$80,000 is up for grabs on DraftKings as the Warriors and Rockets clash in Game 5 of their playoff matchup. These games have been physical and defensive, with only game four hitting the over. The stars are shouldering heavier loads, and rotations are tightening. Adding these factors to the smaller showdown slate means identifying under-the-radar contributors is paramount. We’ll use our data and playoff models to find players poised to outperform their price tags, helping you create an optimal lineup.
Lock of the Game
Steven Adams
Houston Rockets
vs
Golden State Warriors
$3,600
In this series, Adams looks like his younger self, particularly in Game 4. He played 26 minutes and contributed five points and seven rebounds. These numbers are his mean in terms of production in the first four games, and +16, even though the team is down 1 – 3. AT $3,600, he is an easy piece to build around.
Start ‘Em
Buddy Hield
Golden State Warriors
AT
Houston Rockets
$4,400
Hield’s found some consistency this postseason, scoring 30 points exactly in the last two games. He’s getting close to 30 minutes each game and carried a 22.9% usage rate in Game 4. He looks to be a big piece in Kerr’s rotation this series. Like Adams, this is a reasonable price to puzzle with other pieces.
Alperen Sengun
Houston Rockets
VS
Golden State Warriors
(3-1)
Sengun is now the Rockets’ offensive focal point. In Game 4, he scored 31 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists for a sweet 56.5 fantasy points. With a 35.5% usage rate over 43 minutes, his involvement justifies the premium salary. I expect ownership to fall between 40% and 45%, so the field is on this play. The first two value plays of this article prove his salary is doable.
Sit ‘Em
Draymond Green
Golden State Warriors
AT
Houston Rockets
(1-3)
Draymond may get a lot of attention on TV, but he sprinkles in floor games where his playmaking and defense cannot compensate for his lack of scoring in fantasy. In 34 minutes, he only managed seven points, eight rebounds, and four assists. These statistics will not do it at $8,200 when there are multiple starting players for each team in this price range that have a better chance at a ceiling game.
Tari Eason
Houston Rockets
VS
Golden State Warriors
(3 – 1)
Tari Eason is wearing the underwhelming hat and, unfortunately, is wearing it well. He has multiple strikes against him in this series. He saw 20 minutes in the first two games but followed that with 19 and 17. His highest fantasy score is 23 points, which is not enough at his $4,500 salary. We need a minimum of 22.5, and with his minutes going in the wrong direction, paired with a low usage rate, we can not trust it.
Fade of the Game
Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors
AT
Houston Rockets
(1-3)
Steve Kerr likes to make DFS players’ lives miserable with random minute allocations and lineups no one can see coming. In this series, he’s completely taken Kuminga out of play. After resigning this offseason, the lack of playing time he receives is strange. He will barely be on the court, much less score fantasy points. Fade Kuminga completely.
