NBA DFS Picks: Top Value Plays and Fades for Clippers vs. Suns Showdown

The Los Angeles Clippers face the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. This is the only NBA game scheduled, creating a prime single-game DFS slate. Key absences will significantly impact the contest.

James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Dillon Brooks are all out for the Clippers. Jalen Green is listed as probable for the Suns. According to Reuters, these roster changes will force major adjustments for both teams.

Captain’s Picks and Core Player Analysis

Devin Booker is the top candidate for the Captain slot. He carries a 32.8% usage rate this season. Booker is averaging 31 points and 6.9 assists through eight games.

His production has been remarkably consistent. He has scored at least 40 fantasy points in all but one game this season. With the Clippers missing their top defenders, Booker’s ceiling is exceptionally high.

Ivica Zubac becomes a crucial utility play for the Clippers. He should see increased minutes and offensive involvement. The Suns’ conventional center rotation plays to Zubac’s strengths in the paint.

Mark Williams offers another strong frontcourt option. He is coming off a 16-point, 16-rebound performance. Williams has three double-doubles this season and could play close to 30 minutes.

Value Plays and Strategic Fades

Bogdan Bogdanovic presents extreme value at his minimum salary. He played 30 minutes in the last game and produced across multiple categories. With the Clippers short-handed, he should retain a significant role.

Bradley Beal is a clear fade despite his reasonable price. The Suns are carefully managing his minutes this season. He has averaged only 20 minutes per game in his four appearances.

His fantasy production has been limited. Beal has a season-high of just 17.8 fantasy points. There are safer and higher-upside options available at a similar cost.

The Clippers’ defensive struggles make Suns players attractive. Phoenix ranks 24th in defensive rating, while Los Angeles is 26th. This points to a potentially high-scoring game.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is the best Captain pick for this showdown?

Devin Booker is the premier Captain choice. He has the highest usage rate on the Suns and a proven track record of high fantasy outputs. His consistency and ceiling are unmatched on this slate.

Which value player offers the most upside?

Bogdan Bogdanovic is the top value play at his minimum salary. He saw 30 minutes in the last game and should remain involved with key Clippers players out. His multi-category production provides a safe floor.

Why should I fade Bradley Beal?

The Suns are strictly limiting Beal’s minutes to manage his workload. He has not played more than 22 minutes in any game this season. His limited court time caps his fantasy potential significantly.

How will the player absences affect the game?

The absence of Harden and Leonard cripples the Clippers’ offense and defense. It forces role players into larger minutes and shifts usage to remaining starters. This creates new value opportunities for DFS players.

What is the predicted game outcome?

The Suns are projected to win by a significant margin. Their offensive firepower should overwhelm the short-handed Clippers. A final score around 120-109 is a reasonable expectation.