Welcome to the Monday NBA DFS slate and our NBA DFS picks. After the Knicks surprised in San Antonio and stole the first two games of the series, Game 3 returns to Madison Square Garden in what may be the most intense atmosphere we’ve ever seen. The Knicks are a bucket favorite with a total of 217 points. It should be an awesome game.
Every player is an option today, so you’ll have to get creative and risky, especially in GPPs. In the end, it’s about making the right decisions, and that’s what I’m here for. Let’s get to the best NBA DFS plays of the slate.
Generally speaking, you want to build lineups based on narrative. If you think San Antonio bounces back, there will be a lot of value on their utility players, and you’ll get plenty of leverage. If you think Madison Square Garden will be too much for this young Spurs squad, go the other way. Build your lineups accordingly based on different ways the game can go.
View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
Welcome to the Monday NBA DFS slate and our NBA DFS picks. After the Knicks surprised in San Antonio and stole the first two games of the series, Game 3 returns to Madison Square Garden in what may be the most intense atmosphere we’ve ever seen. The Knicks are a bucket favorite with a total of 217 points. It should be an awesome game.
Every player is an option today, so you’ll have to get creative and risky, especially in GPPs. In the end, it’s about making the right decisions, and that’s what I’m here for. Let’s get to the best NBA DFS plays of the slate.
Generally speaking, you want to build lineups based on narrative. If you think San Antonio bounces back, there will be a lot of value on their utility players, and you’ll get plenty of leverage. If you think Madison Square Garden will be too much for this young Spurs squad, go the other way. Build your lineups accordingly based on different ways the game can go.
View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
NBA DFS Picks: DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer
NBA DFS MVP/Captain Plays
Karl-Anthony Towns (PF, C – NYK)
- DraftKings: $16,200
- FanDuel: $18,000
I can’t even remember the last time the Knicks have lost at this point, and a big part of it is because of Karl-Anthony Towns. He’s been defying history here as the Spurs have been the best defense against opposing centers all season from a DFS perspective.
But San Antonio has struggled to keep him at bay, with Towns putting up 41 and 49 fantasy points in the opening two games. Tonight, I expect more of the same. His usage rate in both games was at or above his seasonal averages, and there’s a good chance he surpasses those numbers in Game 3.
I don’t expect Towns to go 3-of-5 from deep again, but he can extend the defense and go over 40 points again tonight.
Victor Wembanyama (C – SAS)
- DraftKings: $19,500
- FanDuel: $25,200
On the other side, you have Victor Wembanyama. In both games this series, he’s gone over 50 fantasy points and might play 44 minutes tonight. Wembanyama’s raw points are hard to come by. It may be tough, but you should be able to make a formidable lineup despite the high price tag.
If the Spurs want to keep this close, Wembanyama needs to produce. All year, the Spurs have talked about resilience and battling the odds. It’s now or never. Wembanyama went over 80 points in Game 1 against Oklahoma City and tallied 60 points two other times. He’s capable of that kind of ceiling, which you can’t say about anyone else.
NBA DFS Core Plays
Devin Vassell (SF, SF – SAS)
- DraftKings: $6,000
- FanDuel: $5,800
After playing 36 and 38 minutes in the first two games of the series, it’s clear Devin Vassell is essential in the Spurs’ game plan. He’s coming off a 36-point fantasy outing after a near double-double, and it wasn’t even the best performance.
Vassell is attempting a lot of shots, and if Wembanyama gets the focus, that opens up opportunities for the Spurs’ role players. Vassell is cheaper than most of the starters you’ll find in this game and is a great way to get the higher-priced options in your lineup.
Landry Shamet (SG, SF – NYK)
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $1,800
After some clutch scoring in the first two games, expect New York to give additional minutes to Landry Shamet tonight. He played over 30 minutes in both games and has gone 14-of-22 from deep in his last four playoff games.
Trusting the hot hand is a fair strategy, especially at home, where Shamet has shot 43% from deep as opposed to 36% on the road. The Wichita State product is a great option to save money while still having a relatively high ceiling.
Julian Champagnie (SF, PF – SAS)
- DraftKings: $6,200
- FanDuel: $4,800
Another sharpshooter who can go off is Julian Champagnie. He recorded only two threes in the second game of this series, but went 5-of-10 to open the NBA Finals.
I know the Spurs need a lot of players to step up to contend, but don’t count out Champagnie and his ability to shoot from deep. We saw him go over 40 fantasy points, and he has gone over 27 in four of his last five games. That’s not bad considering his price tag and how he averaged more fantasy points away from home this season.
Jose Alvarado (PG – NYK)
- DraftKings: $2,000
- FanDuel: $1,200
For my punt play of the day, I’m going with Jose Alvarado. The Knicks guard has scored double-digit points in two of the last three playoff games. And that’s what we’re looking for here.
When he’s on the court, Alvarado’s usage rate has been over 20%. While it’s a small sample size, he’s done so in four straight playoff outings. Alvarado takes shots when he’s on the court, and he should see double-digit minutes tonight.
