This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Since our playoff slate is slightly on the large side for a playoff day, we will revert to our conventional format to cover the four-game offering. We will list the endorsements by position so that all of our bases are covered.
SLATE OVERVIEW
MIL @ MIA (+4) O/U: 222.5
PHI @ WAS (+6.5) O/U: 228
DEN @ POR (-4) O/U: 227.5
UTA @ MEM (+5,5) O/U: 224
GUARDS
The most glaring question surrounds the health of Russell Westbrook ($11,000), who is questionable with an ankle injury. The Sixers have done a decent job containing Westbrook, leaving a lot of the offensive focus in the hands of Bradley Beal ($9,800), who should probably be the ideal call for the Wizards.
PG Ben Simmons, PHI ($9,000) @ WAS
With two consecutive games of 50 FDFP or more, it's hard to find a more consistent playoff play at the position than Simmons thus far. He's also showing considerable strength in rebounds and assists, which will salvage his stat line if his shot volume dips. He should carry a much higher salary, so we are lucky to find him at 9k.
PG Ja Morant, MEM ($8,400) vs. UTA
Morant's name hasn't shown up as an endorsement often in the regular season, but he appears to have hit his stride in the playoffs. He's coming off a superb 58.3 FDFP performance in Game 2, catching the Jazz flat-footed in the backcourt. The Grizzlies are a complete team when Morant is dialed in, and they play exceptionally well at home.
SG Dillon Brooks, MEM ($7,000) vs. UTA
It's always possible for Brooks' numbers to suffer from an outstanding game from Morant, but his upside potential makes him a steal at 7k. A good shooting night could vault him well into the 50s, and at the moment, the Jazz don't seem to have an answer for his aggressive slashing style.
SG Austin Rivers, DEN ($4,500) @ POR
The return of Donovan Mitchell actually forced Rivers' numbers up in Game 2. It will be a nightly question between Rivers and Monte Morris ($4,700) as the main guard to pop in the second unit, and I think these two are largely interchangeable as solid point-per-minute budget options.
Additional considerations: SG CJ McCollum, POR ($7,400), PG Goran Dragic, MIA ($5,500)
FORWARDS
You'll probably only get one more chance to take a flier on Jimmy Butler ($9,000) tonight as he tries to will the Heat from the brink. Although his salary dipped a bit during this abysmal string of games, you have to assume a last-gasp effort might be worth something from a DFS perspective. With the SF position extremely slim, it may not be the worst play ever.
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL ($11,100) @ MIA
The Bucks are itching to put this series away so they won't take the foot off the gas. Extended rest in a four-game sweep would be excellent news for Giannis, who needs extra time to get back from groin soreness that's caused some problems. It hasn't slowed him down at all, and he'll still see 35 minutes.
PF Tobias Harris, PHI ($7,400) @ WAS
Despite an ankle problem, Harris will play and continue to ravage the Wizards' frontcourt. Washington's Achilles heel is right in Harris' wheelhouse, and his apt defensive play will only cause further trouble for a team that's sinking fast. This is an evening where stacking multiple Sixers is sound for some multi-entry lineups.
SF Norman Powell, POR ($6,000) vs. DEN
It pains me to endorse Powell, but the numbers don't lie concerning his salary. With a 33 FDFP performance in his last game and a floor that won't kill you at this price, he's getting plenty of opportunities as a starter. With the series locked at 2-2, they have another game in RIP City where they can retain the lead before heading back to Denver, and they'll need every role player to be on point.
Additional considerations: PF Bobby Portis, MIL ($4,600), PF Daniel Gafford, WAS ($5,300)
CENTERS
I'll limit my endorsement to two centers tonight, as there is no need to muddy the water when we only have one slot to fill. Joel Embiid, Brook Lopez and Bam Adebayo can all come off the board, as their playoff numbers have been largely uninspiring thus far, primarily due to the gameflow of their respective series. Nikola Jokic ($10,900) is a no-brainer play that I won't waste my breath on. You know what you're getting, and he will probably run away with the top DFS score at the position.
Rudy Gobert, UTA ($8,500) @ MEM
For sheer point-per-dollar value, you have to give Gobert a look. He's handled playing opposite Jonas Valanciunas ($8,200) with relative ease, and if JoVal were a bit cheaper, I wouldn't mind him at all. However, the $300 increase will deliver enormous dividends for Jokic, who will likely eclipse double-double territory.
ADDITIONAL VALUE PLAYS
Below is a small list of players at every position you can use to fill out your rosters.
PG Facundo Campazzo, DEN ($6,200)
SG Joe Ingles, UTA ($4,900)
SF Kyle Anderson, MEM ($6,600)
PF Royce O'Neale, UTA ($4,200)
C Derrick Favors, UTA ($4,200)
