This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
This article is going to be full of players from the Milwaukee-Boston matchup because of two simple words: Game 7. The main reason for that is because rotations are shortened in Game 7 scenarios and the starters are asked to take on much bigger roles. That makes the players from this game much more valuable than the Game 1 of the Golden-State New Orleans series, thus making our jobs easier as fantasy owners.
Guards:
Terry Rozier, BOS at MIL ($6,900): Rozier has been huge since Kyrie Irving went down, as he's been the Celtics best backcourt player in his absence. Not only does he have at least 26 fantasy points in all six games of this series, he's averaging well over 30 fantasy points per game. It's no surprise when looking at his role too, as he ranks top-three on the team in usage rate, shots taken and minutes played since he took over starting point guard duties. With Stephen Curry injured and Eric Bledsoe struggling mightily, Rozier makes for the safest play at point guard on this short slate.
Marcus Smart, BOS vs. MIL ($5,100): Smart has played just two games since returning from his hand injury, having one dud and one gem. What's really encouraging is the fact that he played at least 24 minutes in both of those outings, so he should be ready for 30 minutes of action in this critical Game 7. The 28 fantasy points he scored in Game 5 should be more indicative of his true form, as he dropped 48 fantasy points in his final game before getting injured. That means he has 10X upside, which is impossible to pass up at such a shallow shooting guard position.
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL at BOS ($4,300): Brogdon has been inconsistent throughout these playoffs, but he's too good to be priced this cheaply. Not only did he average 24 fantasy points per game in the regular season, Brogdon is averaging over 25 minutes per game in this series. He's likely got the best minute-per-dollar average of any player on this slate and getting someone this cheap into your lineup allows you to squeeze in studs like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis much more easily.
Forwards:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at BOS ($11,500): It's hard to fade Antetokounmpo in a must-win game, as he's been the best player in this series. Not only does he have at least 41 fantasy points in all six games of this first-round, Antetokounmpo is averaging 53 FanDuel points per game. That means Antetokounmpo should be priced above $12,000. We get to use him at a bargain price in a game where he may end up playing a full 48 minutes.
Draymond Green, GS vs. NOP ($8,400): Green is one of the best options in this Pelicans-Warriors game, as he's had success against this team all season long. In fact, Green is averaging nearly 40 fantasy points per game in four meetings with the Pelicans this season, as it's one of the best matchups in basketball. Not only did New Orleans finish 29th in total defense, they allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards for the regular season.
Jabari Parker, MIL at BOS ($5,400): After a terrible start to this postseason, Parker has really come on the last few games. In fact, Parker has at least 28 fantasy points in four straight outings, posting a 23 percent usage rate in that span. Parker is also averaging nearly 30 minutes a game and 12 shots per game in that four-game stretch too, making it clear his role is on the rise. The price hasn't quite risen to where it should be either, as he should be north of $6,000 with this current role and form.
Centers:
Al Horford, BOS vs. MIL ($7,700): Horford has been one of the best players in this series, as he's owned the Bucks throughout the year. In his 10 games against Milwaukee, Horford has scored at least 31 fantasy points nine times while averaging over 40 fantasy points per game. That's no surprise when you consider the fact that Milwaukee allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing centers in the regular season. Not to mention, Anthony Davis and Horford are the only two centers above $4,000 on this slate, with Horford looking like quite the bargain compared to a $12,500 Davis.
Thon Maker, MIL at BOS ($3,600): Maker is a risky pick, but he's one of the only cheap centers worth rostering on this slate. It's his last four games that makes him look valuable, as he's averaging over 20 fantasy points per game in that span. He's also played at least 23 minutes in all four of those games, as his role has risen exponentially in the absence of John Henson. This is definitely one of the riskiest picks out there, but he's one of the only players on the slate with 10X potential at this near minimum price.
