This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Here we go with a one-game playoff slate between the Warriors and Raptors on Thursday, June 13.
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
Kawhi Leonard – TOR at GS ($11,800): Leonard is clearly the best fantasy producer in this series. Sure, he'll occasionally see competition from Stephen Curry for that crown, but Leonard is averaging a consistent 57 fantasy points per contest in this series. He contributes in every statistical category, so the Raptors' star doesn't need an above-average shooting night to reward fantasy backers. Take Game 5 for example, where Leonard posted 58 fantasy points despite going 9-24 from the field and 2-7 beyond the three-point line. Go ahead and fire him up as your captain through all formats tonight.
Klay Thompson – GS vs. TOR ($9,200): I'm liking Thompson from the Warriors, as he has been forced into a heightened role with Kevin Durant sidelined. Even with Durant briefly in the mix for Game 5, Thompson stepped up with his best performance of the series with 45 fantasy points through 42 minutes. He's averaging 42 fantasy points over his past three games, which is similar to teammate Draymond Green. However, Thompson checks in with a discount despite holding an identical projection on DraftKings.
BARGAINS
Serge Ibaka – TOR at GS ($5,400): Ibaka has been a force in this series off the bench. You could argue that he's the x-factor for Toronto while seeing around 20 minutes per game. He might be the x-factor for your DraftKings' lineups as well, averaging 29 fantasy points over the past three games. Ibaka is brimming with confidence at the moment, and I wouldn't be surprised if he sees a few more minutes (25 or so) while maintaining his highly productive ways.
DeMarcus Cousins – GS vs. TOR ($5,800): Cousins stepped up in Game 2 and Game 5 of this series, but he has otherwise been a non-factor. That begs the question – what can we expect tonight? Durant is out and Kevon Looney (questionable) is clearly banged up even if he ends up playing. That should force Cousins to a 20-25 minute role, and the big man is not shy on the offensive end. He was a key player down the stretch in Golden State's Game 5 victory, and the Warriors will need him to step up again to keep their championship hopes alive.
Andre Iguodala – GS vs. TOR ($4,800): Iguodala has been somewhat mediocre while averaging 25 fantasy points through five games in the NBA Finals. However, that level of production seems to be fairly consistent along with his playing time above the 30 minute threshold. As mentioned several times throughout this article, Durant is out, which subsequently raises Iguodala's fantasy upside with one less offensive weapon taking shots. In summary, Iguodala is the cheapest option that I actually trust for a respectable fantasy performance on this single-game slate.
