DRAFTKINGS
Edmond Sumner , SG/SF IND ($4,400)
Sumner has started the last two games and should again with Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis out. Simpson has played 34 and 37 minutes the last two games and had 32.25 and 33.75 DK points and is averaging 21.5 points, four rebounds and two assists. He gets a good matchup against the Blazers, who rank 29th in defensive efficiency.
Khem Birch , C TOR ($4,700)
Birch has started six of eight games with Toronto and is averaging 25 DK points per game. He played 29 minutes last night and had 14 points, six rebounds, two steals, two blocks and one assist for 31 DK points and gets a good matchup against Brooklyn.
Jaden McDaniels, PF MIN ($3,600)
McDaniels has been inconsistent, but he's got a high ceiling at this price and a great matchup against a small Rockets team. He has at least 21.5 DK points in two of the last four games and has played at least 30 minutes in the last four games. McDaniels had six points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks for 25.5 DK points last night against the Jazz.
FANDUEL
Kevin Porter , SF HOU ($5,600)
Porter returns after missing three games due to health and safety protocols and will have the ball in his hands often with John Wall shut down for the rest of the season. Porter has a 28-percent usage rate with Houston. Minnesota's defense is one of the worst, especially against guards. Minnesota is 28th in defensive efficiency.
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG DAL ($3,900)
Better value could open up based on more players sitting. It's never exciting playing Hardaway since he's reliant on scoring, but he could start again for Dallas. Kristaps Porzingis and Josh Richardson are doubtful and Luka Doncic , Maxi Kleber , Dorian Finney-Smith and JJ Redick are questionable. Hardaway started last night and had 19 points, two assists and one rebound for 23.2 FD points.
Armoni Brooks, SG HOU ($4,100)
There's risk with Brooks but the minutes should be there. He's one of the few players that can handle the ball even with Kevin Porter returning since John Wall is out for the season. The Rockets likely want to see what they have with Brooks. He played 42 minutes in the last game and had 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists for 22.9 FD points. He has played at least 30 minutes in the last three games with at least 22.9 FD points in two and a matchup against Minnesota, which is 28th in defensive efficiency helps.
Player News
Brandon Boston Jr. underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle.
NBA reporter Chris B. Haynes reports that Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with a torn Achilles.
Brutal. Lillard’s 2024-25 season is officially over, and there’s a chance he misses all of next season due to the timing of the injury. It’s unclear what Lillard’s extended absence will mean for fantasy owners in 2025-26, as the Bucks will likely address PG depth in the offseason.
Kyle Anderson (illness) is questionable for Monday’s matchup with the Cavaliers.
Anderson’s only action in the Heat’s first-round series against the Cavs was six minutes in Game 1. His availability won’t impact Miami’s rotation in Game 4.
Isaiah Stewart (knee) is questionable for Tuesday’s matchup with the Knicks.
Stewart logged 19 minutes in Game 1 and has missed the last three games of the first-round series with New York. Should Stewart miss Game 5, Paul Reed should continue to pick up additional minutes in his absence.
Bobby Portis finished Sunday’s Game 4 loss to the Pacers with 14 points (6-of-10 FGs), three rebounds, one assist and two three-pointers in 25 minutes.
Portis did his best to give the Bucks a spark on Sunday, but the home team was overwhelmed after losing Damian Lillard during the first half. With Brook Lopez (6/1/1/1/1 with two three-pointers in 15 minutes) struggling, Portis moved into the lineup to begin the third quarter. Milwaukee is now in a 3-1 hole, and Portis should play plenty in Tuesday’s Game 5. That will be the case whether he comes off the bench or starts.
Kevin Porter Jr. accounted for 23 points (9-of-17 FGs), five rebounds, six assists, two steals and five three-pointers in 33 minutes in Sunday’s Game 4 loss to the Pacers.
After totaling 22 points on 6-of-21 shooting in the first three games of the series, Porter was far better in Game 4. He was efficient as a scorer and playmaker, taking on an enlarged role after Damian Lillard exited with a lower left leg injury. With Bucks coach Doc Rivers saying after the loss that the outlook for Lillard is “not promising,” Porter may be thrust into the starting lineup for Game 5 on Tuesday. Trailing three games to one, Milwaukee’s goal is to get the series back home for Game 6.