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NBA Playoff DFS Picks: Three must-start fantasy basketball players for Knicks vs. Pacers Game 3

NBA Playoff DFS Picks: Three must-start fantasy basketball players for Knicks vs. Pacers Game 3

DraftKings Fantasy Advice DFS NBA Rail

Published:

By: Alex Hunter

The Pacers are hosting the Knicks for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday. Below, I dive into three of my favorite DFS picks to consider for Sunday’s Game 3 Showdown slate.

Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $500K Shootaround

PG, Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers, $11,200 ($16,800 CPT)

Despite the loss, Brunson was a monster for the Knicks in Game 2, scoring 60.75 FPTS across 39 minutes. The guard is handling a huge 40.2% usage rate in the Eastern Conference Finals and he is averaging 45.2 FPTS per game in five matchups with Indiana this season. Looking to avoid a 0-3 hole in this series with the Pacers, Brunson receive around 40 minutes in Game 3 and he has a strong chance of being this slate’s top fantasy scorer.

The guard is scoring 1.2 FPTS per minute this season and when coming off a loss this postseason, Brunson is amassing 55.5 FPTS per game. The Villanova product is well worth his slate-high salary and is a great option to roster as your captain for this Showdown slate.

PF/C, Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks, $3,600 ($5,400 CPT)

Toppin is underpriced and one of the best cheap targets available for this Showdown slate. The veteran is averaging 16.1 FPTS in 16.5 minutes per game this postseason, including a 22.5 FPTS showing in Game 1 of this series vs. the Knicks. Toppin is handling a solid 20.2% usage rate during these playoffs and he has recorded at least 16 FPTS in three of his four matchups with New York this season.

Toppin is generating 1.0 FPTS per minute this season and the Pacers being a two-point home favorite for Game 3 is great news for the 27-year-old, as Toppin is producing 18.1 FPTS per game when competing as a favorite this season.

SG/SF, Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks, $6,800 ($10,200 CPT)

Nesmith has been a huge part of the Pacers’ success this postseason. The wing is scoring 30 FPTS in 30.6 minutes per game, while shooting 54% from the field and 54% on three pointers. Nesmith is handling a 16.8% usage during these playoffs and he has flashed great upside, with 38+ FPTS in five of his 12 starts.

Nesmith’s strong defense guarantees him high playing time and he is an easy choice for this Showdown slate at this reasonable $6,800 salary, which is too low for Nesmith’s recent role and form. If looking to save at captain, Nesmith is compelling option to roster in that spot and using him as a your captain is a strategy should make your lineup unique.

Alex Hunter
Alex Hunter is an avid DFS player and sports handicapper, who has been a proud member of the DraftKings Network team since 2020. He is a data-driven analyst, who earned his bachelor’s degree in communications at Worcester State University and has been in the sports content business for nearly a decade, covering the NBA, NFL and PGA TOUR. Alex is a diehard Boston Celtics fan, who loves to be on the golf course when he isn’t grinding lineups or producing content. For all of Alex’s work or if you need any lineup advice, be sure to follow him @Hunta512 on X.
Disclaimer

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is Hunta512) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.