This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
This is one of the more unique slates of the season, as the NBA will have a Conference Final's Game 7 on back-to-back nights. It's the first time in the shot clock era that both series have gone to a seventh game, with the last time dating back to 1979. That's quite the treat for us fans and it makes this DFS slate easier than usual. The reason for that is the fact that rotations will be shortened in a must-win circumstance, meaning many of the starters will play well over 40 minutes while receiving the majority of the usage.
Guards:
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. CLE ($7,900): Rozier has been the breakout player of these playoffs, often operating as the Celtics' go-to player. The last few games have been especially huge, as Rozier averaged 43.0 FanDuel points in his last three outings. That should be no surprise when considering the matchup, as Cleveland allowed the most fantasy points in the league to opposing point guards in the regular season.
Eric Gordon, HOU at GS ($4,800): Gordon was a disappointment in the Game 6 defeat, but his role should continue to rise in this critical Game 7. Not only is he likely to start for Chris Paul (hamstring) yet again, he should play nearly 40 minutes in this must-win game. It's his workload that really makes him valuable, considering Gordon is averaging 34.0 minutes and 13 shots a game in all six contests of this series. His 25 percent usage rate in the last two games indicates that he's a focal point of the offense too and he'll be asked to take on an even bigger role if Paul does end up sitting out.
George Hill, CLE at BOS ($5,300): Hill has been handed a big minute's load throughout these playoffs and the last few games he's finally rewarding fantasy owners. In fact, Hill has played at least 28 minutes in 10 straight games now, while also averaging 25 FanDuel points per game in his last four outings specifically. What's also encouraging with Hill is the fact that is usage has climbed in four straight games, as he posted a 22 percent usage rate in the most recent win. That should only climb with Kevin Love (concussion) out of the lineup and Hill seems likely to set playoff-highs in minutes played and shots taken.
Forwards:
LeBron James, CLE at BOS ($13,700): It's literally impossible to fade King James in this circumstance, as his floor is higher than a plethora of other player's ceiling. Not only is he averaging over 60 fantasy points per game in this postseason, James has also been phenomenal in elimination games. In fact, James is averaging 34.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 7.4 assists in 22 elimination games throughout his career, averaging close to 70 FanDuel points per game. The prospect of James playing a full 48 minutes only adds to his value and he should see even more usage in the absence of Kevin Love.
Draymond Green, GS at HOU ($8,700): Green hasn't been scoring a whole lot in this series, but it hasn't slowed down his elite fantasy production. The Warriors big man has at least 30 FanDuel points in 13 straight games, including at least 42 fantasy points nine times during that stretch. His most recent game really showed what he's capable of, as Green dropped 55 fantasy points, despite scoring just four points. With Green being the most valuable defender on this roster, it would be no shock to see Green play a season-high in minutes and flirt with yet another triple-double.
P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. GS ($5,300): Tucker is in one of the best stretches of his career right now, as he's provided the Rockets with an energetic spark throughout the playoffs. The 33-year-old forward is averaging 41 minutes per game in his last three outings, which indicates the Rockets are comfortable relying on him and will likely do so again in Game 7. That's a huge role for anyone, let alone a player south of $6,000. The fantasy production can't be overlooked either, as he's averaging 24 FanDuel points per game in his last 12 outings.
Jeff Green, CLE at BOS ($3,700): Green is easily the best pair with James and he's been announced a starter with Love ruled out. That was evident by his huge role in Game 6, considering he started the second half and played 31 minutes while scoring 25 fantasy points. He also posted a 21.3 percent usage rate in that win, which means he'll likely be leaned on for added scoring with Love out of the lineup. The price is what really makes Green intriguing though, as he's easily the best value on the board at a near minimum salary.
Center:
Al Horford, BOS vs. CLE ($7,400): Horford and Clint Capela are the only centers above $5,000, with Horford clearly being the better option of the two. The main reason for that is Capela's struggles, as he's yet to surpass 32 fantasy points in any of the six playoff games versus the Warriors. That's no surprise considering the fact that Golden State allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing centers in the regular season. That's where Horford really separates himself, considering he faces a Cleveland defense that ranked 29th in total defense in the regular season. Not to mention, Horford has at least 31 FanDuel points in 13 of his last 16 games while averaging close to 40 fantasy points per game in that span.
Larry Nance, CLE at BOS ($4,800): With Kevin Love (concussion) already ruled out for this game, Nance could be pushed into a huge role. The fact that Nance has scored at least 21 FanDuel points in four straight games is enough incentive to use him, though the increase in role just adds to his value. Nance has accumulated that production despite playing just 18 minutes a game in that span, so he's proven to be a fantasy point per minute producer. That means if Nance sees an uptick to 25 minutes or more, he could easily reach 30 fantasy points. That seems to be a very likely scenario with the Cavs needing to fill 40 minutes lost from Love, so DFS owners should strongly consider the 25-year-old forward.
