The Knicks come back to New York for Game 6 tonight, up 3-2, as they will look to close out the Semi-Finals against the Boston Celtics. Without Jayson Tatum, the Celtics rocked the Knicks in Boston for Game 5 after they showed out in Game 4, as New York in MSG will have to overcome a potential upset if it comes down to a Game 7 back in Boston.
However, if New York can end it in their building for the Semi-Finals, they will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals against a red-hot Indiana Pacers team that knocked off the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5. Here are a few starts and sits for the NBA DFS Showdown for Friday night’s game at Madison Square Garden.
Lock of the Game
Jalen Brunson
New York Knicks
vs.
Boston Celtics
(2-3)
Being the most expensive player on the slate, it’s not the most flexible to fit Jalen Brunson in at captain $16.2K on DraftKings and $10.8K on DK at utility. However, with him fouling out in Game 5, I think he bounces back for New York and has a monster performance due to his history in Game 6s as a Knick. In his four-game history with Game 6s, the Brunson “burner” averages 38.3 points and can get back to 40-60 fantasy points in a high-pressure situation.
Despite Karl-Anthony Towns also averaging 30-40 fantasy points like Brunson, he doesn’t possess the same upside and has also had recent foul trouble early in games for KAT. Despite saving some salary for consistency at $10K (Utility) and $15K (Captain), this is one of the situations where playing the more expensive guy is worth it due to the moment.
Start ‘Em
Derrick White
Boston Celtics
AT
New York Knicks
(3-2)
While Payton Pritchard has had great moments with increased minutes and Jaylen Brown running the Celtics’ offense efficiently, Derrick White has been the 3’s killer in that role without Tatum. At $15K at captain and $9.8K at utility, White has not gotten under 30 fantasy points in this series and a nearly 50 fantasy point performance in their win in Game 5. Brown could have another 50-60 fantasy point day, but I would start Brunson over the two stars despite a salary difference. White does give you a bit more salary off of Brown, who hasn’t been great this series besides Game 5.
Josh Hart
New York Knicks
vs.
Boston Celtics
(2-3)
Josh Hart is coming off his second-best performance of the series, like Game 2, and might be the starter over Miles Bridges and OG, surprisingly, even at his cost. Hart is $8.4K at utility and $12.6K at captain, and while Luke Kornet had a great Game 5 and could start over Kristaps, he is a popular pick with his cheap salary. Playing Hart would give you an advantage over the field, playing another Knick like OG and Bridges, along with Kornet.
Sit ‘Em
Jrue Holiday
Boston Celtics
AT
New York Knicks
(3-2)
Jrue Holiday, at least for fantasy, hasn’t been a factor for the Celtics, even with the injuries Boston has had. At $10.5K and $7K at captain and utility, the defensive star was outshone by Kornet, who played over Porzingis. He hasn’t had over 30 fantasy points since Game 1 for Boston, as even Al Horford has been a bit more consistent as of late (last three games), fantasy-wise for the Celtics.
OG Anunoby
New York Knicks
vs.
Boston Celtics
(2-3)
Ever since Game 1, Anunoby hasn’t hit that fantasy ceiling and has been bothered by his hamstring throughout the series. While he has hit over 20 fantasy points in 4/5 of the games of the series, we have seen Bridges get hot and streaky over OG in most of these games in the series. Anunoby is $8K at utility and $12K at captain, while Bridges is at $12.3K at captain and $8.2K at utility.
Fade of the Game
Kristaps Porzingis
Boston Celtics
AT
New York Knicks
(3-2)
With Kristaps sitting out at half in Game 5 and “not being able to breathe” according to head coach Joe Mazzulla, I just can’t see him being a factor in this game even if he starts. Kornet and Sam Hauser, who is coming off his own injury, will likely have increased minutes at a way cheaper price. Other players I would plug in under $5K on DK at utility would be Mile McBride and even Mitchell Robinson, who hit all of his free throws in Game 5.
