Which players should you build around and which players should you fade in DFS as we tip off Thursday night's NBA playoff 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
Renee Miller -- Otto Porter Jr., Washington Wizards
I'll keep talking up Porter, because as indicated in my series preview, he has a knack for producing versus Boston this season. He's exceeded his season averages in every statistical category except steals against the Celtics, a trend that has continued during the first two games of this series despite the Wizards' ultimate losses. This is something of a softer DvP spot for Boston, and though I expect the best of Porter to come at home (e.g., tonight) as the Wizards attempt to claw their way back in, he's been meeting value consistently. Unfortunately, we can't say the same for everyone priced as fairly as he is. Building around Porter still allows you the flexibility to lock in one or both of Isaiah Thomas and John Wall at PG, as well as Draymond Green at PF. That's a strong core lineup for any format.
Kyle Soppe -- John Wall, Washington Wizards
I don't think there is much of a debate here: You have to start your roster with Wall. The Wizards own the highest implied point total tonight, are playing with a sense of desperation, and the Celtics haven't figured out a way to stop him from putting up gaudy numbers (60 points and 29 assists in two games) in this series. That's not going to change, as Boston figures to continue to lock Avery Bradley on Bradley Beal and let Thomas play Adam Morrison defense on Wall (i.e., "if you score more points than your guy, that's good D"). I'll take that every time. Wall was a better shooter from distance in front of the Wizard faithful this season and owns an incredibly high floor for tonight's action.
Joe Kaiser -- John Wall, Washington Wizards
Even in a Game 2, when Thomas poured in 53 points and stole all the headlines, Wall had 40 points, 3 rebounds, 13 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks and 3 3-pointers. What a game! With the Wizards returning home and desperate for a win, down 0-2 in the series, I expect Wall to continue to dazzle statistically in this matchup against Thomas and the Celtics.
Players to fade
Renee Miller -- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
As indicated above, you have to have one or both of Wall and Thomas, and that simply doesn't leave room for Curry. He's the third-most expensive PG, but it's still a steep price to pay for him. First of all, the way Utah attempts (albeit often unsuccessfully) to slow the pace is a deterrent, and second, this is still a team that prioritizes excellent all-around defense. Their DvP vs. PGs may be more favorable in these playoffs, given the quality of their opponents (Chris Paul and Curry), but even if/when the Warriors overcome it, shots are tougher, contact is more common and the bottom line numbers suffer a bit. Finally, as is always the concern with Curry, it could be any one of the Warriors stars who goes off. We have yet to see a massive Klay Thompson game in the playoffs -- it's definitely coming at some point -- and Green is playing pretty much out of his mind in the past five games. I haven't even mentioned Kevin Durant, which is all to say that your money is better spent on someone other than Curry tonight.
Kyle Soppe -- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
There aren't many players I'm fading tonight, and to be completely honest, I'm not anti-Steph in a big way tonight. He fits the "highest-priced Warrior" profile tonight and costs more than Thomas on FanDuel -- that's simply more draft capital than I am willing to invest against this Jazz defense in a game with a 13-point spread. The Warriors ran away with Game 1 and it required only 11 shots and five dimes from Curry, a floor that is so much lower than that of either Wall or Thomas. The Warriors' sharp-shooter will probably be fine, but the ceiling simply isn't high enough for me to consider him in this spot.
Joe Kaiser -- Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
The speed at which the Warriors played in Game 1 gave Utah problems all night, and the 106-94 final score didn't give a true indication of how well Golden State was in control the whole game. This type of game isn't ideal for the 7-foot-1 Gobert, who excels when the Jazz play at the slow pace they're used to; Utah's 93.6 pace was the slowest in the league this season. Considering how much you have to pay to have Gobert tonight, Al Horford and Marcin Gortat are both better values.
