With the NBA playoffs in full swing, daily Fantasy basketball players are eagerly assembling their lineups for Monday, May 13. Key matchups include the Dallas Mavericks facing the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Boston Celtics taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Here are the top NBA DFS picks and strategies for maximizing your DraftKings and FanDuel lineups.
Key Players to Watch
Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
- DraftKings: $9,600
- FanDuel: $9,900
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is one of Mike McClure’s top NBA DFS picks for Monday. Tatum, who averaged 26.9 points during the regular season, has stepped up his game after Boston’s Game 2 loss. In Game 3, he showcased his MVP-caliber talent with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. This postseason, Tatum is averaging 25.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists against the Cavaliers. His aggressive play style and high volume of field goal attempts (25 in Game 3) make him a must-have for your DFS lineup as Boston aims to regain its dominance in the series.
Derrick Jones Jr. (Mavericks)
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $4,000
Another strategic pick from McClure is Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. Despite his shooting struggles in this series (25.9% from the field), Jones has maintained significant playing time, averaging over 30 minutes in his last six playoff games. He’s also a bargain at his current DFS price. Jones has shown he can perform well against the Thunder, scoring a season-high 24 points against them in January and averaging 14 points on 60% shooting in three regular-season matchups. His recent averages of 4.5 rebounds per game suggest he has the potential to deliver value beyond his cost, making him a smart inclusion in your NBA DFS lineup.
Additional Players to Consider
PJ Washington (Mavericks) PJ Washington has been a standout performer for Dallas, significantly exceeding his regular-season averages. In the series against the Thunder, he’s averaging 28 points on 53.7% shooting, including 12 three-pointers over two games. Washington’s continued strong performance makes him a valuable asset for DFS players.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been exceptional, as highlighted by McClure. His recent game saw him put up 33 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, proving to be a DFS powerhouse. His consistent high-level play makes him a crucial component of any DFS strategy.
DFS Strategy and Predictions
For Monday’s games, it’s crucial to balance star players with high-value picks. While stars like Tatum and Doncic are reliable, role players like Washington and Jones can offer significant upside at a lower cost, allowing you to allocate salary cap space more efficiently.
Matchup Insights:
- The Mavericks’ role players, like Washington and Jones, will be key in their effort to extend their series lead against the Thunder.
- For the Celtics, Tatum’s aggressive play and consistent scoring make him a cornerstone of any DFS lineup, especially as Boston seeks to regain control in their series against the Cavaliers.
Final Thoughts
By focusing on high-impact players like Jayson Tatum and value picks like Derrick Jones Jr., you can optimize your NBA DFS lineups for Monday, May 13. Keep an eye on matchups, player form, and injury reports to make informed decisions. For a more detailed analysis and to see the rest of McClure’s picks, visit SportsLine.
Make sure to finalize your lineups before the tip-off of the game, and good luck in your NBA DFS contests!
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