RADIO
As we near the completion of the first round, more and more teams have been sent packing while others are still fighting to move on. Denver survived an early exit on Tuesday, but we have two teams up for elimination in Wednesday's slate.
Unfortunately, there are some big injuries with Damian Lillard (knee) and Russell Westbrook (quad) already ruled out in this slate. The Lakers (-13.5) and Bucks (-14.0) are heavy favorites on Wednesday and could very well end the season for the Trail Blazers and Magic, respectively. In other injury news, LeBron James (groin) and Anthony Davis (back) are listed as probable again, but should be good to go. Without Lillard, James and Davis might not be needed for most of the game.
Here are our daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 8/26/20. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before lock.
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C.J. McCollum - PG/SG, POR @ LAL ($8,100)
This should not come as a shocker with Portland down their All-Star and top scorer. McCollum has put up 32.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.3 boards per game in the eight games Lillard has missed this season. On the wrong side of elimination, McCollum will need to carry a huge workload for his team to stay alive on Wednesday. McCollum may be the most drafted in Wednesday's slate, so keep in a mind a couple other guys who may benefit without Lillard like Gary Trent Jr. ($4,800) and Anfernee Simons ($4,000).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - PG/SG, OKC @ HOU ($7,400)
After a rough Game 1, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a driving force in Oklahoma City's recent play and ability to tie up the series. In the past three games, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 24.0 points on 48.1 percent shooting, 8.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.7 three-pointers in 43.0 minutes per game. The Sophomore guard adjusted very well in his first playoff series and his play has showed that. Despite another stellar performance in the Game 4 win, Gilgeous-Alexander's price hasn't changed. With a gap in price at the top of the guard position, Gilgeous-Alexander makes for a low floor option.
Eric Gordon - SG, HOU vs. OKC ($6,100)
Gordon has been one of the most consistent fantasy performers in the first round of the playoffs. Despite a couple of sub-40.0 percent shooting nights, Gordon has put up at least 30.0 DraftKings fantasy points in each of the four playoff games so far. Gordon's been known as a streaky shooter, but he's been chipping in defensively (4 blocks and 4 steals this series) and getting teammates involved more (3.3 assists per game) which allows him to stay fantasy relevant.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Giannis Antetokounmpo- PF, MIL vs. ORL ($11,300)
With a small slate, you have to be picky with your stars and focus on your money management. I am picking Antetokounmpo as a much better option than Harden, James or Davis due to their respective situations. James and Davis will be facing the undermanned Trail Blazers who, after last game and losing Lillard, will likely be devoid of hope. Antetokounmpo, however, has been absolutely dominating the Magic, averaging 63.9 DraftKings fantasy points in the series. Antetokounmpo is also $500 less than Harden, who is averaging less fantasy points per game.
Terrence Ross - SG/SF, ORL @ MIL ($5,000)
Ross continues to lead the bench in scoring after averaging 17.3 points on 47.2 percent shooting from the field in the playoffs. The Magic are facing the end to their 2020 season on Wednesday and will need to pull out all the stops in order to continue their season. Even so, if the game gets out of hand early, Ross will likely get more run with the second unit anyways. Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is questionable again for this contest, but likely won't see the court. Without Gordon, Ross has a 23.1 percent usage rate in the playoffs.
Luguentz Dort - SG/SF, OKC @ HOU ($4,200)
After dealing with a knee injury and missing the first game of the series, Dort has now played at least 35 minutes in back-to-back games, both wins. Dort has been playing stellar on-ball defense and earning his minutes against the small-ball Rockets. Dort is only shooting 30.0 percent from the field and 21.7 percent from deep in the series, but those numbers are likely due to him recovering from the knee injury. Even with the poor shooting, Dort contributes in rebounding and defensive stats to make it worthwhile at his price tag, especially in a smaller slate.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Dwight Howard - C, LAL v. POR ($3,800)
With Davis (back) leaving Game 4's win with back spasms, Howard logged 24 minutes, the most of this playoffs. Howard played admirably and registered 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting, eight rebounds and two assists in the win. Davis is likely to play, but will most likely not play his usual amount of minutes. The Trail Blazers are on the brink of elimination and without their star point guard. With Davis banged up and the game likely to get out of hand early, Howard will likely see a similar situation and get extra run. At just $3,800, Howard can also complement your lineup and allow you to go big elsewhere.
