This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
This article is for the two-day contests that begin on Thursday, May 21, and end Friday, May 22. I have two general pointers that I keep in mind for these two-day contests:
First, whenever possible, fill the most restrictive positions with the players whose games are on the first day. For example, if you plan to use both Corey Brewer (a shooting guard who plays Thursday) and J.R. Smith (a shooting guard who plays Friday), make sure that Brewer is in your shooting guard slot and Smith is in your guard spot. This ensures maximum flexibility if Smith is announced as inactive after Brewer has already played.
Second, make sure to check on your lineup before tip-off on the second day of the contest. A lot can happen in 24 hours that might make you want to change your lineup, especially updated injury statuses.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers: Knee injuries to crucial defenders on both the Rockets (Dwight Howard) and Hawks (DeMarre Carroll) prohibit those teams from mention in this section. Between the Cavs and Warriors, the Cavaliers have been the better defense during the playoffs, though against arguably easier opponents, and by only a tiny margin. The Cavaliers were the more impressive defense in their Game 1, and Howard seems more likely to play in Game 2 than does Carroll.
Offenses to Use
Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers: Carroll is one of the Hawks' best defenders, and he seems unlikely to play Friday. Carroll's absence could have the Hawks relying on third stringers to defend one of the league's best players, LeBron James. That is not a recipe for a well-functioning defense.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Shaun Livingston, GS (vs HOU), PG, ($2,600): Before Game 1, I probably would have mentioned Livingston here because of his tiny salary, his steady workload, and his good-enough production, but then Livingston was dynamic in Game 1, which bumps my enthusiasm for this pick from a "ho-hum he'll help you afford the guys you really want" to an excited "he will absolutely be in every one of the lineups I play tonight". The risk is so small, and the potential payoff could be huge.
Other suggestions: Kyrie Irving, CLE (at ATL), PG, ($7,000)
Shooting Guard
J.R. Smith, CLE (at ATL), SG, ($4,900): Smith is unlikely to repeat his magnificent Game 1 performance, when he scored 28 points and went 8-of-12 from beyond the arc. However, the game did serve to demonstrate how the Hawks can struggle to defend the perimeter, which is where Smith is most valuable. Additionally, since salaries were set before the start of Game 1, Smith's price has not yet jumped after Wednesday's impressive outing.
Kent Bazemore, ATL (vs CLE), SG, ($2,300): If Carroll cannot play Friday, then at least one player will benefit from the extra 30-plus minutes now available. It's not clear yet who that would be, but my bet is that Bazemore is one of those beneficiaries. Bazemore has consistently played nearly 15 minutes per game during these playoffs, and he's been reasonably productive in that time. Even if Bazemore doesn't see a boost in minutes, his productivity on his dirt-cheap salary has been enough that he won't harm your lineup.
Other suggestions: James Harden, HOU (at GS), SG, ($9,500)
Small Forward
LeBron James, CLE (at ATL), SF, ($11,400): Carroll is a strong defender capable of challenging and slowing James – arguably one of the greatest compliments possible for a wing defender in today's NBA. If Carroll misses Game 2, which seems likely, then the Hawks have no one who can effectively slow down James.
Other suggestions: Josh Smith, HOU (at GS), SF, ($5,400)
Power Forward
Draymond Green, GS (vs HOU), PF, ($7,700): Green played a whopping 43 minutes in Game 1. That giant workload might be more predictive, and less of an outlier, than one would typically assume. The Warriors played small for most of Game 1, using Green as their center for some stretches. These small lineups were effective, and there's a good chance that the Warriors will use them again in Game 2. That possibility only increases if Dwight Howard (knee) ends up missing Game 2, since Howard is the player most capable of punishing the Warriors when they play small.
Other suggestions: Tristan Thompson, CLE (at ATL), PF, ($6,000)
Center
Clint Capela, HOU (at GS), C, ($2,000): Capela hasn't played much this postseason, and if Howard is active on Thursday, then that is unlikely to change. Despite his small workload, however, Capela has had some meaningful contributions, some memorable plays, and has been generally noticeable. If Howard sits out Game 2, Capela could end up with significant court time, even though he was not Howard's primary backup during the regular season. Just make sure to check Howards' status before game time. If Howard is active, stay far away from Capela.
Other suggestions: Timofey Mozgov, CLE (at ATL), C, ($4,800)
INJURY REPORT
Out
Patrick Beverley (wrist)
Donatas Motiejunas (back)
K.J. McDaniels (wrist)
Game-Time Decision
DeMarre Carroll's (knee) status is still unknown. He left Game 1 and did not return, but no further announcement has yet been made.
Dwight Howard (knee) is questionable.
