Fantasy Spin May 3, 2015

There’s an afternoon doubleheader today in the second round of the NBA playoffs, but it starts early. DFS contests close at 1:00 EDT, when the Wizards visit Atlanta. Don’t get shut out!

Last night we witnessed an incredible Game Seven that unfortunately, someone had to lose. Chris Paul hit the off-balance bank shot winner with one second left after so many ties and lead changes that added to the intensity. Congratulations to the Clippers and condolences to the Spurs, a great team and a model organization.

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We looked at the 3:30 game in yesterday’s Spin and the absence of Mike Conley $5300 (face) may be too much for Memphis to overcome. While Stephen Curry $10800 and Draymond Green $8400 are my preferred plays from that clash, Courtney Lee $4600 and Tony Allen $4700 both make today’s Short List and sample lineup because they are affordable and productive.

In the opener, John Wall $9000 is the key player. If Jeff Teague $7000 (ankle) is not 100%, Dennis Schroder $3200 will see a few extra minutes. If they combine to keep Wall from taking over, the Hawks should prevail. Marcin Gortat $6600 looked like a beast in the sweep of Toronto, but Atlanta’s interior defense is much better. Even if the Polish Hammer can continue his hot streak at the offensive end, he can’t cover Al Horford $7500, whose quickness and range are superior.

Paul Millsap $8200 is one of the more underrated stars in the Association, using hard work, terrific positioning and smarts to outplay bigger guys. Washington counters at PF with Nene Hilario $4600 for limited minutes, and the ageless Drew Gooden $3800 off the bench. No contest. They also have been using Paul Pierce $5500 at the four in a small lineup, with Otto Porter $4800 joining the starters. Both SG are scoring threats; Bradley Beal $7000 is a bit quicker than Kyle Korver $6500, whose advantages are experience and that instant release.

Another unsung hero is DeMarre Carroll $7200, who can guard almost anyone and nailed 12 3-pointers in the last four games against Brooklyn while shooting 32-for-50 (64%) while contributing in several categories. The Raptors couldn’t handle The Truth, who got in their heads with some Hall of Fame trash talking and backed it up on the floor. Carroll can stop him, or whoever else coach Mike Budenholzer wants to neutralize.

Building a lineup starts at PG, where it’s Curry or Wall. As much as I admire Marc Gasol $9000, he and Andrew Bogut $6500 will be having a heavyweight fight all day and points will be hard to come by, so Horford gets the call at C. Toss a coin between Millsap and Draymond Green $8400 at PF. Carroll seems like a must-start at the weakest position and that uses up most of our $50,000 salary cap. Once you have made those choices, the rest is plugging in four guys at SG, G, F and Util who don’t cost much but could provide fantasy value. Good luck!

Pos	Premium	Midrange	Bargain
PG	Stephen Curry $10800	John Wall $9000	Dennis Schroder $3200
SG	Klay Thompson $7600	Kyle Korver $6500	Courtney Lee $4500
SF	DeMarre Carroll $7200	Tony Allen $4700	Harrison Barnes $4700
PF	Draymond Green $8400	Paul Millsap $8200	Drew Gooden $3800
C	Marc Gasol $9000	Al Horford $7500	Marcin Gortat $6600