Which players should you build around and which players should you fade in DFS as we tip off Wednesday night's NBA action? Our experts have the answers.
Today's panel includes ESPN Fantasy's Kyle Soppe and Joe Kaiser, plus DFS expert Renee Miller.
Players to build around
Kyle Soppe -- Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
I hate to go chalk here, but I really see no reason not to. The projected point total is the highest on the slate, and with the spread half of what it is in Golden State, there is less blowout potential here. I don't think I have to sell you on the statistical upside of Westbrook (he has racked up 134 points, 33 assists and 36 rebounds in his last three games following a game in which he played his normal minutes and scored fewer than 25 points), so how about selling you on the roster you can build around him? It's a hefty price tag, but it's not crazy to fit Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Dwight Howard all with him. You can differentiate elsewhere ... this popular pick is the right one.
Joe Kaiser -- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
A calf injury puts Kevin Durant's status in doubt heading into Game 2 against the Trail Blazers, and even if he plays, there is a chance he won't be at full speed. Portland played the Warriors tough in Game 1 and will do all in its power to scrape out a tough road win at Oracle tonight, and I expect this to be a close game one way or another. In a close game with Durant hobbled, it's a prime opportunity for Curry to rise up and put together a huge game like only a two-time MVP can.
Renee Miller -- Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
The sites are doing nothing to stop you from locking Green into your lineups tonight. His salary is almost too easy, given not only what he did in Game 1 (19 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 5 blocks and 3 steals), but also that he averaged about seven fantasy points more versus Portland this season than everyone else. Plus, Portland is a top-three PF matchup in terms of fantasy points allowed. Green's defensive prowess and ability to facilitate, even on a team of facilitators, provides a high enough floor even if he's not a scoring force in Game 2. Portland's young and makeshift frontcourt is simply no match for Green.
Players to fade
Kyle Soppe -- Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
I love the player, and he is capable of carrying this team to a title, but there's not room for him on my DFS roster this evening. The first concern is obvious: This is a 15-point spread for a reason, and it is very possible that Golden State elects to watch his minutes if Portland can't keep up. That's too much risk considering the fact that he is priced 76 percent above the next best SF option on DraftKings and 88.5 percent on FanDuel. Durant is great, but the SF position is a reasonable spot to save some money from the Westbrook spending spree that I recommend at PG.
Joe Kaiser -- Enes Kanter, Oklahoma City Thunder
Kanter played only 16 minutes in Game 1 and wasn't a factor when the game was close or when it got out of hand, which is rare for someone of his talent. Usually, a player like Kanter can excel in a close game or see more court time when the score becomes lopsided, but OKC's difficulty with Kanter is knowing when to use him. He doesn't have a prominent role in this series thanks to a difficult matchup against the 3-point-happy Rockets, who spread the floor and force the Thunder to go small.
Renee Miller -- Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
Yes, it's the calf injury that worries me. The Warriors aren't playing for the short term, they're hoping to last another 6-plus weeks, and that suggests that they'll be cautious with Durant. At home, the Warriors can expect above-average efforts from Curry and Thompson, who is especially interesting if CJ McCollum (probable; ankle) is less than 100 percent tonight. Although Game 1 was closer than expected for a while, I think the Warriors have got this, with or without Durant. With at least five star guards I'd like to spend on tonight, Durant is one high-priced player I'll be going without.
