FanDuel Single-Game NBA DFS Picks and Helper: Celtics at Pacers (5/25/24)

Since NBA DFS is easier to predict than baseball or football, it would likely get plenty of votes as the best sport to play on FanDuel. Basketball players usually stick to the same minutes and produce at roughly the same rate. Sounds easy, right? Trust me -- it's not!

As a result, NBA daily fantasy is highly reliant on a player's opportunity, so you'll need to ensure that you're up to date with key injuries. Our projections -- which are powered by numberFire -- update throughout the day to reflect current news. You can also turn to numberFire for player news updates as well as a matchup heat map and lineup optimizer to help give you an edge.

On top of all that, here at FanDuel Research, we'll come at you each day with this NBA DFS primer, which breaks down some of the day's top plays at each position.

Let's dive into the Boston Celtics-Indiana Pacers Game 3 single-game slate on FanDuel.

NBA Single-Game DFS Picks for Celtics-Pacers

Game 3 Preview

All NBA odds are via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Date and Time: Saturday, May 25th at 8:30 p.m. ET

Spread: Celtics -7.0 (-110)

Total: 222.5 (-108/-112)

Studs to Target

Jayson Tatum ($16,500) -- Jayson Tatum struggled in Game 2, finishing with a playoff-low 33.7 FanDuel points (FPs). He shot just 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, bringing his postseason three-point field goal percentage down to 26.7%. I don't love him at this salary, but we're still talking about someone who averaged 60.1 FPPG the four games prior and is up against an Indiana defense that's surrendered the sixth-most FPPG to PFs, per FantasyPros. He's a strong option for the 2x MVP slot -- and one who could go under-rostered after last game's stinker.

Jaylen Brown ($14,500) -- So on Wednesday, the All-NBA teams were announced. Jaylen Brown did not make it. On Thursday, Brown exploded for 40 actual and 50 FanDuel points. Safe to say he took that snub personally. Brown is my personal favorite MVP option for Celtics-centered builds. He's exceeded 50 FPs in both games this series, and I'm not sure Indiana has an answer for him. There's a degree of risk involved with Brown in such a loaded Celtics lineup, but there's plenty of upside at his salary.

Mid-Range Options

Pascal Siakam ($13,500) -- As of this publication, we don't know how severe Tyrese Haliburton's hamstring injury is. It's hard to imagine him being at 100% even if he suits up, but that could force Pascal Siakam to shoulder a heftier offensive load. Siakam was brilliant in Game 2, scoring 28 points on 13-of-17 shooting. He finished with 35 FPs despite sitting the entire fourth quarter, but I wouldn't expect Indiana to roll over so quickly at home. He's proven to be a matchup nightmare for the Celtics' hobbled interior, so I can rationalize playing him in any of the three multiplier spots.

Jrue Holiday ($11,500) -- Jrue Holiday continued his strong track record against the Pacers in Game 2, netting 32.6 FPs on the back of a 15-point, 10-assist double-double. I touched on how well he's fared against Indiana in the Game 2 helper, but it bears repeating. Since 2019, Jrue Holiday has averaged 44.3 FPPG across 21 meetings with Indiana. It's always a guessing game juggling the C's' pair of guards, but I prefer Holiday at $11.5K to Derrick White at $12.5K.

Value Plays

T.J. McConnell ($9,500) -- Indiana is where I want to turn to for value on this single-game slate, and that starts with T.J. McConnell. He'll be among the most-rostered players on the slate if Haliburton sits, but I'm interested regardless. McConnell continued his strong per-minute production last time out, finishing with 17.5 FPs across 17 minutes of action. He's now averaging a team-high 1.17 FPs per minute this postseason. A usage uptick with Haliburton banged up is to be expected. Given how well he's played in the playoffs, production should follow.

Obi Toppin ($8,500) -- Obi Toppin only went for 16.6 FPs across 22 minutes in Game 2, but he's still finished with at least 15 FPs in 13-of-15 playoff games. He notched double-digit points for the 10th time in the last 13 games and has cemented his role off the Pacers' bench. Realistically, 30 FPs is the absolute ceiling for Obi, but he has cleared 24 FPs five times this postseason. At $8.5K, that's about as much as you can ask for, and there's a chance he goes under-rostered as people load up on McConnell.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.