The Denver Nuggets were able to prevent any come-back magic from Damian Lillard to advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets were on a mission to close the series and avoid a Game 7. Going to a seventh game is dangerous because that is where Lillard, one of the most clutch players in the league, thrives the most. The Nuggets are familiar with that because two seasons ago, the Portland Trail Blazers beat them in Game 7. 

“Nobody is trying to see Damian Lillard, one of the most clutch players ever, in a Game 7,” Michael Porter Jr. said.

The Nuggets started the game with an impressive performance from Porter Jr. He provided one of the most impressive scoring outbursts, scoring 22 points in the first quarter. Porter drained six three-pointers to get his 22 points. Porter’s scoring helped keep the Nuggets close, as Portland led at the end of the first 33-29.

The Blazers were led by Lillard, who carried the offensive load for the team throughout the series. Lillard had 28 points and 13 assists in the game. CJ McCollum added 21 points, and Norman Powell had 17 points. Portland led throughout the game, and it seemed like there would be a Game 7, but that changed in the fourth quarter.

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic contributed with 36 points to eliminate the Trail Blazers. Jokic scored 20 of his 36 points in the third quarter. The All-Star was able to spark a comeback in the second half.

“The first quarter, I was not even that aggressive. I didn’t want to force it,” Jokic said. “Like why [try] to force when I have a really good scorer going? So why would I maybe make him cold or whatever, make him angry, so, I can sacrifice myself a couple of minutes or a quarter?”

“That’s why he’s the clear-cut MVP,” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said of Jokic. “Because you can take anybody away from our team, if we have Nikola, you could put me, Wes Unseld, Ryan Bowen, Charles Klask, whoever you want out there, we’re going to find a way to compete because that’s how great he is.”

The Nuggets’ biggest moment came in the fourth quarter. The team was able to stifle Portland’s offense by holding them to just 14 points. Denver’s defense allowed them to outscore the Trail Blazers and take the lead to finally close out Portland.

Lillard had nothing but respect for Jokic after the game.

“He’s everything for them,” Lillard said of Jokic. “I think if it was any year a guy like him, what he does for that team, could lead his team to a championship, it would be this year because of how open it is. There’s no favorite. In my eyes, at least, I feel like anybody can get beat, and anybody can go get it done. That’s why it’s even more disappointing for me because I felt like if there’s any year you can shoulder the load and go get one, it was this one. I definitely think he’s capable of it.”

“I love our team. I love every player in that locker room, one through seventeen,” Malone said. “We continue to find ways to win. Last year, this year, people don’t realize what we’re missing right now with injuries, so I couldn’t be more proud of a group of players that I truly love coaching every single day.”

The Nuggets advance to the second round for a third consecutive season. Denver will prepare for a playoff series with the Suns.

Power forward Julius Randle of the New York Knicks capped off his best career season and the best season by any Knick since Carmelo Anthony, by winning the Most Improved Player award, as well as making a push for the playoffs. Few, if any, saw this massive improvement coming from the young forward.

On Tuesday night, he had this to say regarding his season: “I just wanna say thank you to everybody involved,” Randle told reporters on a video conference shortly after being named the winner. “I mean it truly was a team thing. Everybody in the Knicks organization, top to bottom, I can’t thank everybody enough. All my teammates, everybody, they trust me and empower me. I just wanna thank them for allowing me to lead them. And then my family, my wife, my son, everybody, like everybody, has played a part in helping me continue to become the best version of me on and off the court.”

As for the other nominees for the award, Detroit’s Jerami Grant finished second, and Denver’s Michael Porter Jr. finished third. Randle’s major improvement came in his scoring and passing. He posted a career-high 24.1 points per game. He also averaged 6.0 assists per game and upped both his three point percentage and free throw percentage to above average marks. His ability to break players down off the dribble improved, and his face up game was fantastic. Randle has cemented himself as a top 30 player in the league, essentially making himself a franchise player and the Knicks a free agent destination. Randle credits former head coach Alvin Gentry for the transformation in his game: “For me, that’s all I really needed to hear,” Randle said. “It was sort of like a confidence booster in a way, but it was also like, ‘Yo, this is the opportunity. This is what I signed up for. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting on to be able to expand my game. It really started there. Then, last year, I had a down year shooting the ball, so I was able to clean some things up heading into this year and just keep expanding and building on what I already knew I could do. A lot of things in this league is about opportunity and confidence and mindset. Those things kind of came in all at once in New Orleans. I was able to build on that.”

