The Milwaukee Bucks will have a chance to become NBA champions on Tuesday in Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns. After an impressive win in Game 5 on the road, they now have the opportunity to earn their rings at home. This game also gives us another chance to play the DraftKings Showdown contest, so let’s discuss some players to consider for your entries.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $1.25M Finals Shootaround Special [$250K to 1st] (PHO vs MIL)
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns
SHOWDOWN STRATEGY
Captain’s Pick
Giannis Antetokounmpo ($19,200 CP): Giannis has provided an incredibly high floor in this series, scoring at least 52.3 DKFP in all five games. Three times, he scored at least 66.5 DKFP. After averaging 33 minutes per game during the regular season, he’s stepped up to average 39 minutes per game in the NBA Finals. With his ability to stuff the stat sheet in multiple areas, that added playing time in huge. While his salary will do a number on your budget, he’s still one of the safest, if not the safest, options for this contest.
Devin Booker ($15,600 CP): If you’re looking for a more well-rounded entry, then Booker is also someone to consider for the Captain’s spot. He’s scored at least 40 points in back-to-back games, attempting a whopping 61 shots from the field during that stretch. He’s averaged 24.2 shot attempts per game in the series and the Suns should continue to rely on him to fire away at will with their title hopes on the line.
UTIL Plays
Khris Middleton ($10,200): Middleton is arguably as appealing as Booker is for the Captain’s spot. He also has a 40-point performance in the finals and has logged at least 41 minutes in all five games. However, he failed to scored at least 20 points in two of the games, so he hasn’t been a lock for big numbers. With that being said, he’s also averaging 6.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists in the series, so if his shot is falling in this game, he could provide a juicy stat line.
Bobby Portis ($5,000): With so many appealing players having hefty salaries, it’s going to be necessary to take a chance on a player or two with a cheap salary to help balance out your budget. Portis is an intriguing option when the Bucks play at home given how he feeds off the energy of the crowd. He had his best performance of the series there in Game 3, scoring 22.5 DKFP across 18 minutes.
Cameron Johnson ($4,400): With a title on the line, both teams have significantly shortened their benches. Johnson is one of the few reserves who has seen action for the Suns, averaging 24 minutes per game. He’s drained at least two three-pointers in four of the five games, which is impressive given that he didn’t attempt more than five three-pointers in any contest. Don’t expect him to provide a lot of offense, but after scoring at least 21.8 DKFP two times against the Bucks, he could provide value.
Fades
Mikal Bridges ($6,600): Bridges showed his upside in Game 2, scoring 40.3 DKFP across 38 minutes. He finished that contest with 27 points, which was certainly rare for him given that he only averaged 13.5 points per game during the regular season. The problem is, he’s scored fewer than 20 DKFP in three of the other four games against the Suns. Given that his salary doesn’t come at much of a discount, avoiding him might be wise.
The Outcome
The Suns suffered a demoralizing loss in Game 5. They had a big lead early, only to give it up by halftime. They then tried to mount a comeback late in the fourth quarter, but a bad turnover and giving up an offensive rebound on a missed free-throw in the final minute ended that effort. Bouncing back to win on the road will be difficult, so look for the Bucks to capitalize on this game being at home with a victory.
Final Score: Bucks 118, Suns 113
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $1.25M Finals Shootaround Special [$250K to 1st] (PHO vs MIL)
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is mbarner51) 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.
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