First Round Series Updates: Halfway Point

 Hey everyone!

We are roughly just past the halfway point of the first round, and the classic Drive to the Finals logjams are starting to unfold. Let's take a look at each series, and what each one means for DTTF purposes.

Golden State 3, Denver 0

This series should be just about over, as Golden State has looked dominant over Denver. There is a chance this series stretches to 5 games but almost certainly will be over before game 6. Nikola Jokic has been picked by nearly everyone at this point, and that is really the only Denver Nugget worth considering. If you really need to pick a Nugget today in order to play it safer in the other series, you can choose from Aaron Gordon, Will Barton, and Monte Morris. As someone who picked John Collins recently for similar reasons of trying to wait out other series, I can say from firsthand experience that the strategy can leave you underwhelmed if you get stuck with a dud.

Milwaukee 2, Chicago 1

After Chicago pulled off an upset win in game 2 and with Kris Middleton out for the foreseeable future, it would make sense that DTTF players might hesitate on picking more Bulls in game 3. That is exactly what I did when I swapped my planned Demar Derozan pick to John Collins. Although Collins struggled, Demar was not much better so in the end I don't mind the results and instead more regret that I didn't go Bogdanovic instead. Chicago absolutely stunk up on their own home court and lost by 30. They could come back strong and win game 4, but I don't see much reason to bank on that considering game 3. I think you need to pick your best Bulls player now while you have the chance. Demar Derozan and Nikola Vuceivic are both must pick, and Zach Lavine feels that way too. With Boston vs Brooklyn in a potential game 5 on the same day as Chicago vs Milwaukee, the potential logjam is real.

Miami 2, Atlanta 1

Atlanta pulled off a close win in game 3, extending the series. That being said, I've seen little reason to doubt the Heat. Almost everyone has picked Trae Young, and if you are looking for a second Hawk to pick, Bogdanovic would seem to be your best potential play. I wouldn't do that today considering Chicago vs Milwaukee, but might be something to consider for future days as other teams get eliminated.

Phoenix 2, New Orleans 1

The Pelicans stole a game in Phoenix and Booker is out for a while. And yet, they gave a game right back on their homecourt. Phoenix is still the favourite here, but at a minimum this series has good potential to go to six games. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are both must-pick (unless you expect New Orleans to win) and Jonas Valanciunas is somewhat inconsistent but has potential for monster games. I still feel Bulls players are the priority today but Pelicans will need to be looked at in the coming days.

Philadelphia 3, Toronto 1

Toronto was able to avoid the sweep thanks to a close home win. Scottie Barnes' return is big for Toronto, but we shouldn't expect them to come all the way back. Pascal Siakam is the only real must-pick from Toronto, and facing game 5 on the road I wouldn't plan on picking any other Raptor player unless you are desparate, particularly because Boston vs Brooklyn game 4 is the same day. 

Boston 3, Brooklyn 0

After game 1, I was confident this series was going the distance. For this reason I waited on picking Brooklyn players, expecting I could pick them for Game 4 and 6 at home if needed. Instead, we now see a 3-0 Boston lead. Expect 100% of DTTF players to pick a Net star for Game 4. Kevin Durant is the clear choice as a bounce-back pick if you have him. Kyrie Irving will also be a strong pick, but if Brooklyn wins game 4, Kyrie might make for a better pick on the road where he will be looking to give the middle finger to the Celtic fans yet again. 

Memphis 2, Minnesota 2

This series is surprisingly close, but I don't expect Memphis to lose. But with the series tied 2-2, at a minimum you can wait an extra day if you still have Towns or Edwards left. That being said, if Chicago ties their series at 2-2, then both Chicago and Minnesota will play game 6 on the same day, so keep that in mind that you still might be forced to make a tough choice.

Dallas 2, Utah 2

Utah was on the ropes and pulled off a huge win at home. With Doncic back, there is a lot more reason to be optimistic in the Mavericks, but this series is clearly close and I don't see any reason to touch it until Game 6 on Thursday. You should absolutely lock that day on your calendar, as you will for sure want to pick either Luka Doncic or Donovan Mitchell on an elimination game. There is a good chance that is the only game that day, considering the other three series (Raps/76ers, Heat/Hawks. and Suns/Pelicans) all could be over in 5 depending on how the next days go.