The Spurs and Timberwolves continue their second-round series with Game 5 in San Antonio on Tuesday. This best-of-seven is tied 2-2. Below, I have featured some of my favorite targets for DraftKings’ Showdown slate for this Game 5.
Let’s dive into some of the top plays on the slate using the FantasyLabs tools and projections.
Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 300 lineups or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
You can also use our SimLabs Lineup Generator, a tool that creates the most user-friendly lineup generation process.
Note: Projections and Leverage Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly.
Consult the NBA Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.
NBA DFS Stud Picks
Victor Wembanyama ($18,000 CPT, $12,000 FLEX)
Victor Wembanyama luckily avoided getting suspended for tonight’s Game 5 after getting ejected from Game 4 due to a blatant elbow to Naz Reid. Wembanyama is not going to get ejected again, and the superstar should have a huge performance in this pivotal Game 5. Wembanyama has showings of 64.25 and 73.75 DraftKings points through the first four games of this series vs. the Timberwolves. This season, Wembanyama is scoring a massive 1.8 DraftKings PPM – which ranks second only to Nikola Jokic – and Wembanyama is handling a 32% usage rate. While the most lucrative player on the board, Wembanyama is a must-play, and he is the best option to roster at captain, as the center is very likely to lead this Showdown slate in scoring by a solid margin.
Anthony Edwards ($15,000 CPT, $10,000 FLEX)
After coming off the bench for a few games, Edwards has started in each of the last two and seen 40 minutes in both tilts, resulting in 62.5 and 48 DraftKings points. The knee injury that cost him some time looks to be a thing of the past, and Edwards is the clear second-best play for this Showdown slate behind Wembanyama. The wing has topped 40 DraftKings in 4 of 7 matchups vs. the Spurs this season, and with another huge workload tonight, Edwards should surpass that threshold again.
Don’t forget to check out our NBA SimLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineups using the power of simulation:
NBA DFS Mid-Range Picks
Naz Reid ($9,900 CPT, 6,600 FLEX)
Naz Reid has been relied on heavily in the last two games, topping 30 minutes in each contest and lifting the sixth man to 42.75 and 33.75 DraftKings points. Reid has been a part of the Timberwolves’ closing lineup in each of these past two, and they should continue to give him a big role in Game 5, as Reid ranks third for Minnesota in plus/minus this postseason. The veteran has scored over 30 DraftKings points in 4 of 7 matchups vs. the Spurs this season, and Reid is one of the top values for this Showdown slate who is viable at captain if looking to save and be contrarian for that spot.
Dylan Harper ($8,100 CPT, $5,400 FLEX)
Dylan Harper has been a terrific contributor for the Spurs, posting at least 28 DraftKings points in four of his last five. The rookie posted 39.75 DraftKings points in Game 4, but this score is misleading, as Harper saw an expanded role following Wembanyama’s ejection in the first half. So, with the big man back in the mix tonight, we can’t expect Harper to approach 40 DraftKings points again, but the guard still has a great chance to exceed 5x value at this affordable salary. Harper is amassing 1.0 DraftKings PPM with a 22% usage rate this season, and he has logged at least 25 minutes in 5 of 9 games during these playoffs.
Devin Vassell ($9,000 CPT, $6,000 FLEX)
Devin Vassell, while priced appropriately, brings a safe floor of around 20 DraftKings points, making him a smart target for this Showdown slate. After logging 30.5 minutes per game in the regular season, Vassell is receiving 33 minutes per game during these playoffs. The 25-year-old has recorded at least 23 DraftKings points in all but one of his nine starts this postseason. Against the Timberwolves, Vassell has scored at least 28 DraftKings points in 3-of-5 matchups this season.
Be sure to check out all the pick’ems Sleeper has to offer with our Sleeper Fantasy promo code.
NBA DFS Value & Punt Picks
- Julian Champagine ($7,500 CPT, $5,000 FLEX) – This postseason, Champagnie is logging 28.3 minutes per game, and he has scored over 20 DraftKings in all but one of his nine games. Champagine has also been very effective vs. the Timberwolves this season, posting at least 26 DraftKings points in 4-of-7 matchups.
- Keldon Johnson ($4,500 CPT, $3,000 FLEX) – The Spurs are back home tonight for Game 5, which is a big deal for Johnson. This season, the Sixth Man of the Year is scoring 23.8 DraftKings PPG at home, compared to 21.7 DraftKings PPG on the road. Johnson has been quiet this postseason, averaging 16.4 DraftKings PPG, but he is very cheap at only $3,000, and outproducing that price tag on his home floor is possible.
- Terrence Shannon ($5,400 CPT, $3,600 FLEX) – Johnson is the better option, but Shannon is also a viable punt play. With Edwards starting again, Shannon has come off the bench for the last two, but he has still finished with 10.5 and 15.5 DraftKings points. If you expect a Spurs blowout tonight – they are favored by 10.5 points – Shannon makes sense, as he would likely see extra minutes in garbage time.
- Carter Bryant ($1,800 CPT, $1,200 FLEX) – Bryant has scored 7.0 DraftKings points in two of the last three in this series. This is about the most we can expect, as Bryant is only going to log 5-10 minutes off the bench for the Spurs, but this would be a fair return at his extremely low salary, and Bryant is viable if you want to go with a full stars and scrubs lineup. Bryant is scoring 0.8 DraftKings PPM this season.
Pictured: Victor Wembanyama
Photo Credit: Imagn
