Cleveland @ Toronto -7 Total: 215
I really think that the LeBron being tired narrative will go away as soon as the ball is tipped off. Having said that, I do think Toronto takes it to the Cavs in game one tonight. Cleveland has eliminated the Raptors from the playoffs in each of the last two years, including a sweep last season.
On Cleveland’s side, LeBron James is the overall top priced option for the slate, and averaged 34.4 points, 10.1 boards, and 7.7 assists in the seven game series vs the Pacers. Jon spoke a little about it in the char earlier, but not sure that Tristan Thompson plays a large role tonight, and best to stay off of him with. Having said that, if not on Davis on FD, I would pay $2K for Tristan in order to pay up elsewhere. Kevin Love is looking for a bounce back series, and averaged a little over 38 DK points in three regular season games vs Toronto. I’m not sure what you can expect from the rest of the Cavs, and as mentioned above, they could be in some trouble tonight. It’s worth noting though, that George Hill shot 10-11 for 22 points in his one game vs them, and will likely be needed over Korver for his defense.
Toronto won all three of their home games vs Washington in the first round, and are well rested for tonight. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have roughly the same price on DK, and prefer Lowry tonight. He hit for at least 40 DK points in the last five games vs the Wizards. On FD, I like the idea of fading the top two SG’s, and Lowry is a solid play for less than Curry, and more than Rondo. Jonas Valanciunas looked strong over the last two games, and if thinking this game stays close, he’s definitely worth a look as a pivot off of Love or Klay on DK. I do like Fred VanVleet in all formats tonight. He played 19 minutes in his return for game six, and should be able to play a few more minutes tonight.
New Orleans @ Golden State -11 Total: 228
Golden State made a key statement with their 123-101 game one win, and they get Stephen Curry back tonight as well. The Warriors are now 25-2 over their last 27 games vs the Pelicans, and believe they get one more win tonight.
While Curry is probable to play tonight, there has yet to be any official word on a minutes limit. Curry is the top priced PG option on both sites tonight, and really don’t mind taking a shot with him in a gpp or two. Curry scored 38,24,and 29 actual points while averaging 28.3 minutes in the other three games he played after returning from injury this season. Draymond Green nearly had a triple double by the end of the first half, while Kevin Durant makes for a cheaper option off of Davis. Klay Thompson joins Love as being at a tough price point, but works as a solid pivot on FD from the top two priced SG options. If Golden State blows them out again, Kevon Looney and David West could both work as value plays. Andre Iguodala remains in play for a value option, but may want to save some salary with a cheap play.
Both Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday are coming off their worst games in a while, and hopefully that could keep some off of Davis. His 21 actual points was his lowest total since March 30th, and shot a playoff career low of four free throw attempts. He averaged over 30 actual vs them in the regular season, and will look to bounce back. Davis still saw his typically FGA though, which is why I’m not against fading him if thinking they get blown out. I do like Rajon Rondo if not wanting to pay up for Lowry or Curry at PG. He’ll continue to contribute in all cats, but not sure Nikola Mirotic can get back to a 50 plus fantasy point game. Not sure how much the Pelicans will change things up if this game plays closer, but don’t mind Darius Miller, Moore, Clark, and Hill as value options.