The LA Clippers travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets in Game 5. The series is tied at two apiece for round one of the NBA Playoffs. This should be a highly contested matchup at 10 PM EST tonight, at 2-2 from the Western Conference. Besides Game 3, it’s been down to one or two shots as this series will likely come down to the wire. Here is who to start and sit for the Clippers and Nuggets for Game 5.
Lock of the Game
Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets
At HOME
Los Angeles Clippers
(2-2)
It is impossible not to start the former MVP, but at his $11.5K price, Nikola Jokic is pricey to where it could hinder the rest of your lineup. Zubac isn’t a bad alternative at a cheaper cost at center, but the Denver great almost had another triple-double in game four with a crazy 82.3 fantasy points. Jokic is averaging around 65-75 fantasy points in the three other series games and just has to be listed as a lock for the best play.
Start ‘Em
Ivica Zubac
Los Angeles Clippers
AT
Denver Nuggets
(2-2)
This could be a good alternative if you can’t fit Jokic in the lineup, as the Clippers center has also been very consistent at his $8.1K price tag. Ivica Zubac almost had three straight double-doubles for the series, as he was a rebound away and had his best game in game four. He is just shy, averaging 18.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while having a 64.9% shooting percentage.
Norman Powell
Los Angeles Clippers
AT
Denver Nuggets
(2-2)
Powell has been on a decent streak, as he has had overall 24 fantasy points in the last four games, and at $5.7K, he is on an upward turn for Los Angeles. For the Clippers, the shooting guard/ small forward had his best game of the series in game four. He could repeat, as Powell is good value, along with point guard/ shooting guard Kris Dunn, but with more game-to-game consistency.
Sit ‘Em
Christian Braun
Denver Nuggets
AT HOME
Los Angeles Clippers
(2-2)
Denver’s shooting guard and small forward had his best game in the series for game four. However, it may be a one-game blip when Christian Braun had three dud games against the Clippers. He is cheap at $5.4K on DK, but that is hoping Braun steps up again for game five. Out of the Nuggets starters, he still is worth the gamble, but it could burn your lineup in a good or bad way.
Aaron Gordon
Denver Nuggets
AT HOME
Los Angeles Clippers
(2-2)
Although he was able to smash down the final points for the Nuggets in their win for game four, the center/ power forward has been under 30 fantasy points in two out of the four games against the Clippers. Like Murray, his best performance was game one, but since, even at $6K on DK, Gordon hasn’t been a consistent start.
Fade of the Game
Jamal Murray
Denver Nuggets
AT HOME
Los Angeles Clippers
(2-2)
The point guard/ shooting guard for the Denver Nuggets has been inconsistent throughout the year, making his $7.5K salary on DraftKings normally not worth it. Jamal Murray had his best performance in Game 1, but has been around the 30-40 fantasy point mark the rest of the games.
Final Thoughts
Obviously, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden for the Clippers can be starts as well, but in the last three games, Harden has been on the downturn fantasy-wise, while Leonard has been putting up more than his average. But due to their salaries, they can be a replacement for Jokic. The injury to look out for is Russell Westbrook on the Nuggets, as he is questionable for Game 5, while Michael Porter Jr. is probable for Denver.
