NBA DFS: DraftKings, FanDuel Daily Fantasy Basketball Picks (5/17/24) - Today's Top Lineups

The top NBA DFS daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel, DraftKings on May 17, 2024. Use Mike's NBA DFS picks for building optimal DFS rosters to win big.

Game 6 between the Knicks and Pacers leaves us with Single-Game contests on DraftKings and FanDuel. The lineup construction is a bit different compared to the typical DFS slate as these include a 1.5x multiplier Captain's spot on DraftKings that carries elevated salaries for each player, and MVP (2x), STAR (1.5x), and PRO (1.2x) spots on FanDuel, where player's salaries are the same regardless of roster spot.

The key to being successful in NBA DFS comes down to making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available. But it's always really important to have a game plan and the best players and spots circled first before making those adjustments. To keep up with all the latest developments and get access to updated projections, grab an NBA season pass and also gain access to our RotoBaller Premium Discord where @chiefjustice6 is talking about the slate up until lineups lock!

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 5/17/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 8:30 p.m. EDT on FanDuel and DraftKings. Good luck, RotoBallers!

Today's NBA DFS Core Picks (Captain/MVP/STAR)

Jalen Brunson was unstoppable in Game 5. He finished with 44 points over 43 minutes, marking the fifth time during the Knicks’ playoff run that he has scored at least 40 points in a game. Outside of the blowout loss by the Knicks in Game 4, Brunson has scored at least 26 points and had at least five assists in each of the other four games. His floor is as high as any player in this game.

"Whenever you can get rest, it's great. But I for sure am ready to play and ready to go."

- Jalen Brunson on getting two days off between Game 5 and Game 6 pic.twitter.com/zunFwucA9z

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 16, 2024

Tyrese Haliburton laid an egg in Game 5, posting just 13 points and five assists. He attempted only nine shots, which was strange given that he had scored at least 20 points in each of the previous three games. With the Pacers facing elimination, expect Haliburton to be more aggressive and produce a juicy stat line.

Behind Brunson, Josh Hart might be the Knicks’ next most important player. He has logged at least 39 minutes in every playoff game for the Knicks except for the Game 4 blowout by the Pacers. Even with that game factored in, Hart is averaging 15.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in the playoffs. With his ability to rack up rebounds in bunches, he is a great option for one of these important multiplier positions.

Top Captain's Spot/MVP Plays:

1. Jalen Brunson, NY at IND – PG ($16,500 DK; $16,500 FD)
2. Tyrese Haliburton, IND vs. NY – PG ($15,000 DK; $15,500 FD)
3. Josh Hart, NY at IND – SF/PF ($13,800 DK; $14,500 FD)

ALSO CONSIDER: Donte DiVincenzo, NY at IND – SG ($12,300 DK; $13,000 FD)

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Today's NBA DFS Value Picks (Utility/PRO)

T.J. McConnell is instant energy off the bench for the Pacers. He has been very important for them in this series, averaging 11.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.2 steals over 21 minutes per game. He has proven that he doesn’t need a lot of playing time to be productive, including during the regular season when he averaged 10.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.0 steals over just 18 minutes per game.

The Knicks made a change for Game 5, inserting Miles McBride into the starting lineup. He went on to play 40 minutes, posting 17 points and four assists. That came on the heels of him recording 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists over 32 minutes off the bench in Game 4. He should sail past 30 minutes again in Game 6, leaving him with significant upside.

Miles McBride slashes and scoops in the acrobatic layup!

IND-NYK | Game 5 on TNT pic.twitter.com/fT2YZpttz8

— NBA (@NBA) May 15, 2024

Alec Burks is a professional scorer. While he couldn’t find his way onto the floor earlier in the playoffs, injuries have forced the Knicks to give him more minutes off the bench. He has responded by averaging 17.3 points and 4.7 rebounds over the last three games. His current role leaves him with the potential to provide value.

Top Utility/PRO Plays:

1. T.J. McConnell, IND vs. NY – PG ($6,000 DK; $10,000 FD)
2. Miles McBride, NY at IND – PG/SG ($4,800 DK; $9,500 FD)
3. Alec Burks, NY at IND – PG/SG ($4,400 DK; $8,000 FD)

ALSO CONSIDER: Obi Toppin, IND vs. NY – PF ($4,200 DK; $7,000 FD)

Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids

1. I want to pay up for the likes of Brunson, Haliburton, and Hart. In order to do so, I’m willing to pass on Pascal Siakam. While he has had his moments, he also has scored fewer than 15 points in two of the five games in this series.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.

• My favorite overall play on the slate: Josh Hart
• My favorite CASH play on the slate: Jalen Brunson
• My favorite GPP play on the slate: Miles McBride
• My favorite value play: T.J. McConnell

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis