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Injuries should play a key role in Thursday’s seven-game slate in the NBA. One of the teams who will be missing a star player is the Los Angeles Clippers, who will host the Denver Nuggets. This game is also the featured Showdown contest on DraftKings, so let’s discuss some players to consider on both sides.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $100K Fadeaway [$25K to 1st] (DEN vs LAC)
EDITOR’s NOTE: Paul George (foot) is available Thursday vs. the Nuggets.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
SHOWDOWN STRATEGY
Captain’s Pick
Nikola Jokic ($16,500 CP): Jokic is coming off of a quiet game by his standards when he scored 39.5 DKFP on Tuesday versus the Sixers. Still, it’s difficult to complain about a performance in which he had 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. The last time he took the floor against the Clippers, he finished one rebound shy of a triple-double. His ability to contribute in multiple areas leaves him as an ideal option for the Captain’s spot.
Kawhi Leonard ($14,400 CP): Leonard is rolling right now, having scored at least 43.3 DKFP in each of his last five games. The Clippers will need him to continue his recent run of success with Paul George (foot) set to miss his third straight contest. With George out the previous two games, Leonard attempted at least 20 shots both times, which is noteworthy given that he has shot 51.5 percent from the field this season.
UTIL Plays
Reggie Jackson ($6,000): Not only will the Clippers have to play this game without George, but they will be missing two point guards in Patrick Beverley (knee) and Rajon Rondo (groin). A lack of depth at guard has left Jackson to average 31 minutes across the last four games, which he turned into at least 27.5 DKFP three times. Across nine games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes this season, Jackson has averaged 16.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
Terance Mann ($5,600): Mann looks like a promising young player. Like Jackson, he’s seen his role expand of late because of injuries, averaging 29 minutes across the last seven games. That’s a significant increase from his season average of 18 minutes per contest. With his newfound expanded playing time, he’s posted valuable averages of 14.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
Luke Kennard ($4,200): Kennard had basically become an afterthought on the Clippers’ roster lately, despite being one of the team’s key offseason additions. Things have changed now, though, with George out and Lou Williams having been traded to the Hawks. That’s left Kennard to start and play at least 32 minutes in both of the last two games. He responded by scoring 31.8 and 26.8 DKFP, respectively. At such a cheap salary, he has the potential to provide excellent value.
Fades
Aaron Gordon ($6,800): Gordon’s tenure with the Nuggets has started off slowly. He didn’t play more than 25 minutes in either of his first two games with the team, although some of that could be attributed to lopsided scores. Still, he now finds himself on a much better team than the Magic, so he might not be required to provide as much production offensively. He’s an excellent passer, but with Jokic in the fold, he could see less production in terms of assists, as well.
The Outcome
Even with Leonard leading the charge, it’s going to be difficult for the Clippers to pull out a win in this game with their roster so depleted. The Nuggets have won three straight games since the trade deadline, and while Gordon might not exactly be a great fantasy option, his well-rounded skillset makes him a huge addition to the team. Look for the Nuggets to pull out a road victory.
Final Score: Nuggets 111, Clippers 107
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $100K Fadeaway [$25K to 1st] (DEN vs LAC)
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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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