This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
The second round of the playoffs is finally set after the Cavaliers eliminated the Pacers in Game 7 on Sunday. Monday brings only one game on the schedule between the Celtics and the Sixers. DraftKings has their Showdown format available as a result, which is different from the normal classic game in that there are no positions, just six utility spots to fill. Let's look at some players across the different price tiers that can hopefully help you end the night with some extra money in your pocket.
Expensive
Ben Simmons, PHI ($15,600): Simmons is the most expensive player on the night and for good reason. He was excellent in the first round against the Heat, scoring at least 50.3 DraftKings points in four of the five games. He doesn't usually put up huge scoring performances, but his ability to contribute in multiple categories gives him plenty of upside. Don't be afraid to pay up for him Monday.
Terry Rozier, BOS ($11,400): The Celtics survived the first round despite being without their best player in Kyrie Irving (knee). Rozier was key throughout the series, scoring at least 31.3 DraftKings points in six of the seven games. He showed he can put up huge games as well, scoring at least 44.3 DraftKings points twice. He's going to play all the minutes he can handle Monday, making him a great option for your entry.
Middle-priced
Jayson Tatum, BOS ($9,400): Tatum's contributions sometimes don't show up in the box score, which doesn't always make him a reliable option in DFS. He scored 26.8 DraftKings points or fewer in three games during the first round, but scored at least 33.8 DraftKings points in each of the other four contests. Jaylen Brown (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for this game, which could leave a significant hole in the Celtics offense. Brown played only 16 minutes Saturday against the Bucks, which resulted in Tatum scoring 20 points on 17 shot attempts. At this price, Tatum might be worth the risk.
Marcus Smart, BOS ($6,800): If Brown indeed can't play, expect Smart to take his place in the starting lineup. He played 32 minutes Saturday due to Brown's injury, finishing with 25.5 DraftKings points. He scored only five points in that game, but still made his presence felt with six assists, three steals and one block. With a high minutes floor likely for this game, Smart makes a lot of sense at this price.
Discount
Marcus Morris, BOS ($4,600): Irving led the charge offensively for the Celtics during the regular season, but Morris finished with the third-highest usage rate (22.8%) on the team. He doesn't provide much outside of scoring and rebounds, but he did score at least 18 DraftKings points in five of seven games in the first round. He at least has secure playing time as well, bringing him into the discussion Monday at this cheap price.
Marco Belinelli, PHI ($4,200): The Sixers did a tremendous job bringing in Belinelli during the season to help fortify their second unit. He played a significant role in the first round, logging at least 30 minutes in four of the five games. His production dipped a bit once Joel Embiid returned, but Belinelli still finished with at least 18 DraftKings points in each game. In order to fit the big stars with upside into your lineup, taking a chance on Belinelli is a reasonable risk to take.