Randle also spoke on being the first Knick to win the award: “Pretty cool, pretty cool,” Randle said of being the first Knick to earn the honor. “Especially for an organization, franchise, that has so much history and tradition. To be able to be the first of anything is obviously pretty cool. For me, it’s a milestone. But I just wanna keep going, keep improving, see how far I can push myself as an individual, see how far as a leader I can push this team. So, that’s pretty much all it is.”

With several high-profile players already ruled out tonight, let’s take a look at the top options at each position on DraftKings for tonight’s big 10-game slate. The games with the highest implied point totals are the Blazers-Grizzlies, Pelicans-Nuggets and Lakers-Wizards matchups. Those three games are also expected to be extremely close. Heavily target those three contests if possible. Lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EST. Now let’s get down to business and look at the best option at each position on DraftKings.

Point Guard

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies (DK: $8,200) vs. POR

Morant gets to play in what is expected to be tonight’s highest-scoring affair against a Trail Blazers defense that is allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing point guards. With four of the most expensive five point guards injured on tonight’s slate, many will spend the extra cash to roster Russell Westbrook, yet I think Morant makes much more sense. The second-year guard is coming off a 27-point performance against the Nuggets in which he also chipped in six rebounds, six assists and a steal for 44 fantasy points. Over his last five outings, the young stud is averaging 29.2 points, 7.6 assists, 6.6 boards and 1.6 steals per contest. Portland will have trouble keeping the playmaker at bay. Morant is a safe bet to produce 50-plus fantasy points.

Other Options: Russell Westbrook, Ben Simmons, Coby White

Shooting Guard

Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks (DK: $7,600) @ PHI

Atlanta was already shorthanded with Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter sidelined, but they will also most likely be missing Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and Brandon Goodwin. That means Bogdanovic is the only ball handler left in Atlanta’s backcourt. Not to mention, the sharpshooter has been dominating all over the court. Over his last 16 games played, Bogey is averaging 40-plus fantasy points per game in 36 minutes of action a night. Bogdanovic will be leaned on heavily tonight against a solid Sixers team. Expect him to let it fly, especially from deep. I love Bogey’s upside tonight.

Other Options: Jordan Clarkson, Joe Ingles, Derrick Rose

Small Forward

Bojan Bogdanovic, Utah Jazz (DK: $6,400) @ SAC

I don’t think I’ve ever recommended both Bogdanovic brothers on the same night, but that is exactly what I am doing on this massive 10-game slate. With Mike Conley and Donovan Mitchell both out, Bogdanovic will continue to fire plenty of shots as one of Utah’s premier shooters. Considering Mitchell averages 25 shots per game himself, Bojan has been able to average 15 shots per contest over his previous eight fixtures, averaging 30-plus fantasy points per game over the span. Plus, the Kings happen rank dead-last in the NBA in defensive efficiency, yet they also play at a fast pace, which means plenty of offensive possessions and conversions for the Jazz. Look for the Bogdanovic brothers to light it up tonight.

Other Options: Brandon Ingram, Tobias Harris, Gary Harris

Power Forward

Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets (DK: $8,800) vs. NO

MPJ is coming off a dominating performance, in which he dropped 31 points to go along with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block across 36 minutes of action in Monday’s victory over the Grizzlies. Tonight, he will be one of the best players on the floor in the game that is expected to produce the second-most points. Porter has seen an increase in opportunity with teammates Jamal Murray, Will Barton and Monte Morris out of the lineup. The second-year forward has tallied 43-plus fantasy points in each of his previous three contests. Expect that trend to continue against a Pelicans defense that ranks in the bottom-third at defending opposing forwards.

