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The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on May 19, 2022. Juan Carlos Blanco provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
We're set for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday, meaning we have a one-game showdown slate tonight. The way the fantasy production is typically distributed among the Celtics and Heat makes putting together a lineup a pretty straightforward process, always an advantage from a DFS perspective.
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 5/19/22.
Remember to monitor the NBA injury report as the slate can completely change before lineup lock at 8:30 pm EST. Good luck, RotoBallers!
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DraftKings and FanDuel Captain/MVP - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Jimmy Butler, MIA ($16,500 DraftKings, $16,000 FanDuel)
Butler is one of two clear-cut Captain/MVP plays after putting together yet another spectacular performance in Game 1. In fact, his 41-point, nine-rebound, five-assist, four-steal, three-block effort was his most complete of the postseason, generating 72.8 DK/78.3 FD points. The star wing is naturally going to continue in a high-usage role as the Heat fights to take a 2-0 lead to Boston. Butler also shot 48.6 percent against the Celtics during the regular season, and although the Celtics project to get Marcus Smart back on the floor Thursday, Jimmy Buckets should still provide a strong return in the top multiplier spot.
Jayson Tatum, BOS ($15,900 DK; $15,500 FD)
Even with the Celtics going into the tank for most of the second half in Game 1, Tatum still posted 55.5 DK/55.6 FD points over 44 minutes. The Celtics' team MVP will naturally be spearheading the attack for a Boston squad desperate to avoid a 2-0 series hole, and with Smart returning to action, Tatum may enjoy a bit less defensive attention at times. The Heat conceded just under 50.0 percent shooting to Tatum in Game 1, and he'll undoubtedly be very aggressive again Thursday, giving him a chance to build on the average of 47.4 FD points he's averaged since the start of the semifinal round.
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DraftKings and FanDuel Utility Plays - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Jaylen Brown, BOS ($14,100 DK; $13,500 FD)
Brown also had a strong fantasy outing in Game 1 despite his team's overall struggles, as he provided a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double that netted 45.5 DK/41.5 FD points. The star wing is shooting 47.7 percent during the postseason, including 38.7 percent from behind the arc, averaging 39.4 FD points per game. It also bears noting the series-opening success is simply an extension of the regular season for Brown against the Heat, as he put up 24.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steal across three games.
Marcus Smart, BOS ($10,800 DK; $11,500 FD)
Smart is probable with his foot injury Thursday, and he naturally has the talent to make an immediate impact in his return. Smart has had a couple of sub-20-fantasy-point clunkers during the postseason, but he's still averaging a solid 30.8 FD points per game during the playoffs via a well-balanced line of 15.0 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steal. Miami has been very effective against point guards, but Smart's ability to check off most every box on the stat sheet gives him a chance to offer a solid return on his mid-level salaries.
Others to consider: Bam Adebayo, MIA ($12,600; $12,500 FD)
DraftKings and FanDuel Value Plays - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Tyler Herro, MIA ($10,200 DK; $11,000 FD)
Herro is a quintessential tournament play, as he offered a vivid reminder of in Game 1 with 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. The sharpshooter's performance marked his fourth tally of greater than 30 fantasy points in the postseason, and that upside certainly puts him in play as a value option Thursday. Herro notably didn't rely on his trademark long-distance shooting for his production Tuesday -- he went just 1-for-5 from behind the arc -- which is a welcome development considering Boston is allowing an NBA-low 33.1 percent success rate from distance since the start of the regular season.
Robert Williams III, BOS ($9,300 DK; $12,000 FD)
Williams returned refreshed and ready to go after missing the last four games of the semifinal-round series against the Bucks, posting 34.3 DK/35.3 FD points across 28 minutes in Game 1. The big man more than held his own down low against Bam Adebayo, and considering the type of defense both teams are capable of playing, there could be ample opportunities for Williams on the glass on both ends of the floor. Additionally, Williams' offensive involvement Tuesday can't go unnoticed, as he went 6-for-8 from the field and also got to the line on seven occasions.
Others to consider: Max Strus, MIA ($9,600 DK; $10,000 FD)
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