(Photo credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters/John E. Sokolowski)
PG - Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics
This is a pivotal game for the rookie, who had more turnovers than assists for the first time since December 21 as he totaled 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists with seven turnovers in Philadelphia's Game 1 loss. Simmons has averaged 18.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 8.5 assists in this postseason while shooting 50.6 percent, but it also should be noted he has yet to register more than seven assists in any of his five matchups with the Celtics.
Alternate option - Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Lowry had a solid 18 points and ten assists in Toronto's second-round series opener versus Cleveland but did not get the all-important win. He is shooting 44.4 percent from 3-point range and has averaged 17.3 points and 8.6 assists in the playoffs with a 2.73 assists-to-turnover ratio, so if one values 3-pointers and assists more than Simmons' all-around game, Lowry is as good alternative.
Low-cost option: Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
With Jaylen Brown again listed as doubtful for Game 2, Smart should see a healthy share of minutes even if Brown does see limited ones Thursday night. While his shooting percentage was cringe-worthy in Game 1 as he made only three of 12 shots, Smart did finish with nine points and nine assists with three rebounds and one steal.