There are four NBA games on Saturday’s slate.
As for injuries, Jimmy Butler, Darius Garland, Michael Porter Jr., Russell Westbrook, Luke Kennard, Gary Payton II are questionable. Ja Morant is doubtful.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, CLE is -5.5 over MIA on the road with the total at 213. OKC is -15 over MEM on the road with the total at 222.5. LAC is -6 over DEN at home with the total at 212.5. GSW is -3 over HOU at home with the total at 203.5.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat ($8,500): During the regular season, there were times when Mitchell flicked on the cruise control and watched his teammates lead the Cavs to victory. But when he was needed in the big games, Mitchell always donned the cape, opened the chest and did Donovan Mitchell things. Well, it’s winning time now. There is no cruise control. Just Fast and Furious for the Larry O’Brien trophy. In the first two games of this series, Mitchell has put up over 50 FPTS in each contest. I’m expecting another 50-burger, especially since Darius Garland is questionable and the Miami Heat will likely come out like a band of banshees in this one.
Other Options: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($9,900), Stephen Curry ($9,000), James Harden ($8,900), Tyler Herro ($7,600), Jalen Green ($7,000)
Value
Scotty Pippen Jr., Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder ($5,400): With Ja Morant doubtful (ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Morant won’t play), Pippen Jr. will likely be chalk, especially since he put up 50.25 FPTS in 38 minutes during Game 2. The usage rate was a hefty 27 percent and I’m expecting a high number on Saturday as well. Desmond Bane will likely be in the Dorture Chamber all game while Jaren Jackson Jr. has to deal with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Pippen has proven that he can stuff the stat sheet, score and get his teammates involved, and his skills will be sorely needed if Morant is indeed out, as the Grizzlies will try to stave off the OKC sweep.
Other Options: Norman Powell ($5,600), Davion Mitchell ($5,200), Alex Caruso ($4,500), Ty Jerome ($4,300), Kris Dunn ($4,100), Luke Kennard ($3,100)
Forward
Stud
Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets ($8,500): Beep. Boop. Bop. The Kawhibot 2000 has upgraded the operating system to the playoff version with new guidance chips installed. He put up 45.75 and 57.75 FPTS in the last two games. Most importantly, he looks healthy and unstoppable on offense. He only played 35 minutes in Game 3 due to the blowout. He received 39 and 41 minutes in the first two games. I’m expecting a vintage Kawhi performance as the Clippers try to put a stranglehold on the series before going back to Denver on Tuesday.
Other Options: Bam Adebayo ($8,400), Jalen Williams ($7,700), Chet Holmgren ($7,200), Jaren Jackson Jr. ($6,800)
Value
Nicolas Batum, Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets ($3,400): I like Jovic a lot too, but there is uncertainty in terms of playing time. If the projected ownership is low and I want upside, I will likely click on his name. If I want more of a floor, then Batum it is. Batum is a low-usage player and he won’t play 30 minutes, but somewhere in the 20s is likely due to his defensive versatility, ability to knock down the open J and veteran savvy. He’s scored double-digit FPTS in every game this series and popped off for 29.25 FPTS last game, so there is a chance of upside, but it’s not something I’d rely on. If you need salary and double-digit FPTS, then Batum is a nice option.
Other Options: Norman Powell ($5,600), Nikola Jovic ($3,500)
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers ($11,500): Jokic has put up over 60 FPTS in every game this series. He has the highest floor/ceiling combo in the game. He’s triple-doubled in two of the three games, missing a third by one rebound. While it’s unlikely that Jokic puts up a “had-to-have-it” score because the Clippers are a good defensive team, Jokic is always in play to put up 100 FPTS.
Other Options: Alperen Sengun ($8,900), Bam Adebayo ($8,400), Chet Holmgren ($7,200), Jaren Jackson Jr. ($6,800)
Value
Nikola Jovic, Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ($3,500): After playing one minute in Game 1, Jovic received 25 minutes in Game 2 and produced. He finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists, good for 23.5 FPTS. Some of the playing time came at the expense of Andrew Wiggins, so Jovic could play over 20 minutes again or be relegated to single digits. That is the risk. That said, he’s cheap and his length and ability to shoot from downtown are assets. I have a hard time believing that Eric Spoelstra won’t utilize Jovic again after his performance last game.
Other Options: Zach Edey ($5,300), Nicolas Batum ($3,400)
