- The playoffs proper began with four games on the docket. Only the early tip-off, Dallas/Utah, had zero usage.
- Although there are going to certainly be some big swings in the coming weeks, the first couple days of the playoffs are usually pretty cagey as the participants try to gauge who may be exiting the postseason early. That means that the search for bench bargains becomes even more prominent than it was in the regular season.
- Denver made a lot of missteps in their Game 1 loss to Golden State and Ryan joined them in disappointment with his selection JaMychal Green. The backup big was -13 in 15 minutes and ended with only 8 PRA.
- The other two attempts at bench bargain hunting fared much better. Colin got a double-double from Memphis' Brandon Clarke for 27 PRA while across the court Matt found the day's veteran bench bargain in Minnesota's Malik Beasley for 30 PRA.
- Similarly to Denver, not much went right for the Raptors as they were blown out by the 76ers. Al's pick Gary Trent Jr. shot 2-for-11 from the field and left hobbled with just 13 PRA.
- That leaves a pair at the top of the daily podium via Denver's Will Barton. Lou hit with a Last Man In for just the third time in April while Trevor manually selected the Denver swingman. His 35 PRA allowed him to take home his second top score of the season.
- Optimally, only two people could have taken either of the rookies that are in this blurb. Hopefully Matt hasn't missed his window to use Scottie Barnes as like his teammate his 66 RBPRA night was ended abruptly with an injury leaving his series in doubt despite negative X-rays. Lou could have completed the picking out of Bones Hyland, the rookie bench bargain, who finished with 30 RBPRA in defeat.
Image Credits: Player Photos (ESPN)