Tonight, Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals is set to tip off between the Pacers and the Knicks. Wednesday’s Game 1 was an all-time classic, culminating in a 138-135 Indiana win in overtime. Now, New York will attempt to even things up at home in Game 2. For either side to come out on top, it will take more than just big names stepping up.
Ahead of tonight’s NBA playoffs clash, here are two players being slept on in fantasy basketball DFS contests.
Set your DraftKings NBA postseason fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $500K Shootaround [$100K to 1st] (IND @ NYK)
SG/SF Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers ($6,900)
What makes the Pacers so dangerous isn’t necessarily star power, but depth. On any given night, Indiana can trot out ten legitimate rotation pieces. Not only does that give the team an edge over most second units, but it also tires out opposing starters. If anyone on the Pacers deserves the title of sixth man, it’s Bennedict Mathurin. Out for 2024’s Eastern Conference Finals run, the wing has been a major contributor this postseason. Over his last ten appearances, the Canadian is averaging 10.7 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 47.1% from the field.
Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they don’t fully reflect Mathurin’s boom-bust potential. In Game 1, it was more of the latter (nine points, three rebounds). However, the guard has enjoyed his share of success in this matchup. Over Mathurin’s last six games against the Knicks, he’s put up 18.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Following Wednesday’s epic comeback, expect New York’s defense to prioritize stopping Tyrese Haliburton ($15,300) and Aaron Nesmith ($9,900). That should help Indiana’s underrated backup to thrive off the bench.
C Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks ($6,000)
If there’s an x-factor on New York’s bench, it would be Mitchell Robinson. The oft-injured big man missed most of the regular season due to a stress fracture in his ankle. Still, when healthy, the center is a legitimate difference maker on both ends of the floor. Despite some atrocious free throw shooting, Robinson ranks second on the Knicks in +/- this postseason (+35). The 27-year-old’s impact was on full display Wednesday, hauling in eight boards. However, he only managed to score one point, leading to 17.5 FPTS.
If there’s a notable weakness on this Pacers roster, it’s down low. Myles Turner ($11,400) is a solid center, but the team’s depth runs very thin. Neither he nor backup Thomas Bryant ($1,500) are the most prolific rebounders, a bad recipe against Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns ($14,700). This season, Indiana allowed opponents to grab the eighth-most boards per game (53.4). If Robinson gets slightly more opportunity on offense, he can easily clear 20+ fantasy points on Friday night.
