Rajon Rondo had a triple-double April 11 vs. Atlanta.
Hawks PF/C Josh Smith ($167K) is a beast, and he is the highest salaried player in this series as a result. He posted 16.3 points per game (ppg), 11.3 rebounds per game (rpg), 5.0 assists per game (apg) with 1.7 blocks per game (bpg) and 1.7 steals per game (spg). He contributes in so many ways. He posted 24 or more fantasy points in each of his final nine regular season games, including 34 fantasy points April 11, and 38 fantasy points April 20, against Boston.
C Zaza Pachulia (foot) is considered a game-time decision for Game 1, and he is a risky play during the early part of the series as a result. He’ll set you back $100K if you choose to roll the dice, but start him at your own risk. If Pachulia cannot go, PF Ivan Johnson ($83K) might be a solid bargain.
SF Marvin Williams ($99K) might draw the starts at power forward, at least early on in the series, as head coach Larry Drew plays the matchups. He struggled in his most recent against Boston April 20, posting just eight fantasy points on 2-of-6 shooting in 23 minutes. He was 2-of-7 from the floor April 11, posting 12 fantasy points, so it might be a good idea to take a wait-and-see attitude with Williams early on.
For the Celtics, it appears SG Ray Allen (ankle) is a huge question mark, at least for the early part of the series. He is not expected to play after having a cortisone shot mid-week. If he does play, he’ll likely have serious restrictions, so don’t use $92K on him. Meanwhile, SF Paul Pierce ($138K) is over a left big toe injury, so feel free to use him going forward. He didn’t play in the most recent meet with Atlanta, and struggled with his shot April 11, misfiring on 13 of his 19 shots attempts for 23 fantasy points. Still, ‘The Truth’ is a strong play, especially in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, PF Kevin Garnett ($137K) appears to be over a hip flexor issue, and he’ll be a huge key in this series. He buried the Hawks April 11, posting 22 points, 12 rebounds and three steals in 33 minutes for a grand total of 41 fantasy points. He didn’t play in the most recent meeting April 20.
Last, but certainly not least, PG Rajon Rondo ($135K) is over a back issue which cost him three games down the stretch. In his last meeting against Atlanta, he shredded them for 38 fantasy points thanks to a triple-double. He had 10 points, 10 rebounds and 20 assists in 47 minutes.
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