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The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on August 26, 2020. Dennis Clausen provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
Three teams (as of this writing) have seen their season end early, as the Pacers, Nets, and Sixers have since packed their bags to head home. As many organizations have already begun to make adjustments heading into next season, whenever that may be, others are looking to make some noise during the postseason.
Of course, some injuries to consider as Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook have already been ruled out. Meanwhile, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both questionable but should be good to go, although they may play limited minutes against the Trail Blazers, especially since this one may get out of hand without Dame in the lineup for Portland.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 8/26/20. You can also check out today's DraftKings lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before lineups lock. Feel free to give me a follow on Twitter @DennisMClausen. Good luck.
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FanDuel DFS Guards
James Harden, SG - vs. OKC ($11,600)
While nobody really needs an explanation for this one, it is still an excellent time to call attention to how well Harden has played during the postseason. Throughout four games against his former team during the playoffs, the former MVP has accrued at least 51.7 fantasy points. Look for him to continue to take plenty of shots and carry the Rockets offensively more than ever, primarily without Russell Westbrook in the mix.
Chris Paul, PG - @ HOU
Paul's exit from Houston wasn't exactly a harmonious one, and his unhealthy relationship with James Harden, especially toward the end of his tenure there, was well documented. Though it was thought by many that Paul wouldn't make it through an entire season as a member of OKC, his massive contract made it difficult for the team to part ways with him. Nonetheless, surprisingly, he has remained healthy during the postseason and is averaging almost 40 fantasy points per game during the series against the Rockets. With both Lillard and Westbrook sidelined on Wednesday, the veteran may be the best option at the point guard position by far.
C.J. McCollum, SG - vs. LAL ($7,200)
Expect McCollum to see an increase in interest from fantasy managers as a result of the knee injury to Damian Lillard. Of course, there is a good reason for that as the 28-year-old will receive an enormous 7.4% bump in usage and gain +6 in +/- differential. In the eight games that the former 2013 10th overall pick has played in without Lillard in the lineup, he is averaging 32.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.3 boards in addition to shooting nearly 42 percent from deep. Also, keep Gary Trent Jr. in mind since he should also be in line to see an increase in fantasy production at a discount price.
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF - vs. ORL ($11,300)
Spending a boatload of cash on LeBron James or Anthony Davis isn't advisable, primarily since they have dealt with nagging injuries and could see a reduction in minutes against Portland. Antetokounmpo, on the other hand, could get a full run as Milwaukee looks to put away Orlando to move on to the next round in the Eastern Conference. The freak has played exceptionally well during the playoffs, just like he has all season, and has hit at least 52.5 fantasy points in the four games during the postseason. With so many injuries and value options on the table on Wednesday, building a lineup with both Antetokounmpo and Harden could be possible.
Eric Gordon, SF - vs. OKC ($5,800)
James Harden is undoubtedly the No. 1 option for the Rockets. However, he can't do it all by himself, and with Westbrook unable to suit up during the postseason, Gordon has stepped up to the plate. While his asking price has slowly increased, he continues to play well and will be coming off his best game of the series, finishing Game 4 with 23 points. Feel free to throw in Danuel House, especially for those running low on cash.
Kyle Kuzma, PF - vs. POR ($5,500)
The power forward position on Wednesday is horrendous, and with The King and A.D. struggling with various ailments, Kuzma could see an enhanced role in Game 5. While this scenario isn't a given, he still has the potential to hit his value, even with those two on the court.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Nikola Vucevic, C - @ MIL ($8,600)
Vucevic is a steal at that price on Wednesday night, primarily considering how well he has played during the playoffs. In Game 4, he nearly hit 60 fantasy points, finishing with 31 points, 11 boards, seven assists, and two blocks. While the Bucks are among the best defensive teams in the league, things haven't gone as well (at times) underneath the basket. Look for Vucevic to potentially rack up plenty of fantasy points once again in Game 5, especially if Aaron Gordon isn't back in the lineup.
