthony back along slowly, but it’s not a definite thing so there is some uncertainty as to playing time. With Cory Joseph dealing with a knee injury and this being the playoffs, I think Anthony gets around 30 minutes, as his ability to get buckets should be needed. It is a pace up spot for Orlando, as Atlanta has been playing at the fifth-fastest pace. Anthony has put up over 40 FPTS seven times this season, with a high of 62.5 FPTS.
Other Options: Brandin Podziemski ($6,000), Scotty Pippen Jr. ($4,700), Luke Kennard ($3,900), Terance Mann ($3,500), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($3,800), Gary Payton II ($3,300)
Forward
Stud
Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies ($8,000): As mentioned in the Morant section, I think most will go with Curry, so the Morant and Butler selections should provide decent leverage, although it’s a two-game slate so most of the studs will likely be highly rostered. Regardless, that’s the train I’m riding. Choo choo. We know Butler’s M. O., as he often defers to teammates but can explode when needed. Over the last five games, he’s put up at least 45 FPTS in the three most recent contests but was in the 20-FPTS range in the prior two. It’s winning time now, though, and I think the defensive focus will be on Curry, allowing Butler to do his thing.
Other Options: Paolo Banchero ($9,500), Franz Wagner ($8,500), Jaren Jackson Jr. ($7,300), Draymond Green ($6,300)
Value
Terance Mann, Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic ($3,500): Mann is a low-usage player, but he’s athletic and has been a part of the rotation since he was acquired at the trade deadline. Mann has averaged 22.8 minutes per contest with 9.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The defensive stats are lacking but he’s put up over 20 FPTS in 12 of the 30 games.
Other Options: Santi Aldama ($5,500), Luke Kennard ($3,900), Gary Payton II ($3,300)
Center
Stud
Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic ($7,500): It was an excruciating ride for us fantasy nerds clammoring for Okongwu to supplant Clint Capela, but it finally happened this season. And the pain was worth it because Okongwu has been all that we thought he’d be. Over the last six games, Okongwu has put up at least 50 FPTS in three of those contests, with a high of 62 FPTS against the Magic three games ago. He’s scoring, making it rain from downtown, cleaning the glass and racking up defensive stats. With Trae Young at the helm, Okongwu certainly benefits with plenty of easy looks.
Other Options: Jaren Jackson Jr. ($7,300), Draymond Green ($6,300)
Value
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors ($5,700): This is a tricky one because it’s certainly in the range of outcomes that Edey gets played off the court. That said, Edey’s work on the glass and devastating screen setting on the perimeter for Morant will likely keep him on the court. In addition, in a small Warriors lineup, Draymond Green would be out there, so Edey could guard him as Green is only converting 32% of his attempts from downtown. Six games ago, Edey played 32 minutes against the Warriors and finished with 40 FPTS.
Other Options: Santi Aldama ($5,500), Wendell Carter Jr. ($5,400)
