This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Here we go with a one-game playoff slate between the Warriors and Blazers for Game 2 on Thursday, May 16.
Because this is a single-game format, the following write-ups will be constructed different. For these contests, DraftKings allows you to roster a "captain" who collects 1.5 times the fantasy points. However, he also costs 1.5x the listed salary. From here, you'll have five remaining utility spots to assemble a lineup. The corresponding analysis will heavily consider the strategy within that while listing viable players to choose from.
TOP PICKS
Stephen Curry – GS vs. POR ($10,800): Kevin Durant is still out for Golden State, which means it's time for Curry to take over. That was the case in Game 1, as the Golden State point guard hit nine three-pointers for 36 points with seven assists and six rebounds. Portland struggled with screens in that one, and Curry found plenty of open looks. I'm expecting the Blazers to be better this time around, but Curry should still own an inflated usage rate with Durant sidelined. Go ahead and consider him as your captain in this showdown slate.
Draymond Green – GS vs. POR ($9,800): This is an excellent series for Green to thrive, as Portland ranks bottom ten in defensive efficiency to opposing frontcourts. Green took advantage with 42 fantasy points in Game 1, and I'd be surprised if he didn't top the 40 FP threshold again tonight. In fact, the Golden State forward has posted 40 or more fantasy points in seven of his past eight playoff games. The ability to rack up peripheral stats boosts Green's fantasy floor, and there's upside if he's knocking down shots.
Klay Thompson – GS vs. POR ($9,400): Some may be hesitant to take the top three Golden State options in the same lineup. However, we don't have to worry about them cannibalizing stats with Durant out of the picture. In three games with Durant out (or leaving early), Thompson has clearly stepped up with 40+ fantasy points in each of those contests. He'll continue to see more shots, minutes and peripheral stats with Durant sidelined.
BARGAINS
Enes Kanter – POR at GS ($7,400): There's no denying that Kanter struggled on both sides of the court in Game 1. However, he came away with a solid 36 fantasy points despite the shortcomings. I'm expecting Portland to be much more prepared for Game 2, and the Blazers need Kanter to hold things down in the middle. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 10-15 points with 10 or more rebounds is entirely possible.
Kevon Looney – GS vs. POR ($4,000): Steve Kerr mentioned that he may be able to play his bench guys a little more in this series. That's good news for Looney, who has earned a solid 20-24 minute role in the rotation. That has translated to a 22 fantasy point average over his past three games, and I wouldn't be surprised if Looney found that range again tonight. Keep an eye on Jerebko ($2,200) of the Warriors as well. He responded with 15 fantasy points through 15 minutes in Game 1, looking to benefit with more looks in this series.
Seth Curry – POR at GS ($2,600): The other Curry is a reasonable value filler when rounding out your DraftKings lineups. He played 19 minutes with 16.25 fantasy points in Game 1, which came despite a miserable 1-of-7 shooting from the field. Curry's production has been all over the map this postseason, but he's one of the only dirt-cheap options who pushes for 20 or more minutes.
