Basketball
NBA DFS value plays $5K or under for Thursday’s playoff games
![NBA DFS value plays K or under for Thursday’s playoff games NBA DFS value plays K or under for Thursday’s playoff games](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q4lRvIHPuZdwXGmG1LN9LU2B6K8=/0x0:7680x4021/fit-in/1200x630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25430456/2150242862.jpg)
Two critical Game 6s will take place Thursday, with the Knicks and Pacers hoping to secure spots in the second round while the 76ers and Bucks attempt to force Game 7. With the stakes raised, the bit contributors can become that much more valuable if they break out. That means picking strong value plays for DFS lineups is critical.
In NBA DFS, you can find quality value plays $5K or under that can give you a quick 10 points off the bench, grab some rebounds, or stuff the stat sheet. We are going to provide you with three players that you need to put in your lineup.
Andrew Nembhard, Pacers, $4,900
Nembhard remains just below the value line, which is great for DFS managers who want to continue rostering him. The Pacers guard has been an excellent producer in this series, averaging 29.2 fantasy points per game over the last four after a dud in the opener. The Bucks might be getting some important reinforcements but they remain a league-average side when it comes to fantasy points allowed to opposing guards. Nembhard should be a great value add to lineups, especially as Tyrese Haliburton continues to struggle with back spasms.
Malik Beasley, Bucks, $4,800
After being essentially non-existent in the first three games of this series, Beasley has been on fire in Games 4 and 5. The shooting guard has combined for 59.8 fantasy points over the last two games and should continue to have a sizable role in Game 6, even as Damian Lillard has been upgraded to questionable. Beasley’s ability to hit the triple at a high clip gives him some upside as well, and a strong performance from the perimeter might be the difference for Milwaukee. He’s worth adding to lineups tonight.
Nicolas Batum, 76ers, $3,500
This is tremendous value, especially if Batum can re-discover his shooting touch from behind the arc. The veteran wing has been able to do a little bit of everything in this series and while the production has been inconsistent, the playing time has been there. The Knicks are going to focus on stopping Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, which means someone else needs to step up. That could be Batum, and it’s hard to pass him up at this number.
Miles McBride, Knicks, $4,200
McBride tallied 29.5 fantasy points in Game 5, and that suggests he should get solid playing time as the Knicks attempt to close out the series. He found his footing again after three off outings and he’ll likely be one of the first guys off the bench for Tom Thibodeau in this contest. McBride has been able to contribute in all the major statistical categories and he hasn’t yet broken out as a three-point shooter despite his 41% clip from there this season. This could be his moment.