Another day, another exciting slate of postseason basketball. Today’s featured NBA DFS contest includes three matchups between six different squads. To start us off, it’ll be the rival 76ers and Celtics battling in Boston. Later, the Trail Blazers will hope to earn an upset against the Spurs. As a nightcap, a primetime showdown between the Rockets and Lakers. Even though the stars are out, it’s the playoffs; this is where role players become household names. Which bargains should managers prioritize ahead of tonight’s contests?
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $350K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]
SG/SF Tari Eason, Houston Rockets at LAL ($4,500)
Should Kevin Durant (knee) sit out for a second straight game, the Rockets will need some other players to step up. On Saturday, that was Tari Eason. The fourth-year pro tallied 16 points, ten rebounds, two assists and three steals (39.5 FPTS) vs. the Lakers. It’s a clear step up from the wing’s production during the regular season. Granted, that’s not to say Eason is a scrub. Through 60 games, he recorded 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals (24.4 FPTS). Keep in mind, a large chunk of that production came from off the bench.
Even if a hobbled Durant does suit up tonight, Eason should play a sizable role for the Rockets. After all, this is a spot that he’s performed well in before. The LSU alum has scored at least ten points and two steals in three of his last four outings vs. Los Angeles. Eason has accounted for at least 29 fantasy points in four of his last five contests. To boot, the Lakers are giving up the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. All signs are pointing to another quality performance from Houston’s x-factor.
C Robert Williams, Portland Trail Blazers at SAS ($3,800)
Once a contender for Defensive Player of the Year, Robert Williams has shifted into a limited role in Portland. With that being said, Time Lord remains effective when he’s actually on the court. Through 59 games this season, the center put up 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks (21.1 FPTS). That’s despite averaging just over 17 minutes a night; RWIII doesn’t need much time to make an impact. The Trail Blazers have a solid starter down low in Donovan Clingan ($6,700). However, a double-big lineup could be necessary against the towering Victor Wembanyama ($11,500).
Williams impressed in Game 1, notching 11 points, six rebounds and four assists (25 FPTS). In fact, the veteran has reached at least 25 fantasy points in three of his last four appearances. The Spurs, for all their strengths, can be beaten inside the paint. San Antonio is giving up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season. In a pivotal matchup for Portland, head coach Tiago Splitter shouldn’t be afraid to shuffle his rotations. 20+ minutes from an elite defender such as Williams could be the move on Tuesday night.
