Best lineup strategy for Nets vs. Lakers NBA Showdown [UPDATE]

The Los Angeles Lakers are on top of the basketball world. They’re coming off two straight wins over the other top teams in the NBA: the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers. Problem is LeBron James and Anthony Davis aren’t 100% healthy. LeBron is questionable to play due to a groin injury and Davis is dealing with that elbow problem again. He’s probable, so things are looking up for AD playing. That’ll impact how we approach tonight’s Showdown on DraftKings, but let’s try and work around the injury news for now.

UPDATE: LeBron James has been upgraded to probable, so he’s most likely going to play. With LeBron in the mix, I don’t mind captaining him at $21,900, but I worry about a blowout and James’ minutes being limited. AD is still my top choice with LeVert a close second.

Who should you play at Captain?

Anthony Davis ($19,800)

If James is sidelined, AD will be the chalk at Captain. Caris LeVert ($15,600) would be the other logical option behind Davis. LeVert’s ceiling is very high recently, posting a 51-point outing along with a triple-double in the past four games. The Lakers won’t be an easy matchup, but they’re definitely tougher with James on the court. Davis has three straight games of over 30 points and the Nets don’t really have a quality big to run with him. DeAndre Jordan? Jarrett Allen? Come on now.

Who should you stack with Davis?

Kyle Kuzma ($6,000)

If James is out — I’m going to be saying this a lot — then Kuzma isn’t a bad option at this low price. Avery Bradley ($5,000) should also be considered after scoring 24 points against the Clippers on Sunday. Kuzma nearly posted a double-double in just under 23 minutes vs. the Clips. He’d be in line for around 25-30 minutes if LeBron is out. Bradley would also be asked to do more on offense, which he displayed over the weekend.

Where can you find value?

Rajon Rondo ($3,000)

Rondo is dirt cheap and should see more time at PG handling the ball if James is out. Even if LeBron is healthy, Rondo has a decent floor for a player priced this low. All it really takes is around 15-20 minutes for Rondo to hit value. He played well against the Clippers, notching seven assists, four points and two boards over 22 minutes. If L.A. gets up big, we could also see garbage time for Rondo.

Who should you fade?

DeAndre Jordan ($8,000)

DJ has started two games since the firing of Kenny Atkinson. In those two games, he has a combined 23 points and 25 rebounds. Those are solid numbers despite only playing around 25 minutes per contest. I think this price is just too high and Jordan lacks upside. He can put up a double-double, but he isn’t going to do much else. The past two games were also against the Bulls and Spurs — one team ravaged by front court injuries and another that can’t rebound. Davis should D up on Jordan for most of the game and that doesn’t bode well for the Nets big man.