This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
ATL vs. PHI (-5.5), O/U: 223.5
LAC vs. UTA (-4), O/U: 220.5
As opposed to most of the slates we've seen recently, both of tonight's games have similar spreads and totals, so one won't be significantly more popular than the other. The 76ers will be desperate for a win to even the series after a rather embarrassing loss at home in Game 1. They were run off the floor for three quarters before rallying to make it close late.
Meanwhile, the Jazz seem to be in the best spot of the night. They've had five days of rest to get ready for the Clippers, and all of their relevant players have favorable -- if not depressed -- salaries. Keep an eye on the status of Mike Conley (hamstring) as his potential absence would make them an even more appealing target. If I had to pick a team to fade, it'd be the Clippers. They're coming off of a taxing seven-game series against Dallas while Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have seen warranted salary bumps.
Injuries to Monitor
Joel Embiid (knee): QUESTIONABLE
Embiid was listed as questionable prior to Game 1 and played 38 minutes so it seems likely that he will start again tonight. If he were to sit, Mike Scott and Dwight Howard would be in line for expanded roles.
Mike Conley (hamstring): QUESTIONABLE
Conley played just 12 minutes on Wednesday before exiting due to a recurrence of the lingering hamstring injury that he dealt with late in the regular season. If he misses tonight, Joe Ingles would likely start while Jordan Clarkson would see extra minutes off the bench.
De'Andre Hunter (knee): QUESTIONABLE
Hunter sat out Game 1 due to knee soreness and is considered a game-time decision for tonight. Solomon Hill got the start in his place while Kevin Huerter saw increased run off the bench.
Elite Players
Center: Joel Embiid ($10,000)
Despite being listed as questionable going into Game 1, Embiid played 38 minutes, scored 39 points and grabbed nine rebounds on his way to 62.75 DK points. He's the most expensive player on the slate tonight and projected for the most raw points. Don't let his questionable tag influence the decision of whether to roster him or not. The Sixers will be desperate to bounce back after a disappointing loss on Sunday and they'll likely need Embiid to play well for that to happen.
Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard ($9,900)
Leonard is coming off a great series against Dallas. He put up 55+ DK points in six of the seven games and topped 60 fantasy points in each of the last two. Just as encouraging, he played at least 41 minutes in six of those seven. His salary has climbed to its highest point in months and rightfully so after that type of consistency. I do think there's some merit to fade him tonight however as the Clippers are road underdogs against a well-rested Jazz team.
Point Guard: Trae Young ($9,200)
Young was sensational as the Hawks upset the 76ers in Game 1. He had over 40 fantasy points by halftime and even though he cooled down, still finished with 58. The matchup against Philadelphia and their plethora of elite defenders was thought to be rather prohibitive for Young but it looked anything but for the majority of the game. I wouldn't roster him as a one-off tonight though. If he has a big game, it's likely that at least one 76er does too.
Shooting Guard: Paul George ($9,000)
George has recorded double-doubles in three consecutive games and topped 50 DK points in each of the them. His performances could've been better too had he not shot poorly from the field. I'd expect that he goes somewhat overlooked tonight as people won't be keen to target the Clippers as underdogs in Game 1 after such a grueling series against Dallas. Pairing him with a couple of Utah players makes a lot of sense.
Expected Chalk
Donovan Mitchell ($8,200)
Mitchell is coming off 57 DK points in just 29 minutes as the Jazz finished off the Grizzlies on Wednesday. He's back to full health after overcoming the ankle injury that kept him out for the last month and a half of the regular season. The salary is still very affordable and it won't be this cheap for long (it was $9,400 at the time of his injury in April). If Mike Conley (hamstring) is ruled out, I'd expect Mitchell to be quite chalky but he'll be popular regardless based on the salary and favorable matchup.
Value Picks
Tobias Harris ($8,300)
Harris put up 43.5 DK points in Game 1 as he topped 40 fantasy points for the fifth time in six playoff games. He's recorded double-doubles in three of the last four games and the Sixers will need his scoring if they're going to bounce back with a win tonight in Game 2. He can be rostered with or without Embiid and with or without Trae Young.
Rudy Gobert ($7,900)
Gobert is coming off a great series against Memphis. He put up 51.75 fantasy points in 33 minutes as the Jazz closed out the series on Wednesday. The Clippers have been playing Marcus Morris and Nicolas Batum at center, neither of whom are any match for Gobert's size. It's likely they will have to go back to Ivica Zubac for Game 1 tonight. Either way, it's a great spot for Gobert.
John Collins ($5,600)
Despite playing 34 minutes and scoring 33 fantasy points in Game 1, Collins has inexplicably seen his salary drop to its lowest point of the season. The Hawks need his size to compete with the likes of Embiid and Harris. I'd expect him to be popular based on the depressed salary.
Marcus Morris ($4,800)
Morris has taken on a larger role in the postseason as the Clippers have favored a smaller lineup. He's seen 42 minutes in two of his last three games and put up 35+ fantasy points twice in that span as well. He's among the best value plays on the slate tonight and I'd expect him to be a popular option in this range.
Ivica Zubac ($3,500)
I'm speculating here but it sure seems like the Clippers will need to make another lineup change. They went small late in the series against Dallas, but that's not going to work against Rudy Gobert. They're also still missing Serge Ibaka (back) and that means Zubac could be in line for significant minutes tonight. The potential upside is well worth the risk for a salary of just $3,500.
Jordan Clarkson ($5,800) and Joe Ingles ($4,900) if Mike Conley is out
In the event Conley sits, Ingles would likely get the start while Clarkson would be in line for big minutes off the bench. Both players have depressed salaries. I'd prefer Clarkson based on his higher scoring upside.
