The Los Angeles Clippers head to Dallas in desperate need of a win to salvage this series. The Dallas Mavericks stole both games in Los Angeles, sitting in tremendous position to pull off the upset as it currently stands. Tyronn Lue’s squad wasn’t really able to figure out Dallas in the regular season, dropping two of the three matchups between the teams. Now, Kawhi Leonard and company are tasked with doing something very few have been capable of this season — stopping Luka Doncic.
Let’s break down this Showdown contest on DraftKings.
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Captain
Luka Doncic ($20,400 CP)
Is it worth paying up for Doncic at his incredibly high price? Yes. Yes it is. Luka was the best player on the floor in the first two games of this series, racking up 61-plus DKFP in both contests. The young superstar saw an insane 47.6% usage rate in Game 2, demonstrating what we already knew — Dallas will go as far in the playoffs as he can carry them. If you’re going to pay up this much at your captain spot, you need guaranteed elite production in return. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Doncic.
Kawhi Leonard ($16,200 CP)
If you’re paying up for a Clipper at captain tonight, it might as well be Leonard. While Los Angeles has struggled in both games of this series, Kawhi has remained solid, scoring 56-plus DKFP in both matchups. Leonard’s usage rate bounced back up to 30% or higher in both games of this series after an ugly cold stretch, so you can count on the five-time All-Star getting plenty of touches. We’ve seen Kawhi take his game to another level under pressure in the postseason before, and he’ll have to do so again tonight.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $175K West Coast Special [$50K to 1st] (LAC vs DAL)
UTIL Plays
Paul George ($10,200)
After a subpar Game 1 showing, George stepped up on Tuesday, racking up 28 points, 12 rebounds and six assists en route to a 55.0 DKFP performance. While it wasn’t enough to propel Los Angeles to victory, it should inspire enough confidence to pay up for PG13 as an elite utility play. The Clippers will continue to rely on their two stars in this contest. George has seen a usage rate of 28% or higher in both games during this series, making his floor relatively high.
Tim Hardaway Jr. ($7,400)
Ride the hot hand here. Hardaway is coming off a strong 40.8 DKFP performance in which he racked up 28 points, six rebounds and five assists. The 29-year-old wing has figured out how to seamlessly fit alongside Luka Doncic on the perimeter, resulting in his best season as a Maverick. THJ has taken his game to another level in the postseason so far, recording 21-plus points in both matchups. There’s no reason to fade Hardaway, who looks like he has surpassed Kristaps Porzingis as Dallas’ No. 2 option in this series.
Reggie Jackson ($4,600)
Leonard and George need help if the Clippers are going to get on the board in this series. Jackson stepped up last game, racking up 26.3 DKFP with a 22.2% usage rate. With Patrick Beverley playing poorly as of late, Jackson could see the bulk of the minutes at point guard. The 31-year-old veteran is always a threat to put up big numbers, and it’s fair to assume that he’ll see significant touches again in Game 3.
Fades
Kristaps Porzingis ($14,700 CP, $9,800)
While Dallas has surprised everyone so far in this series, Porzingis has not met expectations. The former All-Star was dreadful in Game 1, recording just 22.5 DKFP. He stepped up slightly in Game 2, but still finished with only 36.5 DKFP. The 7’3 big man isn’t getting enough touches either, as his usage rate has fallen below 23% in each of his last two contests. At his respective price tags, it’s just not worth paying up for Porzingis until he re-solidifies his role as the No. 2 option for the Mavericks.
THE OUTCOME
As impressive as Dallas has been so far, I find it hard to imagine Los Angeles dropping three straight games. When you have a player with championship experience like Kawhi Leonard, you don’t just roll over in must-win situations. To be fair, that’s exactly what Los Angeles did last season in the bubble. However, I think the Clippers will get a win here and keep their postseason hopes alive.
Final Score: Los Angeles 117, Dallas 112
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $175K West Coast Special [$50K to 1st] (LAC vs DAL)
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