Best lineup strategy for Lakers vs. Trail Blazers Game 5 NBA Showdown

The Los Angeles Lakers are up 3-1 in their first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers and will get a chance to move to the second round with a win on Saturday. The Western Conference favorites are set to face off a Trail Blazers team that’ll be without Damian Lillard (knee) at 9:00 p.m. ET. We’ll go over the top Showdown lineup strategies for DraftKings contests centered around the matchup below.

Captain’s picks

CJ McCollum’s ($13,800) price hasn’t shot up a ton since Lillard was ruled out, and he’ll likely have to be Portland’s primary source of offense. His usage rate should be north of 30 percent with the franchise player out. McCollum is averaging 20 points per game and will likely see his assist numbers rise as a primary ball handler.

Anthony Davis ($17,700) has torn Portland to shreds in this series and is averaging just over 52 DKFP per game. Back spasms ended his night early in Game 4, but he still amassed 18 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 37.75 DKFP in 18 minutes before leaving the contest. There’s blowout potential in this game, but if you think the Trail Blazers can keep it close through three quarters, Davis is well worth paying up for.

Flex

It’s unclear how the Trail Blazers will adjust their starting lineup, but Anfernee Simons ($4,400) or Gary Trent Jr. ($5,400) could be moved off the bench. Trent’s decline in the playoffs has been very apparent, but his defense makes him valuable on a Portland team that’s stuggled to get stops. On the other hand, McCollum will need another ball handler, and Simons is the only other viable point guard. Simons has returned ridiculous value as a starter this year and could be a quality play in a close game or blowout.