Tonight, the NBA presents a matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets. Let’s take a look at this game from a DFS perspective.
Prior to discussing my Draftkings picks for the Lakers vs. Nuggets game, let’s review an important note regarding the rules and scoring for the single game showdown contests.
For those readers who are not aware, the rules and scoring for DraftKings single game showdown contests are vastly different than the traditional classic contests offered by the platform.
If you need to review the specific rules for the single game showdown contests feel free to check out the Draftkings website.
Here are my Draftkings picks for this evening’s Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets matchup.
Draftkings Picks
Captain-Nikola Jokic $12,800
Unless you have been living under a rock the last five years, you are aware that Denver center Nikola Jokic is one of the best players in the NBA. Having stated that, it’s safe to say that Jokic is the best player on the Denver Nuggets roster by a very large margin.
Now that we have established that Jokic is currently one of the best players in the association how good has Nikola Jokic played this season from a statistical standpoint? In 82 games played this season, Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 block, and 1.4 steals a game.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Lakers have not exactly been a great defensive team versus the center position recently. In the last 15 games played in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers are ranked a rather low 20th in total Draftkings points allowed a game (55.6) to the center position.
For the reasons just indicated above, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic will be my captain for this one game DFS slate.
Flex Plays
LeBron James $10,800
How important is Lakers forward LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers offense? In 82 games played this season, LeBron James has averaged 25.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.3 steals a game. I think it’s fair to say that the Los Angeles offense runs through the Lakers small forward.
D’Angelo Russell $7,600
Los Angeles point guard D’Angelo Russell has clearly illustrated that he can post quality offensive numbers for this Lakers team. Let’s dive into Russell’s recent statistical data to get a better idea of his recent performance on the basketball court. In the Los Angeles Lakers last four games played, Russell has averaged 14.5 points, 2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 0.7 steals a game.
Additional flex plays I like this evening (Draftkings price noted): Anthony Davis $10,400: Michael Porter $7,200: Austin Reaves $7,400: Aaron Gordon $7,000.