Thursday brings a limited three-game slate in the NBA. One matchup will feature the Utah Jazz hosting the New Orleans Pelicans, two teams that just faced each other on Tuesday. This game will also mark the featured Showdown contest on DraftKings, so let’s discuss some players to consider as you build your lineups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $120K Fadeaway [$30K to 1st] (NOP vs UTA)
Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans
SHOWDOWN STRATEGY
Captain’s Pick
Donovan Mitchell ($14,400 CP): Mitchell helped lead the Jazz to a lopsided win Tuesday, scoring 28 points on his way to 42.3 DKFP. He’s scored fewer than 30 DKFP in a game only one time all season, so he comes into this rematch with a high floor. After struggling with his efficiency out of the gate, Mitchell seems to have righted the ship by shooting 50 percent from the field across his last six games, which helped him average 26.5 points during that stretch.
Zion Williamson ($13,800 CP): The Jazz couldn’t slow down Williamson on Tuesday, leaving him to record 32 points, five rebounds and three assists across 35 minutes. After averaging only 28 minutes per game during his rookie season, Williamson has logged at least 30 minutes in 10 of his 12 games. With plenty of playing time likely coming his way again in this contest, he’s one of the safer options for the Captain’s spot.
UTIL Plays
Jordan Clarkson ($7,400): Clarkson might not start, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a key part of the Jazz’s success. His 27.1 percent usage rate is second on the team only to Mitchell, which has helped him average 17.6 points and 3.1 three-pointers a game. After scoring at least 31.8 DKFP in five of his last six games, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Clarkson continue his hot start to the season based on his significant role.
Bojan Bogdanovic ($6,000): Bogdanovic was ice cold out of the gate, averaging 11.8 points and shooting 35.1 percent from the field across his first eight games. He’s started to turn things around since, though, averaging 15.3 points and shooting 43.8 percent from the field over the last six games. His 20.6 percent usage rate is a bit worrisome, but given his reasonable salary, he could provide value if he keeps up his improved shooting.
Derrick Favors ($3,000): Favors finds himself on the injury report for this game, but he’s listed as probable with a sore right knee, so expect him to take the floor. He didn’t provide eye-popping numbers Tuesday, but he did record nine points and seven rebounds across 16 minutes off the bench. He should fill a similar role in this contest, making him a prime target if you’re looking for some relief for your budget.
Fades
Eric Bledsoe ($6,600): Bledsoe continued his slow start to the season when these two teams played Tuesday, scoring 17.5 DKFP across 24 minutes. He’s averaging just 11.9 points per game, thanks in large part to his 18.8 percent usage rate. Lonzo Ball ($6,800) also limits Bledsoe’s ball-handling responsibilities, which has significantly reduced his assists compared to past seasons. He’s an awfully risky option.
The Outcome
The Jazz won by 16 points on Tuesday, marking their sixth straight win. They have been one of the best defensive teams in the league, allowing an average of 105.1 points a night. That could spell trouble for the Pelicans again since they are only averaging 107.3 points a night, which is the seventh-lowest mark in the league. Look for the Jazz to earn another win.
Final Score: Jazz 113, Pelicans 105
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $120K Fadeaway [$30K to 1st] (NOP vs UTA)
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is mbarner51) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above.
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