X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

FanDuel NBA DFS Lineup Picks (5/20/21): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Juan Carlos Blanco highlights the top FanDuel NBA DFS lineup picks for 5/20/21, and a couple of sleepers to consider while building daily rosters.

We’re primed for a single-game slate Thursday, as the Pacers and Wizards will battle it out in an elimination contest as the Eastern Conference portion of the play-in tournament concludes. FanDuel’s single-game format brings us a completely different roster format than we’re used to in conventional multi-game slates.

I’ll outline a pair of candidates for each of the three multiplier spots (MVP. STAR and PRO) in FanDuel’s single-game roster format, and I’ll also offer another two players to consider for the two Utility spots that accrue FanDuel points at a non-multiplier rate. Thursday’s game should offer an excellent DFS environment, considering the Pacers and Wizards combined for totals of 256, 295 and 265 points in their three regular-season meetings.

Read on to see my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 5/20/21.  You can also check out DraftKings lineup picks and injury news before lineups lock. Good luck, RotoBallers.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

FanDuel DFS MVP Picks (2x)

Russell Westbrook, PG- vs. IND ($16,000)

At this stage, it’s probably enough just to list Westbrook’s name and move on, but I’ll gladly go through the process of quickly laying out his case. Westbrook’s skill set is tailor made for a roster spot with a 2x multiplier, considering he’s filling out the stat sheet at a Hall-of-Fame rate and finished the regular season with an astounding 69.3 non-multiplier FD points over his final nine games on the strength of 26.3 points, 16.1 assists, 13.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals across 40.8 minutes. Westbrook had what would be considered a down game only by his impossible standards in the play-in loss to the Celtics on Tuesday with 55.3 FD points, but given that he crossed 60 FD points without a multiplier on an astounding 21 occasions during the regular season and posted 75.2 and 80.3 FD points in two contests versus the Pacers, he’s about as a locked-in play as there is for this scenario.

Domantas Sabonis, PF – at WAS ($15,000)

Sabonis trampled the Wizards for 71.3 and 70.1 FD non-multiplier points in the final two meetings against Washington during the regular season and posted 53.7 versus the Hornets in Tuesday’s play-in win. He’s averaging 48.2 FD points per 36 minutes without Caris LeVert (COVID-19 protocols) and Myles Turner (toe) on the floor as well while posting a 27.5 percent usage rate in that scenario. The Wizards were also vulnerable to centers all season, allowing the eighth-highest offensive efficiency (33.6 percent) to fives, along with the second-most FD points per game (57.9) to the position. And, like Westbrook, Sabonis is a natural for a 2x multiplier roster spot when considering his well-balanced season line of 20.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.2 steals.

Want more NBA DFS tools and content? Our NBA Premium package includes our daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Optimizer, and access to our Premium Slack Chatrooms where members can chat with our NBA analysts. Check out this recent big win from RotoBaller premium member Bsuperak on FanDuel - join in on the winning!

 

FanDuel DFS STAR Picks (1.5x)

Bradley Beal – vs. IND ($14,500)

Beal could arguably be a candidate for an MVP spot as well given his prolific scoring prowess, but his more modest production in other categories compared to Westbrook and Sabonis make him a better fit at the 1.5x multiplier spot. Beal’s hamstring is still somewhat of a concern, but he’s now been able to play 35 and 36 minutes against the Hornets and Celtics, respectively, since returning from a three-game absence. He was also outstanding in the last two regular-season meetings against the Pacers earlier in May, posting tallies of 45.0 and 65.5 FD non-multiplier points in those contests while shooting 54.5 percent. Additionally, Indy gave up 41.9 FD points per game to twos in the last 15 games of the regular season, and Beal averaged 44.9 FD points over the last 14 regular-season games and Tuesday’s play-in contest versus the Celtics.

Malcolm Brogdon – at WAS ($13,500)

Brogdon’s previously troublesome hamstring seemed to hold up well against the Hornets on Tuesday, as he posted 16 points and eight assists over 21 minutes and then had a chance to sit with Indiana comfortably ahead. He should therefore be ready to roll Thursday, and, like Sabonis, should be in an advantageous position while taking the floor without both LeVert and Turner. Brogdon generated a 25.8 percent usage rage with that pair of teammates unavailable this season, and he compiled 42.8 FD non-multiplier points over 33 minutes in his one meeting with the Wizards this past regular season. Washington’s league-high pace of play should also benefit Brogdon in the form of a few extra possessions, as should the fact the Wizards gave up the sixth-most FD points per game (50.0) to point guards for the season.

 

FanDuel DFS PRO Picks (1.2x)

T.J. McConnell – at WAS ($12,500)

McConnell has put up 35.3 FD non-multiplier points per contest over his last 10 games, including the play-in win over the Hornets. The veteran point guard posted impressive averages of 13.3 points, 6.7 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals across 29.6 minutes during that stretch and should be set for another robust role off the bench Thursday. He’ll benefit from the Wizards’ vulnerability to point guards already detailed in Brogdon’s entry, and it’s also worth noting he posted tallies of 27.7 and 39.8 FD points in two of his three regular-season meetings versus Washington. Finally, consider the Wizards gave up the sixth-most steals per game (8.2) during the regular season, while thefts constitute a significant supplemental portion of McConnell’s fantasy production on any given night.

Oshae Brissett – at WAS ($11,500)

Brissett has been one of the pleasant surprises of the Pacers’ season, with the second-year forward finishing with a solid line of 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 block across 24.7 minutes while shooting an excellent 42.3 percent from behind the arc. Brissett put up 32.0 FD non-multiplier points across 33 minutes versus the Hornets in Tuesday’s play-in win, and he also offered a glimpse at his ceiling by exceeding 40 FD points on four occasions over his last 12 games. Brissett was relatively quiet in his two games against Washington in the regular season, but the Wizards were progressively weaker versus power forwards as the campaign wound down and allowed the fourth-most FD points per game (51.2) to fours in the last seven games of the season before surrendering a 50-point performance to Jayson Tatum in Tuesday’s play-in loss.

Utility Spot options to consider:

Doug McDermott ($10,000); Ish Smith ($9,000)



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF