Josh Engleman here to give you the best NBA DFS picks on DraftKings. Using Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections, we’ll talk the best value picks to help you with your lineups tonight. Today’s slate is packed with moving parts, so staying up to date is crucial. You’ll get an updated top 10 from me around 6 p.m. ET, so be sure to check back for that. Also stay on top of Stokastic’s NBA DFS Starting Lineups Page for the latest injury and rotation updates. Let’s dive in!
DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks Today, April 2
5 – Colby Jones
Position: SF | Salary: $4,000
Projections: 9.3 Points, 4.9 Rebounds, 2.9 Assists, 2.3 Stocks
We’re starting off with Jones, but there’s a catch — we don’t know if he’s playing. He’s questionable today, but if he’s in, he’s a great value play. The Wizards are shorthanded, missing multiple key players, so Jones should see plenty of run. He averaged 28 minutes per game over his last four outings, and with a target of just 30 fantasy points to be a strong value, he provides excellent salary relief to help fit in studs.
4 – Nikola Jokic
Position: C | Salary: $12,500
Projections: 29.4 Points, 12.1 Rebounds, 9.5 Assists, 2.3 Stocks
Jokic just dropped a ridiculous 99 fantasy points in a double-overtime game. The big question is whether he suits up tonight on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Spurs. If he plays, he’s an absolute must-roster. San Antonio doesn’t have a true center to defend him — Bismack Biyombo and Charles Bassey aren’t stopping Jokic. He’s projected for 65 fantasy points with a ceiling of 73, making him one of the safest high-priced plays on the board. But keep an eye on the news; if he sits, we’ll have value opportunities with Zeke Nnaji or DeAndre Jordan.
3 – Dennis Schroder
Position: PG/SG | Salary: $6,000
Projections: 16.3 Points, 3.1 Rebounds, 7.3 Assists, 1.3 Stocks
With Cade Cunningham doubtful and Marcus Sasser, Isaiah Stewart and Ron Holland all suspended, Schroder steps into a significant role for the Pistons. He’s been playing over 30 minutes when Cunningham is out, and tonight should be no different. Schroder is projected for 34 fantasy points with a target of 40, making him a strong play despite a tough matchup against the Thunder. With the Pistons shorthanded, his minutes should be safe, and his ability to rack up assists makes him a solid mid-range option.
2 – Chris Paul
Position: PG | Salary: $4,300
Projections: 8.7 Points, 3.5 Rebounds, 7.0 Assists, 1.5 Stocks
Paul’s playing time has been all over the place lately — he’s logged under 20 minutes in two recent games but over 30 in two others. If he gets 28 to 30 minutes tonight, he’s one of the best value plays on the slate. He’s averaging just under a fantasy point per minute and is projected for 27 fantasy points with a ceiling of 32. At just $4,300, he doesn’t need to do much to be a strong value, and if he plays extended minutes, he could be in half of winning lineups tonight. It’s all about monitoring his status.
1 – Paul Reed
Position: C | Salary: $3,100
Projections: 8.9 Points, 5.9 Rebounds, 1.9 Assists, 2.5Stocks
With Stewart suspended, Paul Reed emerges as today’s top value play. He’s set to take on backup center duties behind Jalen Duren, and there’s room for expanded minutes if Duren gets into foul trouble or if the Pistons get blown out, which is very possible against Oklahoma City. Reed is projected for 24 fantasy points with a target of just 26, meaning he has a 50% chance of being in the optimal lineup. His per-minute production is fantastic, making him the best value play on the board. Even if more value opens up throughout the day, he’s going to remain in the top 5.
