FanDuel NBA DFS Lineup Picks (5/22/21): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

May 22, 2021

Dennis Clausen highlights the top FanDuel NBA DFS lineup picks for 5/22/21, and a couple of sleepers to consider while building daily rosters.

After an exciting few days of play-in action, the postseason is now set it stone moving ahead. Four games are scheduled on Saturday to kick things off, with the Heat and Bucks getting things started at 2 pm, followed by the Mavericks and the Clippers at 4:30 pm. The Nets and Celtics will begin after at 8 pm, before the night is capped off with Trail Blazers and Nuggets out West at 10:30 pm.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 5/22/21. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. You can also check out DraftKings lineup picks and injury news before lineups lock. Good luck, RotoBallers.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter @DennisMClausen and say hello.

FanDuel DFS Guards

Kyrie Irving, PG - vs. BOS ($9,200)

Luka Doncic is priced at $10,000, only $800 more than Irving. However, with a limited player pool and not much value to be had, fantasy managers need to cut corners where they can. Luckily, Irving is available at a discounted rostering cost; something fantasy managers may want to consider. The 29-year-old is averaging nearly 31 points against the Celtics throughout three meetings on the year, so keep him on the radar as he msy have an even bigger upside than Doncic on Saturday.

Paul George, SG - vs. DAL ($8,400)

Paul rested for the final two regular-season contests, so he should be ready to roll in Game 1 of the series matchup against the Mavericks. His discounted rostering cost is based on his hit or miss production throughout the final few weeks of the 2021 campaign, but with the Clippers looking to make a deep run toward the Finals, the veteran should be on the floor plenty and also see his fair share of chances on the offensive end.

Goran Dragic, PG - @MIL ($4,900)

Dragic’s production has dwindled over than last month or so compared to what we have traditionally seen from him over the years. Nonetheless, with a rostering price of just $4,900, the veteran is a candidate to smash his value against a Milwaukee team that he has played well against all season, averaging 15 points, six assists, and shooting around 56 percent from deep throughout three meetings.

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 Forwards

Kawhi Leonard, SF - vs. DAL ($8,800)

Just like Paul George, Leonard's asking price is simply too good to ignore. He should be on the floor a lot in Game 1, so an uptick in shot attempts will likely be the case as the Clippers look to start the 2021 postseason on the right foot. He is definitely a candidate to see a rostering cost rise to around $10,000 over the next few weeks, so fantasy managers should take advantage of the DFS discount while they still can.

Jeff Green, PF - vs. BOS ($4,500)

Green has enjoyed some extra run this season as the Nets often utilize small-ball lineups. He routinely sees around 25 minutes per game and usually makes every second count. The veteran is averaging 12.5 points and 4.1 boards since the All-Star break, so for those looking to take a gamble based on upside, he may be your guy.

Joe Harris, SF - vs. BOS ($4,200)

Harris missed the final three games of the season due to a glute issue but appears good to go on Saturday against Boston. The sharpshooter shouldn't be on a minutes cap either, and after playing a lot of minutes in each game during the year, this value opportunity won't be around too long. Harris is shooting 45% from deep against the Celtics this season, and even with the trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden in the mix, he should still get his looks at the basket.

FanDuel DFS Centers

Nikola Jokic, C - vs. POR ($10,700)

You likely won't have a better option at the center position than Jokic, so fantasy managers need to pinch their pennies to afford his hefty $10,700 rostering cost. The MVP favorite averaged a career-high 26.4 points, 10.8 boards, and 8.3 assists this season and has a favorable matchup against a Blazers team that couldn't do much to slow him down throughout the year.

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis