This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The NBA playoffs finally resume Saturday with Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Cavaliers return home down 0-2 and face what is likely a must-win game. Let's take a look at some players to consider while creating your DraftKings entry to hopefully help you come away with a big win as well.
Expensive
LeBron James, CLE ($18,900): After struggling in Game 1, James turned things around quickly to score 42 points and log a triple-double in Game 2, finishing with 78.5 DraftKings points. It's scary that he played that well and the Cavaliers still lost, but it's great news for DFS purposes heading into Game 3. He has the highest upside of anyone available, so don't hesitate to pay the premium required to get him into your entry.
Jaylen Brown, BOS ($11,700): The Celtics continue to thrive in the playoffs despite the absence of Kyrie Irving (knee). Irving's injury left a significant hole in their offense, one that Brown has done a nice job helping to fill. He has scored at least 23 points in each of the last three games and has scored at least 32 DraftKings points eight times during the playoffs. With his new expanded role, he could provide plenty of value again in Game 3.
Middle-priced
Marcus Smart, BOS ($9,200): Smart isn't going to shoot for a high percentage or carry the Celtics offensively, but he is a terror on defense and can provide production in multiple categories. That ability was on full display in Game 2, resulting in Smart scoring 39.3 DraftKings points. His price is climbing, but with at least 31.8 DraftKings points in three of his last four games, he is still an excellent option.
Marcus Morris, BOS ($7,500): Morris struggled in Game 2, scoring just 22.8 DraftKings points after scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in Game 1. The good news is he played 34 minutes and attempted 14 shots and should continue to be heavily involved offensively throughout this series. Expect him to rebound with a better performance.
Discount
Tristan Thompson, CLE ($5,100): Thompson moved into the starting lineup for Game 2 and played 30 minutes. He wasn't very productive though, scoring just 15.8 DraftKings points. He had shown an ability to provide value when given added minutes during the playoffs, scoring at least 22.8 DraftKings points in each of the previous three games that he had logged at least 21 minutes. He should stick in the starting lineup, making him a viable option to consider.
Kyle Korver, CLE ($4,700): Korver was moved to the bench for Game 2 and played just 21 minutes. He went 4-for-8 from the field and scored 11 points, a vastly superior performance to J.R. Smith's, who finished the game 0-for-7. With Kevin Love being the only consistent secondary option for the Cavaliers right now, they may need to turn to Korver for added playing time if they are going to be successful. His upside is limited based on his inability to contribute in other categories, but he still might be worth the risk in tournament play.
