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The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on September 3, 2020. Jake Finnen provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
The Toronto Raptors are in a must-win situation heading into Game 3 versus the Boston Celtics, while the Los Angeles Clippers start their series against the un-rested Denver Nuggets. After a series of powerful performances from Jamal Murray, it's unmistakable who the first and second options are in that offense heading into Game 1. Nikola Jokic is still the lead playmaker, but Murray has forced himself into the role of top shooter. Jokic just played seven straight games against the league's best defensive big, so now that he is going to be dealing with Ivica Zubac and Montrezl Harrell, expect fireworks from the start.
The Nuggets might be stuck running defensive lineups with as many weapons as the Clippers have, but Jokic and Murray are going to be solid plays with a ton of upside and exposure each night. Los Angeles is already marked down as an 8-point favorite, so while there is blowout potential, stacking the value in the later game is the safer route. Outside of Robert Williams, there is little value on both sides of the Raptors-Celtics matchup, so wait for updates before rostering someone like Marc Gasol or Norman Powell...or Chris Boucher.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 9/3/20. You can also check out today's DraftKings lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before lineups lock.
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Lou Williams, PG vs. DEN ($5,300)
If you are targeting any type of value, you have to go with Lou Williams at such a low price. The Nuggets will either need to defend better than they have all season, or throw out so many weapons on offense the Clippers top-ranked defense won't be able to do anything but keep up with the scoring. Since the Nuggets struggled with the Jazz, it's looking like even Paul George has upside heading into this series. It's going to take a game or two for the Nuggets to properly adjust for Williams' scoring ability, so look for him to pick up where he left off against the Mavericks.
Landry Shamet, SG - vs. DEN ($4,200)
Speaking of value, there aren't many options outside of the secondary scorers in this paticular game. We know who is going to be doing a majority of the scoring, but there will be one or two low-end players every game that does just enough to make it worthwhile for DFS players. Shamet proved he can be that player above someone like Reggie Jackson, but he is fairly point-reliant, whereas Jackson fills the stat sheet much easier. The Nuggets guards are talented, but that will only give upside to Shamet's scoring and it will give him more chances to create turnovers and post some defensive stats.
Torrey Craig, SG - vs. LAC ($4,200)
He clunked a game-sealing layup against the Jazz, which means he's ready to make it up, right? Since the Nuggets are going to have to make a defensive stand at some point, that means they will need Craig out there guarding one of the Clippers big three. The return of Gary Harris allows Craig to play a more-involved defensive role, guarding Kawhi Leonard or Paul George, while allowing someone like Michael Porter Jr., the chances to contribute and see more minutes without costing the team too many points.
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Jerami Grant, SF - vs. LAC ($4,800)
Only two more Nuggets players, I promise. Jerami Grant's defense was a pivotal part of the Nuggets Game 7 victory and comeback versus the Jazz, so it's certain they will continue to need his size and rebounding against the Clippers. He hasn't been able to really space the floor as consistently as we would like, but that hasn't stopped him from taking shots and at least getting the opportunities to exceed his projected. The Clippers primary defenders will be too busy elsewhere to prioritize Grant taking open shots on the wing.
Serge Ibaka, SF - vs. BOS ($6,500)
It's unfortunate Serge Ibaka's price isn't slightly cheaper, but FanDuel accounted for upside and they are sadly right. Ibaka did everything Marc Gasol wasn't able to, and unless the Raptors decide to run Chris Boucher at the five, which they could resort to rather quickly knowing Nick Nurse's adjustment techniques from the regular season, Ibaka will continue to get a serious chunk of minutes each game. Ibaka has upside against the Celtics frontcourt per usual, but the further the Raptors fall, the more Ibaka is going to be forced to do until other players start contributing.
Michael Porter Jr., PF - @ LAC ($5,100)
The Clippers defense is going to be focused on Michael Porter Jr., when he is on the court, but his length gives him an advantage you can't defend. The Nuggets desperately needed his offense, but Porter Jr.'s defense was so terrible he couldn't be on the court for too long without being a liability against the Jazz. Denver is going to need as much help as they can get, and they won't be able to afford benching one of the few scoring threats they have. Eventually, Porter Jr. will not be consistently playable because of his defense, but I don't expect that to be a problem until at least Game 3.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Chris Boucher, C - vs. BOS ($3,700)
Super-risk here, but anyone who has played Chris Boucher in the past knows his incredible upside. He just needs minutes and similar to Ibaka, the less Gasol contributes, the more upside someone like Boucher has. There aren't any cheaper options, but there is always the chance he doesn't see over ten minutes. With how the Raptors have played in Game 1 & 2, they need to make adjustments to account for the Celtics wings, meaning add an athletic shot-blocker. He might get dunked on all game, but that won't stop him from posting a few blocks and enough counting stats to burst through such a low projected.
