These NBA Players Are Set To Play Hefty Minutes Immediately In Orlando
With the return of the NBA comes the return of NBA DFS and sports betting. If you are either playing DFS or betting on basketball take a deeper look at these two guys below because they could play a huge role in the NBA playoffs.
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Damian Lillard - Portland Trail Blazers
Another high-salary star, Damian Lillard has the weight of the world on his shoulders right now. The point guard has driven the Portland Trail Blazers to six-consecutive playoff berths and will most certainly want to make it seven. With Trevor Ariza skipping the rest of the season, the team still gains a boost with the return of big men Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins.
Spacing is key for Lillard, as he’s posting career-highs in three-point percentage (39.4) and three-point attempts (9.9). His career-highs in points (28.9) and assists (7.8) make him worth a five-figure DFS salary. It wouldn’t be shocking if the soon to be 30-year-old logged 35 minutes or more out the gate in Orlando. It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see him rattle off a ridiculous stretch like he did in January, when he averaged 48.8 points over six contests.
While others spend large portions of their DFS salary on stars that log 24 minutes or less, ones that have little to play for in the first eight games back, you’ll be reaping the rewards with a superstar that’s dominating the ball (29.3 percent usage rate) and logging heavy minutes in Lillard.
Caris LeVert - Brooklyn Nets
Here’s a player that won’t have an outrageous salary, but has the potential to log some major minutes. Caris LeVert’s situation is unfolding before our eyes, as he turns into the go-to player for the Brooklyn Nets. As mentioned above, Dinwiddie and Jordan could be out, or at the very least, out of shape from no physical activity after battling the coronavirus. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are also missing. Dinwiddie’s 28.7 percent usage rate will need to be dispersed around. Perhaps LeVert’s 27.7 percent usage rate will be the beneficiary and skyrocket.
LeVert was on a roll before the league shutdown. The guard produced at least 20 points in 10-of-16 games leading into the suspension of the season, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per contest. His 41.3 percent rate from beyond the arc over the span of games is impressive as well, especially at 6.5 attempts per game. LeVert’s minutes and usage are due to spike. Even if Dinwiddie makes the trip to Orlando, he will be severely out of shape after taking two or three weeks to quarantine and test negative two separate times. Brooklyn may be on a steep decline with the series of unfortunate events, but LeVert’s floor just grew.
