NBA DFS Top Plays for Thursday 5/11/23
Welcome to our NBA DFS Top Plays for Thursday 5/11/23 article, where we dive into the captivating world of daily fantasy basketball. As the playoff battles intensify, we bring you a comprehensive breakdown of the standout players who are poised to deliver exceptional performances on this Thursday slate.
Kevin Durant (SF/PF – PHX): $9,900 DraftKings, $11,000 FanDuel
As the Phoenix Suns face the absence of Chris Paul, the responsibility of shouldering the team’s offensive load falls squarely on the shoulders of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. They have risen to the challenge admirably, with Durant showcasing his remarkable consistency by posting no less than 44 DraftKings points in an impressive 11 consecutive games.
Durant’s usage rate has been off the charts throughout this series, averaging an astonishing 25 shots and an incredible 43 minutes per game over his last four outings. With the Suns teetering on the brink of elimination, it’s not far-fetched to anticipate Durant logging a full 48 minutes while unleashing his offensive arsenal with 30-plus shot attempts. History has shown that Durant thrives in elimination games, averaging 30.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals across 42 minutes per game in such scenarios.
Joel Embiid (PF/C – PHI): $9,600 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel
Initially, I had reservations about the Philadelphia 76ers’ chances in Game 5, but Joel Embiid, the league MVP had other plans. Putting forth a gem of a performance, Embiid notched 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and four blocks, fueling the Sixers victory. Embiid has exceeded the 53 DraftKings point mark in the last three games and I’m expecting another big game in this closeout game tonight.
As long as Embiid continues to receive around 40 minutes of playing time and approximately 25 shot attempts, the MVP’s appears poised for another monstrous outing. With Game 6 presenting an opportunity for Embiid to make a resounding statement at home against the Boston Celtics, the Sixers’ MVP aims to lead his team to victory and secure a coveted spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Sign up for our Newsletter
Jamal Murray – PG, DEN at PHX ($8,200 DK, $8,800 FD)
Jamal Murray, is an intriguing option for DFS lineups on Thursday’s slate. While his pricing on DraftKings may present a challenge for lineup construction, FanDuel offers a more accommodating range. Murray has surpassed the 45 fantasy points mark in three of the other four games against Phoenix, proving his consistent contributions.
While Murray may not possess the same upside as James Harden or Devin Booker, he solidifies his position as a reliable cash play at the guard positions. The Nuggets’ tight eight-man rotation ensures significant minutes for Murray, and his role within the team remains secure. As Denver aims to close out the series in Game 6, Murray will undoubtedly be called upon to deliver another top-notch performance.
His impressive postseason averages of 24.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.0 steal per game further highlight his ability to make a substantial impact. Moreover, Murray’s shooting proficiency, particularly evident in the two road games of the series where he boasts a 48.1 percent field goal percentage, adds another dimension to his value.
James Harden – PG, PHI vs. BOS ($8,700 DK, $9,600 FD)
James Harden, known for his multi-dimensional game, has rebounded impressively after a lackluster Game 2 against the Boston Celtics. In the subsequent two games, he flirted with triple-doubles, showcasing his ability to contribute in various facets of the game. While scoring responsibilities may not always rest solely on Harden’s shoulders within the Philadelphia 76ers’ offensive scheme, his peripheral numbers have been robust enough in Games 3-5 to provide him with a solid floor.
On FanDuel, where savings between Booker and Harden are minimal, Booker holds a slight edge. However, the notable $1,300 difference in pricing on DraftKings becomes significant, particularly if Chris Paul returns to the Suns’ lineup.
Harden’s second-round averages of 26.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.8 steals underscore his well-rounded contributions. He has exceeded the 45 DraftKings points threshold in three games, with an impressive high of 78 points in Game 4. Furthermore, his proficiency from beyond the arc, connecting on 42.1 percent of his long-range attempts with an average of 7.6 three-point shots per game in the series, bodes well for his performance against a Boston Celtics team that has allowed an average of 13.5 three-pointers per game in the postseason.
That’s all I’ve got for today 
Thank you for checking out the article, I hope I was able to provide you with some value as you begin to build your DFS lineups for today’s contests.
Be sure to hit me up in Discord if you have questions. If you would prefer to reach out to me on Twitter @CeeGeeDFS that works too
Latest Free Content
You must be logged in to post a comment.