NBA Postseason Best Bets (5/17)
Alex Christenson
The size of the NBA DFS slate for Saturday is a bit easier to wrap our heads, with eight games as opposed to double-digits like Friday. We’re still learning a lot about every team, so let’s hit some stats that stand out so far for DFS.
1. Nikola Jokic Is Under $11,000 on DraftKings
That feels like a gift whenever it happens. Nikola Jokic is coming off his first triple-double of the season Friday night. The spread on this game is under 10 points, the Thunder are 23rd in rebounds allowed in the paint, and Jokic is already over 1.50 points per minute with a usage that is under 27%. Oklahoma City was also 27th defending skilled centers last season.
2. Jalen Suggs Is Listed Out
The matchup isn’t spectacular, but the Celtics did play a tough game against Miami Friday. With Jalen Suggs already listed out, Cole Anthony should see a ton of minutes and he’s under $6,000. That makes him an easy addition to any build and his usage is threatening 27%.
3. Terry Taylor Is Averaging 0.85 Points Per Minute
Sure, that’s not something that immediately catches your eye, but Terry Taylor’s salary on DK is still just $3,500. The Pacers have already been a little wild with the minute distribution, but Taylor has logged 24 and 22 minutes so far. He dealt with foul trouble Friday, but the Pistons were 24th against bench players last season. Taylor helps open stars-and-scrubs builds, or he can be just that one punt to fit everyone else.
4. Donovan Mitchell Had Nine Assists in the First Game
I wonder how popular Donovan Mitchell will be on this slate. Paul George is only $100 more, and he’s without Kawhi Leonard and John Wall, but Mitchell is without Darius Garland. Mitchell did have only 10 potential assists, so he was lucky in that respect, but he also had 76 touches and has the full game to himself.
5. Milwaukee Is a 13-Point Favorite
Typically, the Houston games are going to be prime targets, but this game is on the edge of where I consider fading. The Bucks are short-handed so Houston could have a chance to at least keep it close into the fourth quarter. If they can, this game has a 230-point total and can fly by. It’s the third game in the NBA Game Environment Tool and carries the largest range of outcomes with it. Giannis Antetokounmpo has the highest ceiling on the slate if he doesn’t lose any minutes.
