This article is part of our Daily Games Cheat Sheet series.
Since this may be my last opportunity to mention Jared Dudley this season, I'd like to take a moment to congratulate my fellow Boston College Alum on a great season. He hasn't done enough during the playoffs to get mentioned as a recommendation for daily gamers on Thursday, but Dudley deserves a lot of credit for his contributions to this young Bucks squad.
Alright, enough homerism. On to the recommendations.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Defenses to Avoid
Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks: The Bulls/Bucks series has been the lowest scoring during these playoffs, averaging five points per game fewer than their closest competitors (the Grizzlies-Trail Blazers). Though both teams rank in the bottom five for playoff scoring, it is the Bucks who rank dead last. The Bulls are blocking more shots than any other playoff team, while the Bucks are shooting worse from the field than any other team. In a potential elimination game, the veteran Bulls should be poised to take advantage of the inexperienced Bucks.
Offenses to Use
San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers: A case can be made for either team here. The Clippers are shooting better from the field, while the Spurs are shooting better from behind the arc. But the Spurs are averaging more points, rebounds, and assists per game than the Clippers, and those three categories make up the core of daily fantasy production.
Teams on a Back-to-Back Set
First game of a back-to-back: None
Second game of a back-to-back: None
DraftKings.com DAILY PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
Point Guard
Chris Paul, LAC (at SA), PG, ($9,800): Many daily gamers consider the point guard position the most important piece of a lineup, so no need to try anything tricky on Thursday. Chris Paul, already one of the most productive players in the league, is averaging five minutes per game more than he was during the regular season. In a potential elimination game such as this one, expect Paul to see even more action.
Other suggestions: Patty Mills, SA (vs LAC), PG, ($3,300)
Shooting Guard
Khris Middleton, MIL (vs CHI), SG, ($6,100): Excluding his subpar performance in Game 4, Middleton is averaging 19.8 points, 2.5 threes, and 35.3 fantasy points per game. Middleton is a key cog in the Bucks offense, and they will need a big night from him in order to stay competitive in Game 6. Furthermore, in the context of his recent production, his Thursday salary is a large bargain.
Other suggestions: Danny Green, SA (vs LAC), SG, ($4,000)
Small Forward
Kawhi Leonard, SA (vs LAC), SF, ($8,700): If Leonard really is the next face of the Spurs franchise, then it is in games like Thursday's that he needs to take over. If last year's Finals are any indication, then yes, he really is the next face of the franchise, and yes, he really can take control in Game 6. Through his first five playoff games this season, Leonard has produced roughly on par with his salary, so this price point is fair.
Other suggestions: Giannis Antetekounmpo, MIL (vs CHI), SF, ($6,600)
Power Forward
John Henson, MIL (vs CHI), PF, ($5,200): I really hope that, someday, someone will explain to me why Henson only averaged 18 minutes per game this season, and why he has played more than 30 minutes only once in the first five games of this series. I want to believe that there is a great reason to keep this talented young big man off the court. Henson is a great athlete, a strong rebounder, and an elite rim protector. Though he has played only limited minutes, he's used his time productively, averaging just shy of one fantasy point per minute played this post-season – a quality figure.
Other suggestions: Tim Duncan, SA (vs LAC), PF, ($8,500); Pau Gasol, CHI (at MIL), PF, ($8,800)
Center
Joakim Noah, CHI (at MIL), C, ($6,100): The Bulls have gutted out a lot of tough playoff games during Noah's career, and he tends to play a significant role in each of those series. Even including Game 4, when he only grabbed five rebounds, Noah is averaging 10 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game against the Bucks. As long as he can get into double-digit scoring, he should be a quality addition to daily gamers' lineups.
Other suggestions: Zaza Pachulia, MIL (vs CHI), C, ($4,600)
INJURY REPORT
Out
No one.
Game-Time Decision
Jordan Hamilton (concussion) is day-to-day.
