RADIO
We are going to do things a bit differently with only one game tonight. DraftKings offers a one game Showdown where you roster six utility players whose total salary you need to keep below $50,000. Although it's only one-game, there is value out there and I am going to offer up the cheapest prices that won't sacrifice total fantasy points.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/30/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on DraftKings.
You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. Find me in the Hoops Chat Room, playing Fornite on Xbox or regrettably on Twitter @HalfCourtJester.
DraftKings DFS Guards
Semi Ojeleye - SG/SF, vs. PHI ($1,300)
This is going to be the absolute bottom of the barrel. There are not many players cheaper that Ojeleye that will get minutes and produce, possibly Shane Larkin but we want extreme value. The chances he produces anything more than 10 FPTS is optimistic but at the same time, he does flaunt the skill-set that should be good for a few points and rebounds. He's been swimming in the minutes lately but game ones are always tricky. His production against Milwaukee gives me reason to believe he'll get consistent minutes against the 76ers, but there is also the chance Celtic coach Brad Stevens decides to run with a more experienced lineup throughout the game, presumably giving Philadelphia trouble.
T.J. McConnell - PG/SG, at BOS ($2,400)
I am not totally sold on T.J. McConnell being a consistent option, but he absolutely contributes in every category. There is no one specific attribute McConnell possesses that makes him a trouble-spot for the Celtics, but I am convinced that both McConnell and Shane Larkin will be engaged in the the ever-intense dueling backup point guard battle throughout the series. Larkin has the expereience but I give the edge to McConnell and his weird little, arrogant, ball of energy backup that thrives in emotional situations. If tonight isn't his game, expect him to dwell in the cheers of his hometown fans...in true faux-confidence fashion.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Marco Belinelli - SG/SF, at BOS ($4,200)
You might as well roster one of the two players that have been salvaging this 76ers postseason. Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova are the two veteran shooters on the team and both have been the reason Philadelphia has been arguably cruising through the first round. When you have players shooting as well as these two are, you don't stop their momentum. Although it's an every-other-game trend, it's still a trend that holds water. Belinelli is more notorious for his outside shot and it will be needed in game one. I wouldn't expect the young 76ers to come out firing on all cylinders and while J.J. Redick, Ersan Ilyasova and Marco Belinelli won't be timid with the ball, I expect the rest of the team to do just that.
Marcus Morris - SF/PF, vs. PHI ($4,600)
Marcus Morris should be contributing nightly double-doubles to the box score but he isn't. It might be a bit overzealous for me to think he could get double-digit rebounds but he does assume a slightly more team-oreinted role. Instead of going up for the rebounds, he plays out, finds his man and makes sure his TEAM, not himSELF gets the rebound. Great team ball and what you want to see out of Boston Celtics Marcus Morris, but not what we need out of DFS option Marcus Morris. The 76ers have defensive options but they will struggle to contain Al Horford and Morris if both are on the court. They both offer proper spacing and is Morris is hitting his shot, his upside basically depends on how many shots he decides to take.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Al Horford - C, vs. PHI ($13,200)
Expect Al Horford to get nightly consideration anyway, but especially for a game one against an inexperienced frontcourt. Joel Embiid might have his hands full trying to keep up with Horford and you should already assume Horford will try to run him all over the court. Neither are particularly athletic because both have their athletic drawbacks, whether it be size or injuries, but both will have the ball in their hands and that opens the "upside door" for both of them. If the ball if around Horford and Embiid most of the game, not only will they have the upside as far as points and offensive stats are concerned, but they will be holding all the defensive cards. Although the 76ers tend to facilitate from the paint towards the perimeter, Horford will still leave his stamp on the defensive end. Expect him to build off his game seven performance and establish a defensive presence from the tip.
