:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69364866/usa_today_16176550.0.jpg)
The Memphis Grizzlies look to salvage a split at home and even up the series 2-2 vs. the Utah Jazz on Monday. Utah has rallied around the return of Donovan Mitchell after dropping Game 1 at home, scoring 141 and 121 points in their last two contests to outduel Ja Morant and company. Now, all eyes rest on a pivotal Game 4 that could decide the fate of this series.
Let’s break down this Showdown contest on DraftKings.
Refer a friend and get $20 DK Dollars! Head to the DraftKings Playbook Promo page for more details!
Captain
Mike Conley ($12,300 CP)
Conley is locked-in this series, scoring 49-plus DKFP in all three games. After recording 20-plus points just once in the final eight contests of the regular season, the first-time All-Star has eclipsed that mark in every matchup vs. Memphis while also racking up double-digit assists in two of the three games. The appeal of Conley’s backcourt mate Donovan Mitchell is obvious, but the young star has struggled to return to elite form since returning from injury. At just $12.3K, Conley is a steal with a safe floor at your captain spot.
Ja Morant ($15,300 CP)
After watching the first three games of this series, it has become obvious Memphis will go as far as Morant can carry them. The sophomore star showcased his ability to explode in Game 2, racking up 47 points and seven assists, en route to a 61.5-DKFP performance. With Mitchell clearly not 100%, Morant has the highest boom potential of any player in this matchup. I’m expecting another huge night from Morant as the Grizzlies hope to escape a likely insurmountable 3-1 series deficit.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st] (UTA vs MEM)
UTIL Plays
Dillon Brooks ($7,800)
Brooks has been heavily featured as of late, posting 37-plus DKFP and a usage rate of 33% or higher in two of the three games. The 25-year-old wing has emerged as Memphis’ clear No. 2 option, racking up 23-plus points in every game of the series. The Grizzlies need players to step up besides Morant in order to have a chance against this lethal Utah squad. Considering his role in the last three contests, there’s no reason to believe Brooks won’t be one of those players in Game 4.
Rudy Gobert ($9,600)
You know exactly what you’re getting from Gobert. The double-double machine is coming off a solid 15-point, 14-rebound performance in Game 3. He has also recorded at least three blocks in every matchup this series, consistently holding Jonas Valanciunas in check. The 7-foot-1 defensive stalwart plays a huge role in Utah’s success on a nightly basis. At $9.6K, he’s a bit pricy for a utility play, but you’re paying up for guaranteed value.
Royce O’Neale ($5,000)
O’Neale isn’t a flashy option. But at $5K, you’re getting solid value with a safe floor in return. Any high-minutes player in Utah’s rotation has a great shot at producing, and O’Neale has played 31-plus minutes in every game of this series. The 27-year-old wing has also scored over 24 DKFP in back-to-back contests, giving reason for optimism about his prospects in Game 4.
Fades
Jonas Valanciunas ($13,200 CP; $8,800)
I’ve been a huge fan of Valanciunas throughout the entire season, but it’s hard to be confident in anyone’s prospects if they’re matching up with a two-time DPOY. As I mentioned earlier, Gobert has made life difficult for the usually productive big man. After a ridiculously hot ending to the regular season, Valanciunas has failed to score more than 37 DKFP in each of the first three games of this series. Valanciunas’ ceiling is simply too limited to justify paying up for him in Game 4.
THE OUTCOME
As much as I’d love to see Memphis pull off the upset, Utah is the No. 1 seed in the West for a reason. Now that they’re fully healthy, I find it hard to imagine the Jazz dropping another game in this series. Morant will put up a respectable effort, per usual, but the Grizzlies will fall short for the third straight time.
Final Score: Utah 128, Memphis 116
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st] (UTA vs MEM)
Put your knowledge to the test. Sign up for DraftKings and experience the game inside the game.
For sports betting, head over to DraftKings Sportsbook or download the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER(NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO), 1-800-BETS OFF(IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).
21+ (18+ NH). CO/IL/IN/IA/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions