A one-game slate makes up Wednesday’s featured NBA DFS slate. Still, what tonight lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. A pivotal Game 5 showdown pits the Cavaliers against the top-seeded Pistons in Detroit. Whoever wins tonight will take a decisive 3-2 lead in this Eastern Conference semifinal series. Big names such as Cade Cunningham ($12,400), Donovan Mitchell ($10,800) and James Harden ($10,000) are expected to suit up.
On this select one-game featured NBA DFS slate, options are limited for fantasy managers. With that being said, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any value to be had. Snagging a few low-cost role players could boost any lineup this evening. Which bargains deserve a closer look ahead of Wednesday’s Game 5 showdown?
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $350K Shootaround [$100K to 1st] (CLE @ DET)
SG/SF Max Strus, Cleveland Cavaliers ($5,000)
As is often the case at this time of year, role players will be the deciding factor in this one. Whichever side gives their superstars the most support has an inside track towards coming away with a win. In that regard, the Cavaliers should feel optimistic. After all, they’ve reeled off two straight victories without Max Strus at his best. The former Heat sharpshooter is no stranger to big games. However, he wasn’t at his best in Cleveland. During Games 3 and 4, he accumulated a combined 34.25 fantasy points. That’s not a bad number by any means, but it’s below his regular season average of 21.8 FPTS per game.
On Wednesday, there’s a decent chance Strus turns things around in Motown. After all, we’ve seen the veteran thrive in this spot before. During Game 1 in Detroit, he tallied 19 points, five rebounds and two assists while shooting 54% from the field (31.75 FPTS). Over two regular season meetings with the Pistons, he managed to record at least ten points and six rebounds. That’s not a massive indicator of future success, but it does show Strus is comfortable against Detroit. With all eyes on Mitchell and Harden, there should be several good looks from deep for the 30-year-old.
C Paul Reed, Detroit Pistons ($2,000)
After dropping two straight, momentum has swung in favor of Cleveland. Keeping that in mind, there’s plenty of pressure on the PIstons to turn things around. A constant headline has been the subpar play of Jalen Duren ($8,400). Following his All-Star campaign, the center has disappointed during the postseason. Through 11 playoff games, he’s only averaging 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 49% from the field (26.4 FPTS). Given what’s on the line tonight, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff might reshuffle the front court to give his team a jolt. If anyone is poised for additional minutes, it’s Paul Reed.
Seen as a third-stringer for most of the season, Detroit’s veteran backup has looked good during limited playing time. This postseason, he’s notched 6.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in just over seven minutes per game (11.6 FPTS). That includes a combined 26 points and seven rebounds during Games 3 and 4. During those two matchups, the 26-year-old garnered more playing time than fellow reserve Isaiah Stewart ($1,600). It’s not as if the Cavaliers have much center depth on their bench. Even a slight boost of five more minutes could make Reed a massive steal tonight. At $2,000, he’s an ideal target for managers looking to prioritize stars.