Other Options: Zion Williamson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Robert Covington

Center

Andre Drummond, Los Angeles Lakers (DK: $7,400) @ WAS

As long as Anthony Davis and LeBron James remain out of action, Drummond should be a key piece to the Lakers’ production on both sides of the floor. It has taken some time for Drummond to adjust to life in Los Angeles, but he is definitely beginning ti find a groove. The big man is averaging 40 fantasy points per game over his last five outings, which is actually less than what he averaged during his time with the Cavaliers earlier this season. Still, he is capable of producing plenty of fantasy points and is practically a guaranteed double-double. It also doesn’t hurt that Washington plays at the fastest pace in the NBA. The Wizards are also extremely generous to opposing centers, allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing big men. Drummond is going to feast tonight.

Other Options: Bam Adedbayo, Rudy Gobert, Nerlens Noel

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is matthbrandon) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on games and strategies, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may deploy different players and strategies than what I recommended. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.

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Today, we take a look at Tuesday’s 6-game slate of NBA action, which begins at 7:00 p.m. EST.  Keep in mind that the Pistons-Raptors game has been postponed, so stay away from players on those two teams. Here are the top plays at each of the five core positions.

Point Guard

Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns (DK: $7,500) @ LAL

CP3 is a solid option in what should be a very close matchup at the Staples Center tonight. Paul has produced at least 43 fantasy points in each of his previous three outings. Over that span, he is averaging 15 points, 13.3 assists, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. Despite this, his price tag has absolutely dipped a bit on DraftKings. After posting three consecutive double-doubles, Paul should continue to light up the box score against the Lakers tonight.

Other Options: Russell Westbrook, Ja Morant, Alex Caruso

Shooting Guard

Derrick Rose, New York Knicks (DK: $5,900) @ SA

The Knicks are surprisingly one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and a lot of their success can be attributed to the recent acquisition of Rose. The veteran guard has topped 29 fantasy points in each of his previous four contests, and will likely see more minutes if Elfrid Payton is declared out tonight. Rose has posted double-digit points in seven of his last 10 games, and will start for a Knicks squad that is over .500 this late into the season for the first time since the end of the 2012-13 campaign. Over his last four matchups, D-Rose is averaging 16.3 points, 7.7 assists, 3.6 boards, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. With Rose expected to log 30-plus minutes, he should have no problem exceeding value tonight against a Spurs’ defense that allows the third-most fantasy points to opposing guards.

Other Options: Bradley Beal, Donte DiVincenzo, Immanuel Quickly

Small Forward

Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets (DK: $6,700) @ MIL

Although the Bucks are a solid defensive team, MPJ has been playing lights out as of late. Not to mention, Milwaukee plays at a faster pace than Denver, so the Nuggets will get more touches on offense, which equates to more opportunities for Porter. Porter has been dominating in up-tempo matchups, including his recent run of four consecutive double-doubles. He has topped 30 fantasy points in each of those contests and there is no reason to think that trend won’t continue tonight.

Other Options: LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Justise Winslow

Power Forward

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (DK: $9,400) Vs. LAC

With Marcus Smart out and Jaylen Brown considered questionable, Tatum may be the only star available to suit up for Boston’s home matchup with the Clippers. If Brown does indeed suit up, you may want to pivot to another option, but if Tatum is forced to shoulder a heavier load, expect him to do some monstrous things. On Sunday, Tatum dropped 31 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals in 39 minutes of the Celtics’ 111-110 victory over the Wizards. He put the team on his shoulders, scoring the final eight points of the game for Boston, including the game-winning shot. He also broke out of a huge slump. Tatum had scored just 22 points in his previous two outings and struggled to convert from the field for much of February. March should be much better to Tatum, who is one of the best power forwards in the NBA. He makes for a great cash-game or tournament option on tonight’s slate. However, be sure to monitor the news regarding Brown’s availability. 

