RADIO
Tonight (like every other night in the playoffs) provides an opportunity for no-name players to stake their claim in The Association. In the playoffs, the usual superstars tend to produce on a consistent basis. James Harden (HOU, G - $9,600), Derrick Rose (CHI, G - $8,500), and Blake Griffin (LAC - F, $10,400) are the only must-starts that I'd recommend tonight. These guys need no explanation of why to start, but each should provide a 50+ FPTS performance tonight. Below, I'll provide one player from each team that I feel will be able to save you money while providing enough production to cash out at the end of the night.
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Chicago Bulls @ Cleveland Cavaliers
With Pau Gasol still suffering from a hamstring injury, Taj Gibson (CHI, F - $4,600) will get the start, leaving offensive production from the forward position in the hands of Nikola Mirotic and Tony Snell (CHI, F - $2,300). If you need a cheaper option (with much more risk), then Snell is your guy. For less risk and more upside, Mirotic has seemed to fall back into the form he was at before the playoffs. With enough minutes, Mirotic will provide a big spark to a Chicago offense that lacks its star power forward. With the guards carrying most of the work in Gasol's absence, look for Mirotic to pay them back with a big Game Five performance.
Matthew Dellavedova - CLE, G - $2,700
Here's another option with Kyrie Irving (CLE, G - $7,800) suffering from tendinitis. While Irving should be able to play through the injury, Dellevedova has been able to provide substantial numbers when given the opportunity. He should be a solid play, and if he manages to get the start in Game Five, he should be one of the best value plays for today. In Game Three, he had nine points and nine assists, and looks to repeat that production, as long as he can get the minutes to produce. The injury won't stop Kyrie from playing, but he could receive reduced minutes as his jump shot has suffered substantially.
Los Angeles Clippers @ Houston Rockets
Austin Rivers - LAC, G - $4,700
Austin Rivers has been playing out of his mind lately, and regardless of how Chris Paul (LAC, G - $8,700) is feeling he should continue this hot streak. He only played 23 minutes and managed to score 25 points, along with six rebounds and two assists. It was a spectacular performance from Rivers, and he has shown no sign of slowing down. Whether or not Chris Paul plays, whether the Clippers are up or down or whatever the circumstances, Rivers will make his presence known. Look for another solid performance, but a repeat of his last outing is rather unlikely. There aren't many cheaper options on the Clippers, though, so Rivers will likely be your best value play.
Corey Brewer - HOU, G - $3,700
As one of the more frustrating picks this postseason, Corey Brewer gets the minutes he needs to produce, but rarely manages to capitalize. He hasn't really shown much promise with his below-average performances, but with the Rockets in a must-win situation, the entire squad needs to play like it's their last game...which it very well could be. Brewer tends to shine in these moments, and he should be one of the top players off the bench in Game Five. This is a high-risk play, but should be able to pay off, given the lower price for a player that will get sufficient minutes. I'd typically advise against rostering Brewer because of the inconsistency, but I think tonight will be a good night for him.
