With the NBA Emirates Cup Championship tonight we have the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in a matchup between the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead Thunder who were the favorites to win heading into the final four taking on the Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee Bucks.

 

 

 

Bucks vs. Thunder

  • Total: 216.5
  • Spread: OKC -5.5

Bucks vs. Thunder Notable Injuries & Lineups

Milwaukee Bucks Key Injuries

Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup

Oklahoma City Thunder Key Injuries

Oklahoma City Thunder (Projected) Starting Lineup

 

 

 

Bucks vs. Thunder NBA DFS Showdown Picks: MVP & Captain 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG Oklahoma City Thunder

You shouldn't need much of an explanation here for this. He's the leading usage rate player on the Thunder. He's averaging 34 points per game over the last three games and the Bucks are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA against the point guard position. The Thunder are 5.5-point favorites here tonight and if that's going to hold it will be due to the fact that SGA had himself a big game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF Milwaukee Bucks

Much like SGA above, you really shouldn't need too much analysis on why playing Giannis is a good idea. He fills the stat sheet, he has the highest scoring ceiling of anyone on the slate tonight including SGA with his ability to triple-double with blocks and steals.

Bobby Portis, PF/C Milwaukee Bucks

Ok, getting past the two obvious plays above, on a showdown slate we are looking for some pop value at the MVP spot and we've seen Portis go for 35+ fantasy points in three of the last four games. If you can plug him into your util spot and he can finish as a top 4 overall point scorer on the night while allowing you to fit some other higher priced plays then it can be enough to help you get in the money tonight.

Luguentz Dort, SF Oklahoma City Thunder

Again, looking for some pop value. Against the Rockets the other night we got 40 fantasy points out of Dort as he finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, one assist and three steals. What I love about Dort is the minutes. He's locked into 30+ minutes and on a showdown slate, a cheap play that gets minutes is key.

 

 

UTIL NBA DFS Showdown Plays For Monday

Damian Lillard, PG Milwaukee Bucks

Now we move down to the next tier. It's not that you can't captain/MVP Lillard, you can. My reasons for not is just about the cost. He is still pretty expensive and you don't really get too much more in your lineup with Lillard as the captain/MVP as you would the top guys above. The Thunder have some really good defensive guards that will be coming at Lillard in waves tonight and that could potentially cause him some issues.

Jalen Williams, PF Oklahoma City Thunder

Much like Lillard, I like Williams, he has a ceiling and could have himself a good game here tonight but at his cost, the value of making him your captain/MVP just isn't there for me. What I like about these two teams is that the production and where it comes from is pretty straight forward so you know Williams is going to get his shots and fill the stat sheet.

Isaiah Hartenstein, C Oklahoma City Thunder

Hartenstein has been a double-double machine since coming back from his injury and he should be on the floor a lot as the Thunder look to match the size of the Bucks front court. Dealing with Brook Lopez and Giannis on the offensive end of the floor isn't going to be fun but I still like Hartenstein due to his secure minutes.

 

 

Bucks vs. Thunder NBA DFS Picks: Dart Throws

Cason Wallace, SG Oklahoma City Thunder

He starts, he usually sees 30+ minutes and he's been pretty good of late. The Rockets game aside, where he scored just 19 fantasy points, Wallace has gone for 20+ fantasy points in five of the last six. He's going to be the primary defender on Dame Lillard tonight most likely and we should be encouraged to see him filling up the stat sheet lately as well.

Alex Caruso, SG Oklahoma City Thunder

Another Thunder rotation piece. Look for him to play 20-to-25 minutes tonight and have a good shot at getting close to 20 fantasy points. If there ends up being foul trouble for Dort or Wallace he would likely see the bump here as well.

Gary Trent, SG Milwaukee Bucks

With Khris Middleton now doubtful to play tonight we look at Gary Trent to pick up the offensive slack. He’s already playing a good amount of minutes but the shot attempts had gone down since Middleton came back.

if Middleton does end up sitting out then Trent is a solid value option.

 

 

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