Can the Celtics make history tonight and be the first team to advance after trailing in a 3-0 series deficit?
How special was that Game 6? It was clearly a must-win matchup for both teams, which was evident in the final seconds. Jimmy Butler hit three free throws with three seconds left to take the lead, and it looked like Miami won the series when Marcus Smart missed on Boston’s next possession. Derrick White ended up tipping in that miss and forcing this Game 7 at the buzzer. That has Boston on the brink of history, trying to become the first team to overcome a 3-0 deficit. It’s a do-or-die Game 7 and we can’t wait to discuss it!
Injury Report
As of 3:30 p.m. ET:
- Victor Oladipo (knee) OUT
- Tyler Herro (hand) OUT
- Gabe Vincent (ankle) Questionable
- Malcolm Brogdon (arm) Questionable
- Danilo Gallinari (knee) OUT
Core Plays
Jayson Tatum (SF/PF – BOS): $13.800 DraftKings, $17,500 FanDuel
Although Tatum and the Celtics struggled through the opening three games, they’ve looked unstoppable since then. He’s the straw that stirs the drink, scoring at least 59 DraftKings points in two of his last three games. We’ve seen Tatum do that in elimination games throughout this run, averaging over 60 DK points per game across his last 13 elimination games. He’s also taking 22 shots while playing nearly 42 minutes a night in that span and needs to be used in your captain slot.
Jimmy Butler (SF/PF- MIA): $13,600 DraftKings, $16.500 FanDuel
Butler was rough in that critical Game 6, but he still had 53 DraftKings points. That shows just how absurd this guy can be, averaging over 51 DK points per game in this postseason run. He’s typically better when Miami has its back against the wall, and you better believe he’ll be aggressive here after struggling in Game 6. Over his last five elimination games, Butler is averaging 28.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 2.0 steals. If he does that, Butler will be the highest-scoring player on this slate.
Cash Game Considerations
Bam Adebayo (C – MIA): $9,000 DraftKings, $14,000 FanDuel
It’s hard to understand why Miami has struggled over the last three games, but we know Bam will show up. This guy averaged nearly 40 DK points per game during the regular season, which is right on par with his average in these playoffs. He’s also had his way with the Celtics, scoring at least 33 fantasy points in eight of their 10 matchups. We love that since he took 16 shots while playing 46 minutes on Saturday, and there’s a chance Bam plays a full 48 minutes here.
Marcus Smart (PG/SG – BOS): $7,800 DraftKings, $11,000 FanDuel
Smart is always a stud in these circumstances. He’s the leader of this team, averaging nearly 35 DraftKings points per game in this playoff run. We’ve seen him play even better in elimination games, averaging nearly 40 fantasy points per game in his last 12 elimination matchups. Boston needs him out there for 40-45 minutes with his defense and leadership, making him one of the best value plays in this price range.
GPP Targets
Caleb Martin (SG/SF – MIA): $7,000 DraftKings, $10,500 FanDuel
Martin has been the biggest surprise in this series with his pristine play. The versatile forward has played at least 30 minutes in six straight games, posting a 32-DK point average across 34 minutes a night. That culminated with a 46-point masterpiece in Game 6, and anybody with that sort of upside should never be this cheap.
Derrick White (PG/SG – BOS): $6,400 DraftKings, $12,000 FanDuel
White moving into the starting lineup has been the most significant move for the Celtics in this historical comeback. This guy has been a stud all season as a starter, averaging over 30 fantasy points per game. That’s what we’ve seen since his promotion, scoring at least 32 DK points in three straight outings. He’s also seen his totals go from 32 to 34 to 37 in that span, so the ticker is obviously pointing in the right direction.
Value Plays
Al Horford (PF/C – BOS): $6,600 DraftKings, $10,000 FanDuel
Horford has struggled on the offensive end in this series, but he’s got too much upside to remain this cheap. He’s still the starting center for this Celtics squad and is locked into 30-40 minutes. We’ve seen Horford average 40 fantasy points per game in this type of role in the past, with Al scoring at least 30 DK points in two of his last three outings. That’s all you need for Horford to find his way into the optimal lineup, and you know Boston will lean on their veteran here.
Gabe Vincent (PG/SG – MIA): $5,200 DraftKings, $9,000 FanDuel
With Herro and Oladipo both sidelined, Vincent has taken over starting point guard duties in Miami. It’s no empty role either, with Vincent averaging 28 DK points per game across 36 minutes a night in this series. Any starting point guard playing 35-40 minutes should never remain this affordable, especially since Vincent has been one of their best offensive players.
Advantageous Pricing
Jimmy Butler (SF/PF- MIA): $13,600 DraftKings, $16.500 FanDuel
Derrick White (PG/SG – BOS): $6,400 DraftKings, $12,000 FanDuel
Malcolm Brogdon (PG/SG – BOS): $5,400 DraftKings, $7,000 FanDuel
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Joel Bartilotta is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Joel, check out his archive and follow him @Bartilottajoel.
