The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers will meet in Game 5 on Wednesday night, with both teams looking to take the lead in the series. The Mavericks and Clippers just played one of the most thrilling games in playoff history in Game 4. This means the stage is set for an exciting finish to what is currently the No. 3 match.
Here's one possible lineup strategy that DFS Showdown managers could implement for this game.
Captain's recommendation
Luka Doncic ($19,800) – Kyrie Irving may be the player fans remember after Game 4, but Doncic remains the ultimate thorn in the Clippers' side. The Mavericks' star point guard topped 50 fantasy points in every game, surpassed 60 fantasy points in two games, but narrowly missed the mark in the third game. Irving may get hot, but Doncic remains the primary fantasy star of this rotation. Despite his knee injury, he is worthy of being in the lineup as a captain.
James Harden ($15,600) – This is a big series for Harden, who is looking to sign a new contract this summer. Beard has been good so far, averaging 47 fantasy points per game. He scored 56 fantasy points in Game 4, and his great play late in the game ensured the Clippers' victory. With Kawhi Leonard out indefinitely, we will once again see significant usage, but it will be difficult to reverse the current form. Paul George is an interesting option here, but I like Harden as the captain tonight.
flex play
PJ Washington ($7,200) – At some point, the Mavericks will need more offense than Irving and Doncic. The most likely candidate to step up with Tim Hardaway Jr.'s departure is Washington, who averaged 13.6 points per game with the Hornets before being traded to Dallas. The forward has done a little bit of everything so far this series, but he has yet to put in a big scoring performance. Maybe Game 5 will be that moment. His low usage rate doesn't give him much upside, but Washington has a high standing in the fantasy basketball world.
Ivica Zubac ($7,800) – Zubac started the series strong, scoring 45.3 fantasy points in 33 minutes. The big name has remained a consistent producer, although he has had a bit of a dip in production. Zubac only scored 23 fantasy points in 30 minutes of Game 4, but that was largely due to George and Harden taking over. I think the Clippers gave Zubac a little more touch tonight and that helps him show value as a flex option.
fade
Norman Powell ($5,400) – When Leonard was ruled out indefinitely, Powell was clearly seen as the guy to step up. Other than Game 3, where he scored 30.5 fantasy points, Powell was largely ineffective in this series. His value lies in his 3-point shooting, which has been subpar so far in this matchup. Even with the price advantage, it's hard to trust Powell as a fantasy producer. He won't be in the lineup tonight.
Daniel Gafford ($5,200) – The Mavericks didn't give Gafford much of an RBI in the first two games, with the big man logging a combined 23 minutes. He played 26 minutes and scored 23 fantasy points in Game 3 alone. Gafford's role is too contradictory to be worth supporting, especially at a price point where more value is needed. Even if Gafford gets playing time, it's unlikely he will be used in the majors. It's best if he is removed from the DFS lineup.
result
The Clippers won both games Leonard missed, suggesting there was some disruption to the star forward's role as he tries to overcome knee soreness. That factor is no longer there, but he has a better understanding of how to approach this game after the Mavericks spent the majority of Games 1 and 4 out of the gym. I think Dallas slowed things down to get a better chance, but George and Harden are locked in right now. Both players are seeking new long-term contracts, which will affect their play, but the chance to go up 3-2 in this series is motivation enough.
final score: Clippers 98, Mavericks 91
