Best lineup strategy for Nuggets vs. Cavaliers NBA simulation Showdown

The Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers will face off in a sim Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET. We break down the ideal Showdown lineup strategy for the DFS contest that will be played in the snow. You can set your lineup and play in the DraftKings contest before tip.

Captain’s Pick

Will Barton ($12,000)

We’re going to go off the beaten track a little bit at Captain. Normally, the play in these Showdowns is go with the top option at Captain and don’t think about it. Nikola Jokic is a good play, but I like pivoting to Barton as the third scoring option on Denver. He’s got a handful of games over 30 points, which gives his a good ceiling for this spot. We also get good leverage.

Fade of the Game

Darius Garland ($10,200 CP)

I’m not crazy about the options from the Cavaliers in this contest outside of getting leverage. Collin Sexton is an OK play but is really just a scorer. He lacks peripherals, similar to Garland, who isn’t worth this price tag. Why would I go out and get Garland at this price when I can get safer plays on both sides.

Value Picks

Larry Nance Jr. ($4,400) — Nance has started 10 of 56 appearances this season, so same thinking at Morris here. We get a backup who sometimes gets thrust into a starting role. Even off the bench most of the season, Nance gives us a good floor at 26.3 minutes per game, scoring in double figures with 7.3 rebounds per contest.

Monte Morris ($4,000) — This spot would be reserved for Malik Beasley had he not been dealt to the Timberwolves before the deadline. Instead, we’ve got Morris, who has appeared in 65 games this season with eight starts. Those starts gives us a good chance of grabbing a solid box score roll.