DraftKings NBA: Friday Play-In Tournament Cheat Sheet

DraftKings NBA: Friday Play-In Tournament Cheat Sheet

This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.

Slate Overview

ATL (-2) at CLE, O/U: 222.5

NOP at LAC (-4), O/U: 216.5

The Hawks won their season series, 3-1, against the Cavs, with wins in their final three meetings. Despite the Cavs' solid defense throughout the season, the Hawks scored more than 120 points in each of their three wins. 

The Pelicans defeated the Clippers in three of their four meetings this season, but the Clippers were the ones to come out on top in their most recent matchup. 

Injuries to Monitor  

ATL - John Collins (finger), Lou Williams (back), Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle): Questionable

If Collins remains out, Gallinari will continue to start, while Onyeka Okongwu is up for a boost off the bench. Delon Wright will pick up extra minutes if Bogdanovic or Williams is out. 

CLE - Jarrett Allen (finger): Questionable

Cedi Osman and Kevin Love get added responsibility if Allen is sidelined. 

LAC - Luke Kennard (hamstring): Questionable 

Terance Mann and Norman Powell have to step up if Kennard is unavailable. 

Elite Players

Guards

Darius Garland ($8,500)

Garland averaged 24.0 points and 8.0 assists over four meetings with the Hawks this season. He has been critical in carrying the Cavs all year and will need to come up big with the season on the line. 

Paul George ($10,000)

George has been impressive in his limited action this season, averaging 24.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds over his last six games. He led the way for the Clippers in their most recent game, with 34 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. 

Forwards/Centers

Brandon Ingram ($7,800)

Ingram averaged 20.8 points and 8.0 rebounds in four games against the Clippers this season. He is coming off an impressive outing against the Spurs, where he totaled 27 points, five rebounds and five assists, for 39.8 DK points. 

Kevin Love ($5,600)

Love has come up big lately, averaging 14.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists over the last 10 games, including three double-doubles in the last four outings. He has been strong against the Hawks this season, averaging 19.0 points and 6.5 rebounds through four meetings. 

Jonas Valanciunas ($8,000)

Valanciunas had success against the Clippers this season, averaging 22.8 points and 13.3 rebounds over four games. He is coming off a strong performance in the Pelicans' last game, where he generated 50 DK points.  

Expected Chalk 

Trae Young ($9,700)

After a slow start in the last game, Young finished strong with 24 points, three rebounds, 11 assists, a steal and a block, to lead the way in the must-win situation. He has to step up once again to give the Hawks the push they need to make the playoffs. He is averaging 29.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 11.4 assists over the last 10 games, but he averaged 32.5 points and 9.0 assists through four games against the Cavs this season. 

Value Picks 

Rajon Rondo ($3,400)

Rondo put up strong efforts in each of the last two games, topping 23 DK points in both. The Cavs will likely continue to look to the veteran as a reliable contributor in their fight for a playoff spot. 

Cedi Osman ($3,600)

Osman averaged 10.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in three games against the Hawks this season. He remains a key part of a tight bench rotation, and he should have an advantage against the Hawks' second unit. 

Terance Mann ($4,100)

Mann is averaging 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists over the last 10 games, but he averaged 11.8 points and 4.8 rebounds through four games against the Pelicans this season. 

Danilo Gallinari ($4,700)

Gallinari could continue to see big minutes if John Collins remains out, but he will still be a factor even if Collins plays. Gallinari is averaging 18.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals over his last five games. 

Robert Covington ($4,500)

Covington has been finding his groove again, averaging 12.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks over the last 10 games. He has an advantage against the Pelicans' second unit.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Dan Bruno plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: duelingdan.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dan Bruno
Dan has been writing all things NBA for RotoWire since 2014. He is an active fantasy sports player, with a love for DFS. Dan is a certified Coach with the Ontario Basketball Association and is a recreation professional in his home city.
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