Other Options: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Julius Randle, John Collins

Center

Jakob Poelti, San Antonio Spurs (DK: $6,100) Vs. NYK

Since free throw shooting doesn’t matter on DraftKings, Poelti has been a solid source of production for the Spurs in the paint. Even with LaMarcus Aldridge back in the lineup, Poelti is playing 25-35 minutes a night. Over his last seven contests, he has produced three double-doubles. He has also been a shot blocking machine. The Knicks are currently playing without center Mitchell Robinson, which means Poelti should get his way down low in the paint. No member of the Knicks has the size to body up San Antonio’s big man. It also doesn’t hurt than Poelti is currently on an 11-game shot blocking streak. Look for that trend to continue tonight in San Antonio.

Other Options: Nikola Jokic, Jonas Valanciunas, Montrezl Harrell

While the unpredictable storm that is NBA Free agency continues to rage on throughout the league with nearly every headline either hypothesizing about Kawhi Leonard or poking fun at the New York Knicks, the NBA Summer league begins this week with plenty entertaining headlines of its own likely to arrive.

Although the league’s top stars refrain from participating apart this summer tournament, rookies and second–year players log the most minutes as they prepare to elevate their play to the NBA level over the summer. Most notably, this crowd included New Orleans Pelicans phenom, Zion Williamson. Former Duke teammate R. J. Barret, Ja Morant, Bol Bol, and Coby White round out the rookie class alongside Williamson as likely candidates to put on a show, as most expect this draft class’s stars to take the league by storm. Today’s top players such as LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, and countless others all began their careers after stepping into the summer league to sharpen their skills, which Williamson and co. will now look to do.

Players outside this year’s draft class add into the mix as well. Michael Porter Jr. expressed his excitement to suit up after missing last year’s entire season as he stated, “I feel good. I just can’t wait to test myself in a real game.” Despite his inexperience, Porter remains an intriguing player with great talent… talent which warranted his selection at 14th overall during the 2018 NBA Draft even with an injury set to sideline him all season.

Aside from younger players, the summer league this year also includes fan favorite and veteran point guard Jimmer Fredette. Fredette frequently hops between the NBA and foreign leagues, as although his deep three–point shooting skills always excites fans, his overall lackluster talents restrain him as simply expendable, borderline NBA player. The 30–year old currently remains unsigned to a team as he looks earn himself an NBA contract during the tournament this summer.

The league will continue with a regular season type format as teams look to build up their records before entering into a bracket for a single–game elimination tournament, and eventually crowing a summer league champion. The New York Knicks hold the best odds to win the contest, at 10-1.

Basketball has never been a game of modesty, and Missouri freshman forward Michael Porter Jr. is showing us exactly why that is by claiming he’s the best player in this year’s NBA draft. While claims like these aren’t new by any means, what makes Porter’s statement particularly noteworthy is the fact that he only played in three games during his one year at Missouri due to ongoing problems with his back, although he says he’s “100 percent” healthy following his lengthy rehab.

During a Thursday media session, Porter said, “I know without a doubt. I played against all these guys, they’re all great players. But I’m the best player in this draft, and I just can’t wait to show what I’m capable of.”

With his college playing experience being pretty much as limited as possible, Porter’s claims are largely based on the fact that he was one of the most highly-touted basketball players coming out of high school despite having initially suffered the back injury during his sophomore year when he fell on his back after being “undercut” by an opponent. He indicated that he tried to continue playing and work out as time went on, but it ultimately only made his injury worsen. According to Porter, though, doctors are confident that he should be fine so long as he keeps up with his stretching and core exercises.

How this will affect the upcoming NBA draft is anyone’s guess, if it affects it at all. Porter undeniably has a ton of talent which alone makes him worthy of a pick somewhere toward the middle or end of the lottery, but the ongoing injury leaves his status way up in the air. Picks 1-5 belong to the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Dallas Mavericks respectively, all of whom have either met with or plan to meet with Porter in order to figure out whether or not to trust claims like these before the draft is underway on June 21.