DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS: Monday, May 23

Game 3 was a wild one. Miami got out to a 21-point lead after the first quarter and maintained that lead to take a 2-1 series lead. It felt like everyone got injured in that game, though, with Jayson Tatum and Jimmy Butler both departing early. These are teams that were already nicked up, so it’ll be interesting to see who makes it through this series.

Injury Report

• Tyler Herro (groin) Out
• Robert Williams (knee) Questionable
• Kyle Lowry (hamstring) Questionable
• Jimmy Butler (knee) Questionable
• P.J. Tucker (knee) Questionable
• Jayson Tatum (shoulder) Probable
• Marcus Smart (ankle) Questionable
• Max Strus (hamstring) Questionable
• Gabe Vincent (hamstring) Questionable

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Core Plays

Jayson Tatum (SF/PF – BOS): $11,000 DraftKings, $15,000 FanDuel

Tatum was battling some injury issues in Game 3, but word is that he’ll be ready to go here. The All-Star forward had at least 37 DraftKings points in his previous 33 games before that dud, averaging 48 fantasy points per game in that span. That floor is impossible to overlook with only two teams on the slate, and JT should be at full force with his team down 2-1. As long as he gets the 20 shots and 40 minutes we anticipate, Tatum should be in every lineup along with our next guy.

Cash Game Considerations

Jimmy Butler (SF/PF – MIA): $10,600 DraftKings, $15,500 FanDuel

Jimmy had to depart Game 3 because of a knee issue, but he was the best player in the East before that. JB had at least 34 DK points in all 12 playoff games before that departure, posting a 53-point average in that span. That’s one of the best stretches of his career, but it’s no surprise seeing usage, shot attempts, and minutes all increase. You have to use Butler and Tatum in every lineup, or you’re already behind the field.

GPP Targets

Bam Adebayo (PF/C – MIA): $7,600 DraftKings, $13,000 FanDuel

Bam really struggled early in the playoffs, but his Game 3 performance was something special. The big man finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and four steals. That was obviously due to Jimmy’s absence, but it’s evident that Miami needs to get this guy more involved in the offense. We’re talking about a player who averaged nearly 40 fantasy points per game in the regular season, and if he can do that, Bam is way too cheap.

P.J. Tucker (SF/PF – MIA): $4,200 DraftKings, $8,000 FanDuel

Tucker has been battling injuries throughout these playoffs, but he’s fighting his way through every game. The defensive stud has scored at least 29 DK points in three of his last five games, generating a 26-point average in that span. That average and upside are impossible to find from such an affordable player, and it looks like Tucker is a lock for 30-40 minutes with the value he brings on both ends of the floor.

Value Plays

Kyle Lowry (PG – MIA): $6,600 DraftKings, $10,500 FanDuel

Lowry is back! The veteran guard has been in and out of the rotation with differing leg issues, but he dropped 29 DK points across 29 minutes in his Game 3 return. This guy has proven to be a per-minute stud throughout his career, and he’s going to produce as long as he plays the 30 minutes we expect. We’re talking about a former All-Star who averaged 32 fantasy points per game in the regular season, and he should play a pivotal piece for the remainder of this postseason run.

Grant Williams (SF/PF – BOS): $5,200 DraftKings, $9,500 FanDuel

Williams and Tucker are very similar players. These two guys play stifling defense, earning them all the playing time they can handle. Grant is averaging 22 DK points per game across 33 minutes a night in his last 13 games played. Getting 33 minutes from someone this cheap is impossible to find, and we obviously don’t mind that he cracked 26 or more DK points in six of those. That’d be a monster game from someone in this price range, and it makes him one of the best values on the board.

Advantageous Pricing

• Max Strus (SF – MIA): $9,500 FanDuel
• Jimmy Butler (SF/PF – MIA): $10,600 DraftKings
• Bam Adebayo (PF/C – MIA): $7,600 DraftKings
• Robert Williams (PF/C – BOS): $6,400 DraftKings
• Derrick White (PG/SG – BOS): $7,000 FanDuel

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Joel Bartilotta is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Joel, check out his archive and follow him @Bartilottajoel.