There are two NBA games on Tuesday’s slate.
As for injuries, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, and Gary Payton II are questionable.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, CLE -9 over IND at home with the total at 229.5. MIN is -7 over GSW at home with the total at 208.5.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]
Guard
Stud
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers ($8,900): The Pacers muddled up the Cavaliers’ offense in Game 1 by staying with the shooters and not over-helping. I expect the Cavaliers to adjust by being uber-aggressive on the ball, and the best player to do that is Mitchell. When he’s had to step up this season, he’s delivered in big ways. Mitchell has put up over 60 FPTS four times, and I think another 60-burger is cooking on the grill. With home court advantage gone, it’s imperative that Cleveland gets the split at home, so I expect Mitchell to go bonkers. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley are questionable, so the usage rate would see a massive uptick if they are both out.
Other Options: Anthony Edwards ($9,400), Stephen Curry ($9,200), Tyrese Haliburton ($9,000)
Value
Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers ($3,500): Mathurin played 23 minutes in Game 1 and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, an assist and a block, good for 21.75 FPTS. In the Milwaukee series, he played fewer than 20 minutes in three of the contests, so there’s a chance he only plays in the teens for Game 2. That said, Mathurin is cheap and can access a ceiling because he can get scorching hot, getting buckets. Mathurin has put up double-digit FPTS in 17 straight, with six over 30 and a high of 57.5 FPTS. Don’t expect Mathurin to get all the way up there, especially since he was playing over 30 minutes in those contests, but it does show that he has the ability.
Other Options: Andrew Nembhard ($5,500), Ty Jerome ($5,300), Aaron Nesmith ($5,200), Donte DiVincenzo ($5,000), Max Strus ($4,500), Mike Conley ($3,600)
Forward
Stud
Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves ($8,600): I do have a little concern with Butler because Jaden McDaniels will likely be guarding him, and he’s been fantastic on the defensive end. That said, it’s Jimmy Freaking Playoff Butler. The beauty of his game is that it’s so well-rounded, as he chips in a little something something in every statistical category. Normally, he plays within the system and goes with the flow, but there are times when he gets uber-aggressive and lights up the scoreboard. It’s impossible to tell when those sparks happen, but it’s always within the range of outcomes.
Other Options: Pascal Siakam ($7,200)
Value
Max Strus, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers ($4,500): Strus played 32 minutes in Game 1 and had quite the all-around game, contributing seven points, seven rebounds, three assists, a block and two steals. That translated to 27.25 FPTS. He only shot 2-of-8 from downtown, though. He can get hot, and his shooting will be needed in Game 2, especially if Garland, Mobley and De’Andre Hunter are unable to go. All are currently listed as questionable.
Other Options: Draymond Green ($5,800), Jaden McDaniels ($5,600), Aaron Nesmith ($5,200), Naz Reid ($4,600), Bennedict Mathurin ($3,500)
Center
Stud
Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers ($6,200): Over the last three games, Turner has put up 38.75, 33.25 and 42.25 FPTS. In Game 1 against Cleveland, he contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds, an assist, two blocks and three steals. I’m not crazy about the higher-priced options on the slate. If Mobley is out, then Allen becomes very interesting, but Turner is $300 cheaper and I think his role on both offense and defense is safer.
Other Options: Jarrett Allen ($6,500) if Mobley is out
Value
Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors ($5,900): The worry with Gobert is that teams that can space the floor may play him off the court. During the regular season, he played 29, 37, 38 and 35 minutes against Golden State, putting up 23.75, 36.75, 41 and 24.5 FPTS. The Lakers were able to keep Gobert under 30 minutes in the first four games and Gobert failed to hit 20 FPTS. Then, Minnesota figured some things out and Gobert went bonkers in Game 5, playing 39 minutes and putting up 62.5 FPTS. As of now, I’m not too worried about Gobert getting played off the court.
Other Options: Draymond Green ($5,800), Naz Reid ($4,600)
