We’ve got a four game playoff slate today. To be honest, I wish it was a three game slate. Do we really need to see Heat/Bucks anymore? I think it’s safe to say that the Bucks are better. Let’s just call it a series and get everyone moving on with their lives.
Playing NBA DFS can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also make your head spin. It’s our job to make sure you’re winning as much as possible! There are countless variables that can lead to a player’s individual performance, but I’ve found it’s best to focus on just a few that can lead to better predictability.
My favorite factors to track for NBA DFS targets: Matchups (Offensive/Defensive Ratings), Opportunity (expected player minutes, game pace), and Recent Form.
This is the AM VERSION of a living article that will be updated throughout the day, as news comes through the wire.
LET’S GET INTO THE SLATE!!!!
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NBA DFS Targets and Preview for May 29
Bucks vs. Heat (Bucks Lead 3-0)
The Heat are down 3-0 and none of the games have been particularly close. I thought their home crowd might give them some juice, but instead, they changed their starting lineup so they could lose in a different way. I honestly don’t know what I’m watching. People keep talking about Jrue Holiday changing things for them, and while that’s true, it doesn’t explain why Bam can’t score. It doesn’t explain why Jimmy isn’t efficient (and keeps passing up open layups in the paint). It doesn’t explain why Bryn Forbes looks like Steph Curry. This matchup is simply not fun to watch. I would only target backup Heat players in this one, as I have no reason to assume we don’t have another blowout in store.
DFS Targets: MIA targets: Bjelica, Dedmon, Nunn, and Herro for value. MIL targets: Giannis, Holiday, Forbes, and Middleton.
Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers (Denver Leads 2-1)
I wish this matchup wasn’t in the first round. It feels like more of a Western Conference Finals matchup. While I have no idea who’s going to come out on top after this matchup has played out, for NBA DFS purposes, the usage rates among players in this series has been consistent. It’s clear to me who we need to target, the outcome of the games are less clear. I think the Blazers have more talent while Jamal Murray is out, so I’ll continue to count on Dame, CJ, and Nurkic to best Jokic, MPJ…and Campazzo.
DFS Targets: DEN targets: Jokic, MPJ, Campazzo, Rivers, and Morris. POR targets: Dame, CJ, Nurkic, Simons, and Melo.
76ers vs. Wizards (76ers Lead 2-0)
My Wizards are finally back in the playoffs and their reward is to take on the #1 seed in the East, while both of their star players are hobbled. I don’t love it. The homer in me wants to make the argument that the Wizards are back at home, and they’ll be in line for bounce back games from Bertans and Russ. That argument is disingenuous, though. The Wiz look overmatched and their only offense come through fastbreaks and ISO plays. That’s not a recipe for success against an elite defense in the playoffs. The Wiz had their best chance to win in Game 1, when they had Embiid in foul trouble. I think a sweep is in order.
DFS Targets: PHI targets: Harris, Embiid, and Simmons. WAS targets: Beal, Bertans, and Smith. Russ is too expensive and banged up for a target right now.
Jazz vs. Grizzlies (Series Tied 1-1)
The Jazz are first in net rating and top five in defensive rating and offensive rating. Did I mention they have Donovan Mitchell back? Well, they have Donovan Mitchell back. He also doesn’t look rusty. As much as I love Ja, if he can’t beat this team after dropping 46 points, it simply won’t happen again. We have a gentlemen’s sweep in order. The Jazz should win this one relatively easily.
DFS Targets: UTA targets: Mitchell, Gobert, Clarkson, and Favors for value. MEM targets: Morant, Brooks, Jonas, and Anderson.
Don’t forget to check back later in the day as Bradlee will be updating his NBA DFS preview with all the info you need to turn tonight’s slate into a resounding success!
If you are reading this on Fantrax.com make sure to head on over to FantraxHQ to check out Brad’s afternoon updates.
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