Is it easier to pick a DFS roster during the NBA postseason?

This was a question someone asked me recently, and I surprised them when I didn’t have an immediate answer. They assumed the answer would be yes, because fewer games meant fewer players to choose from, and superstars would be even more valuable.

I could see their argument; there was some sound logic behind it, but I just couldn’t get behind it. My gut told me there was more to building a solid DFS roster during the NBA postseason than that. So, I did some research and this is what I found:

Minutes, Minutes, and More Minutes

During the postseason, with fewer games on any given day and smaller player pools for DFS purposes, it can be challenging to decide how to fill out your roster. Who is going to bring more to the table for you?

The easy answer to that question has to be someone in the starting five, right? Easy answer? Sure. Right answer? Not in the least.

Don’t worry about whether someone is in the starting five or not. Look at how many minutes he tends to play per game. In the playoffs, teams are more likely to keep their rotation a bit tighter, resulting in fewer players getting more minutes.

With more time on the court comes a greater chance for a player to generate points for your team.

Who’s Playing Who?

In the playoffs, it isn’t just about what players are in the DFS player pool that day. It’s about who those guys are playing. Yeah, chances are you probably do want to roll with Steph Curry anytime he’s available.

But Houston has a top-5 defense, plays solid perimeter D, and held Steph to just three points in a game earlier in the year. Does that mean you pass on Steph? Not necessarily, but it does mean you should give other players a nice, hard look before making any calls.

Don’t Be Afraid to Take Chances

If you want to take a safe, cautious route, you could probably staff your roster with a selection of relatively safe players that will generate a certain number of points. Heck, you might even win a little money.

But is that why you play? To win a little money?

Maybe, but probably not. Now, I’m not advocating you take a chance on just any old player. No, you have to be strategic about it. Look for a player who is on the verge of breaking out; someone who isn't generating a lot of noise, but who could in the right environment or scenario.

The Atlanta-Orlando game is a good example. Trae Young led the league in assists this season with 11.6 per game. But the Magic gave up just over 22 a game. Chances were good they could keep him in check, and they did (he only had six).

On the other hand, let’s say you are concerned about the Houston defense clamping down on Steph. They did hold him to three in one game and 19 in another. But if there is one player that has proven he can explode on any given night, it’s Steph.

Winning in NBA DFS during the playoffs isn’t just about locking in the biggest names — it’s about understanding the game within the game. By focusing on minutes played, analyzing individual matchups, and identifying breakout potential before the crowd does, you can build smarter lineups and take advantage of the ever-shrinking player pool. Stay strategic, stay flexible, and you’ll give yourself the best shot at postseason DFS success.