We’ve got a pair of crucial contests on the hardcourt this evening, as both the Celtics and the Warriors enter Game 4 down 2-1 in the series. Which overlooked player will step-up when it matters most?
Let’s break down the top NBA DFS value options for Monday’s slate.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]
SG/SF Buddy Hield, Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, $4,700
I’m truly perplexed as to how Hield can continue to be so inexpensive. With the injury to Steph Curry (hamstring), the former lottery pick has become an integral part of the Warriors’ rotation, scoring 14 points with five assists and four rebounds in 32.3 minutes in Game 3. Moreover, Hield is simply on fire from distance at the moment, shooting 22-for-36 (61.1%) in his last four starts, a stretch where the Oklahoma product is averaging 37.6 FPTS per game. Despite that, Hield’s salary has stayed in the $4,000 range the past couple of weeks. By contrast, it took just two good Jonathan Kuminga ($5,200) performances for the forward’s price tag to increase over $2,000. Take advantage of the saving, I guess. It’s all you can do.
PG/SG Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics at New York Knicks, $4,500
Pritchard’s role and his effectiveness have fluctuated wildly throughout the playoffs, yet the upside of the reigning Sixth Man of the Year came through in Game 3. While logging 34.5 minutes off the bench, Pritchard led the Celtics in scoring (23) in a 22-point blowout. The 16 field goal attempts Pritchard took on Saturday afternoon were more than he saw in Game 1 and Game 2 combined. Boston needs some offensive depth to shine right now with Kristaps Porzingis ($4,800) not looking quite right. Pritchard isn’t going to explode for 35.5 FPTS every contest, but he’s an elite three-point shooter with a quick trigger. If he stays hot in Game 4, he’s going to bring back value at this modest price tag.
