This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Slate Overview
We're getting closer to the end of the NBA season, with the second round of the playoffs having already gotten underway.
To start, we've got Game 1 between the 76ers and Hawks. This series looks a lot closer with Joel Embiid's status in question due to a minor meniscus tear. That game tips off at 1 p.m. EDT.
After that, we've got what should be the feature contest with Game 7 between the Mavs and the Clippers. The road team has won every game in this series, and the game is in LA with a 3:35 p.m. start.
Let's go ahead and get into what you need to know to have success on today's slate:
Injury News to Monitor
Joel Embiid, PHI (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Embiid is listed as questionable for Game 1 versus Atlanta. He will go through a workout in pregame before his status is determined. I'm not particularly confident the big man will play, but definitely monitor this news.
De'Andre Hunter, ATL (knee)/Status: QUESTIONABLE
Hunter is questionable due to knee soreness. I would be shocked if he doesn't attempt to play, as he's been getting heavy minutes during the playoffs.
Serge Ibaka, LAC (back)/Status: DOUBTFUL
Ibaka hasn't played in the last four contests and I don't see that changing today.
Elite Players
Luka Doncic ($11,100) leads the way at the top. He's a fine option today in a win-or-go-home situation, and I would expect him to take a heavy percentage of Dallas' shots.
On the other side of that matchup, Kawhi Leonard ($9,900) also looks great with only one game this postseason with less than 55 fantasy points. I would lock him into your lineup.
Trae Young ($9,200) has been playing excellent, but faces a tough matchup against Ben Simmons.
If you want to get some leverage on the field, you could go to Paul George ($9,000) instead of Leonard. If you want even more leverage, Ben Simmons ($8,300) and Tobias Harris ($8,500) both look good if there's no Embiid.
Expected Chalk
I think Leonard and Doncic will be the clear chalk stars, so DraftKings' valuation looks fair at the top.
De'Andre Hunter ($4,400) could be more chalk in addition to Boban Marjanovic ($3,700).
Key Value Plays
De'Andre Hunter, ATL at PHI ($4,400)
Hunter played 30 minutes or more in four of Atlanta's five playoff games. He's listed as questionable with knee soreness, which I think could scare a few people away from rostering him. Earlier in the season, Hunter displayed the ability to rack up 40 fantasy points. While you shouldn't expect that today, having a player with that sort of potential at this salary is worth it to me.
Boban Marjanovic, DAL at LAC ($3,700)
The Mavs have been looking more and more to Marjanovic the past few outings and he's logged at least 15 minutes while starting in Games 5 and 6. He's a great point-per-minute contributor who can accumulate points and rebounds in a hurry. I think he's going to be popular on this slate, but I like the play.
Danilo Gallinari, ATL at PHI ($4,100)
Gallinari is one of those players who can randomly post 25 real-life points if he gets hot. He's a great 3-point shooter and should play 25 minutes or more if this matchup stays close. I also love Gallinari's salary and I think he's a bit undervalued following a few blowout games the previous series.
Other value to consider: Seth Curry, PHI vs ATL ($5,100); Danny Green, PHI vs. ATL ($4,900); Reggie Jackson, LAC vs. DAL ($5,400)
