RADIO
The NBA is back after a brief hiatus in support of social equality, and although it hasn't changed the fact that black americans are extremely discriminated against in this country, NBA players and other black athletes have marked the start of a revolution centuries overdue. Racism is evident and an inability to recognize the atrocities and tragedies that happen to black americans on a daily basis is an attempt to downplay the consequences of american history, more importantly the financial implications and overall lasting impact of slavery.
While there is no end to the conversation of race and the only end-goal is ultimate equality, NBA players made demands that are being met and hopefully this can spark any positive change towards the treatment of black people in america. With all of this being said, games have resumed this Saturday and we have two potential elimination games worth stacking. I wish you all the best today and remember that when these players take the court, that they are playing for more than the game, and the conversation needs to be bigger than basketball, or any sport.
Here are our daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 8/29/20. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before lock.
DraftKings DFS Guards
Markelle Fultz - PG, ORL vs. MIL ($5,100)
Despite Markelle Fultz controlling the point-guard duties in Orlando, not many people expected him to actually produce against this type of defense, this quickly into the playoffs. He might not be carrying that winning impact, but he is putting up serious stats with a minimal price. It's been a fight choosing whether to play D.J. Augustin or Fultz at the right time, and even though Fultz is the clear-cut starter, Augustin has had a few inconsistent explosions that don't necessarily make it easy to fade. If he has one of those games, it doesn't matter who you played. If you missed out on Augustin, you most likely lost a top sleeper pick.
Since this is an elimination game, I trust Augustin to live up to expectations, but that won't change the reality that is Fultz getting to the rim with ease and his teammates simply missing shots and killing his upside. If the Magic can find a way to contribute, Fultz sees a major boost.
James Harden - PG/SG, HOU vs. OKC ($11,400)
You don't have to spend up today, and if you decide to save a few dollars by going with Giannis Antetokounmpo, you aren't sacrificing too much upside. With that, James Harden is the highest priced player tonight for a reason. He has been torching the Thunder all series, aside from one game, and based on the Rockets previous games, he'll need to keep that up until Russell Westbrook can provide some relief. Oklahoma City has been holding strong throughout the entire series, so if the Rockets continuing this trend of missing shots, Harden will have THAT much more upside.
Danny Green - SG/SF, LAL vs. POR ($4,000)
After last game versus Portland, the Lakers were able to exhibit their own little shooting gallery that allowed players like Danny Green to get back into some type of shooting form. Green might be one of the cheapest players with any viable upside tonight, so not only do you have to consider him, but failing to roster him might ruin any chances for cashing if he excels.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Robert Covington - SF/PF, HOU vs. OKC ($5,700)
The Rockets are struggling to shoot, but it won't change them continuing to do so. Robert Covington might be the best-bad-shooter in the league, but after having a mediocre outing in Game 4, it's clear he needs to increase his usage and scoring. With the lack of value, there aren't many safe options and even with Covington coming across as a safer option, his price is off-putting based on past performances. Take the risk if you want, but Covington is just someone who is good for a rebound game, despite not having too much upside as it is.
Danilo Gallinari - SF/PF, OKC vs. HOU ($6,300)
As mentioned earlier, the value is scarce and you are going to need to go with more mid-level options than value plays. You can go for high-risk players, but if you do decide to play it safe, Gallinari is one of the top options. Playing the Rockets allows for maximum upside and he has been taking advantage of the matchup every game. There is no reason for him to slow down his shooting output, so if Steven Adams does miss anymore time or even minutes, that's just more offense needed from Gallinari.
Kyle Kuzma - SG/SF, LAL vs. POR ($5,300)
Similar to Danny Green, Kyle Kuzma is benefitting from the Lakers offensive outburst last game. He was able to establish himself in the game as a shooter, and it gave him the confidence to help with other aspects. Kuzma is a typical young player who struggled until he starts contributing, but how the Lakers are set up, they do whatever they can to help out shooters. He will continue to struggle in the playoffs, but after having his first real good game of the post-season, it's unlikely for someone with his mindset to regress, even after a short break.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Steven Adams - C, OKC v. HOU ($5,500)
There are plenty of quality options at center, but few are going to be as automatic as Steven Adams versus Houston. It doesn't need to be drilled into everyone's heads at this point that the Rockets play without a true center, and because of that, Steven Adams, as passive of a rebounder as he is, is eating on the glass and in the paint. His price is ideal and although he might be dealing with an injury, 25 minutes is enough for him to exceed a sub-$6K pricing. He hasn't needed to do as much scoring with how well the Thunder have shot the ball, but seeing how they are due for a regression, look for Adams to be a major factor in the paint as usual.
