NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: May 17

New York’s Jalen Brunson is averaging 54 DraftKings fantasy points per game over the last 21 games.

This has been one of those series where the home team has a significant advantage. We’ve seen the home team win all five games of this series, with each home team winning by 30 points or more in the two most recent matchups. In any case, the Pacers should be hungry for an elimination game at home, so let’s go ahead and get into it!

Core Plays

Jalen Brunson (PG – NYK): $11,000 DraftKings, $16,500 FanDuel

Brunson just took 35 shots in Game 5! That might sound outlandish, but he’s averaging 40 minutes and 27 shots over his last 21 games. The All-Star is also averaging 54 DraftKings points per game in that span, scoring at least 59 DK points in 12 of those. That production should continue in this matchup because the Pacers rank 28th in total defense while playing at the fastest pace in the league. As long as this guy plays 40 minutes and takes 30 shots, JB must be rostered by everyone!

Tyrese Haliburton (PG – IND): $10,000 DraftKings, $15,500 FanDuel

Haliburton struggled in Game 5, but that’s an outlier. This All-Star had 59 DK points in Game 3 and 62 fantasy points in Game 2. That’s the stud we saw in the regular season, averaging nearly 50 DK points per game. The pace of the Pacers skyrockets when they’re in their home building, and you better believe Hali will be more aggressive in this must-win elimination game.

Cash Game Considerations

Josh Hart (SF/PF – NYK): $9,200 DraftKings, $14,500 FanDuel

Hart is the most reliable option on the board. This guy plays 46 minutes a night in the postseason, averaging over 40 DraftKings points per game. His elite stat-stuffing has led to that seasonal stretch, with Hart establishing a 35-point floor as well. There’s simply no other player out there who’s guaranteed to play 45-48 minutes, especially one who records points, rebounds, and assists at will. Those statistics soar when you consider the pace of the Pacers, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Hart flirt with a triple-double in this closeout game.

GPP Targets

TJ McConnell (PG – IND): $6,000 DraftKings, $10,000 FanDuel

McConnell has been one of Indy’s best players in this series, but he hasn’t received enough minutes to be an elite fantasy asset. In any case, he’s still scored at least 29 DraftKings points in four of his last six fixtures. He’s done that damage despite playing fewer than 25 minutes in all of those and scoring over 40 fantasy points in two of his last three games at home!

Miles McBride (PG/SG – NYK): $4,800 DraftKings, $9,500 FanDuel

McBride was inserted into the starting lineup in Game 5 after collecting 30 DK points in Game 4. As long as Anunoby is out, McBride will play 30-plus minutes. If you look at McBride’s 15 starts this season, he’s averaging 34 DraftKings points across 43 minutes a night. It’s rare to see such a massive bump, but that’s why we must use McBride if OG is out because not many players in this price range will receive that type of opportunity!

Value Plays

Myles Turner (C – IND): $7,600 DraftKings, $12,000 FanDuel

Turner was Indiana’s best player in Game 5, totaling 33 DraftKings points across 30 minutes of action. That’s on par with what we saw Myles do in the regular season, scoring at least 31 fantasy points in 11 of his last 13 outings. This is one of the most dynamic big men in the NBA, and Indy needs him to show up in this elimination game. Don’t be surprised to see Turner play 40 minutes and take 15-20 shots, which is something we haven’t seen much from the talented center!

Isaiah Hartenstein (C – NYK): $7,200 DraftKings, $11,500 FanDuel

Hartenstein has quietly been one of NY’s most valuable players in the second half of the season. He’s taken over as the starting center since Robinson and Randle went down, averaging nearly 40 DraftKings points per game in the first month without those two. That average has crept closer to 30 DraftKings points, but we saw Hartenstein score 37 fantasy points in Game 5! He did that while taking just three shots, showcasing why he’s such a valuable player as one of their only big men remaining.

Advantageous Pricing