Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top DraftKings NBA DFS Lineup Strategy for Suns vs. Clippers Showdown on June 26

The Los Angeles Clippers lost the first two games at home to the Mavericks then won that series in seven games. They dropped the first two games in Utah then won the next four games. They lost the first two games in Phoenix but came back on won Game 3. Will the trend continue for the Clippers or will the Phoenix Suns put a kibosh to it? DraftKings Sportsbook has the visiting Suns favored by 1.5 points with the O/U at 218.5.

This matchup will also be a Showdown contest on DraftKings, so let’s discuss some players to consider for your entries.

Captain’s Picks

Chris Paul ($14,700 CP) - Paul missed the first two games of the series due to being in the league’s health and safety protocols. In Game 3, he was unsurprisingly off as he shot 5-for-19 from the field. He still put up 43 DKFP, though, as he dished out 12 assists and notched three steals. He played 39 minutes and garnered a usage rate of 25.7%. Game 3 was one to recalibrate and get his legs back under him. I’d expect the efficient Chris Paul to return to the fold. On the season, he averages 1.21 DKFP per minute and, prior to entering the health and safety protocols, he went for 54.25, 52.5, 50.25 and 49 DKFP. I entertained the notion of going with Paul George ($16,800 CP) here, but I think Paul can match George’s production at $2,100 cheaper.

Ivica Zubac ($6,300 CP) - Ty Lue had gone with Nicolas Batum ($9,000 CP; $6,000) to play small-ball center for much of the playoffs. With Deandre Ayton ($12,300 CP; $8,200) on the other side, though, he’s had to go big and Zubac is the only viable center option to match up with Ayton. After playing 18 minutes in Game 1, Zubac has played 34 and 33 minutes in the last two games. He’s responded with 30.75 and 44 DKFP, notching double-doubles in both games. He averages 0.96 DKFP per minute so this is not completely unexpected. He just rarely got the requisite minutes, but over 30 minutes seems solidified for now.

Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $555K Shootaround [$105K to 1st] (PHO vs LAC)

UTIL Plays

Terance Mann ($4,400) - Mann has started two games in this series and played 32 and 27 minutes in those contests. Even when he came off the bench, he still played 19 minutes so he’s an important part of the rotation. Marcus Morris ($5,000) is dealing with a knee issue and is questionable for Game 4, but I’d imagine Mann remains in the starting lineup since that configuration was successful for a victory. He’s aggressive on offense and his ability to switch on defense has provided a high floor for playing time. The usage rate has been all over the place but he has a sky-high ceiling as evidenced by his 50.5-DKFP performance against the Jazz four games ago.

Reggie Jackson ($7,400) - Reggie! Reggie! Reggie! He’s gone for at least 33 DKFP in the last five games with a high of 54.25. With Kawhi Leonard unable to go, it’s been Jackson who has been Robin to Paul George’s Batman. The usage rate has been 28%, 22% and 28% in this series and he’s shot 53%, 46% and 52% from the field. He’s attempted 17, 15 and 19 shot attempts while averaging 37 minutes over the last five games.

Deandre Ayton ($8,200) - Is Ayton going to go bonkers? He did go for 48 DKFP two games ago but, more than likely, he’s going to be solid and produce somewhere in the 30 DKFP range. He’s scored 18, 24 and 20 points while grabbing nine, 14 and nine rebounds. Ayton won’t provide assists but he will contribute defensive stats. He’s one of the safer plays on the slate.

Fades

Devin Booker ($16,200 CP; $10,800) - It’s always scary fading a player who garners a high usage rate, plays a ton of minutes, is a professional getter of buckets, and can be the highest scorer on the slate. That said, after shooting 51% from the field in Game 1 and putting up a whopping 77.75 DKFP, Booker has shot 23% and 29% in the last two games, producing 29.25 and 29 DKFP. I expect Booker to bounce back in this one and adjust to the adjustments thrown his way, but I think there are cheaper options that could come close to matching his output.

THE OUTCOME

For full transparency, I’ve been absolutely horrible at predicting outcomes, so you may want to go Costanza on me. If that doesn’t work, then Costanza the Costanza.

I like the Suns to go up 3-1 in the series tonight. The Suns are one of the best defensive teams in the league and I think Booker bounces back while Paul regains his form. They had the best road record at 24-12 in the regular season and won two games on the road against the Lakers, which included a clinching Game 6 victory, and they swept the Nuggets.

Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $555K Shootaround [$105K to 1st] (PHO vs LAC)

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 odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is sontzu) 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 I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above.

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.