Josh Engleman here to break down today’s top NBA DFS picks on DraftKings. Using Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections, we’ll highlight the best value picks to help you build winning lineups. With plenty of late swap opportunities, staying engaged with news is going to be a major inflection point. Be sure to tune into the Deeper Dive at 6 p.m. ET for expert insights, and check 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 1
5 – Anfernee Simons
Position: PG/SG | Salary: $6,500
Projections: 21.6 Points, 3.0 Rebounds, 4.9 Assists, 1.0 Stocks
Simons is currently questionable, but he has an incredible matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. He’s logging around 34 minutes a night and is eligible at both point guard and shooting guard. At $6,500, he’s projected for 35 fantasy points. The target score is 43, which he hits 30% of the time, and he lands in the optimal lineup at the same rate. If Simons is ruled out, keep an eye on Dalano Banton as a potential pivot.
4 – Shaedon Sharpe
Position: PG/SG | Salary: $6,700
Projections: 22.5 Points, 5.3 Rebounds, 3.5 Assists, 1.2 Stocks
If Simons isn’t your preferred Portland play, then maybe Sharpe is. He’s playing around 36 minutes a night and is also point guard and shooting guard eligible at $6,700. He’s projected for 36 fantasy points and his target score is 44, which he reaches 31% of the time, making him an optimal lineup choice at the same rate. If Simons sits, Sharpe’s role will become even larger. With Jerami Grant doubtful and Scoot Henderson already ruled out, Sharpe will get plenty of opportunities to shoot, but even with Simons in, he still lands in fourth place.
3 – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Position: PF/C | Salary: $12,100
Projections: 33.3 Points, 12.1 Rebounds, 6.8 Assists, 1.8 Stocks
Paying up for Giannis hasn’t been working well lately, but you can’t stop now. He’s facing the Phoenix Suns, who are without Kevin Durant. With power forward and center eligibility, Giannis comes in at $12,100 and is projected for 62 fantasy points. The target score is 70, and he makes the optimal lineup 40% of the time.
There’s still no Damian Lillard, Bobby Portis or Jericho Sims, meaning Giannis runs the show for Milwaukee. The usage is massive, the assist rate is massive — he’s the centerpiece of everything the Bucks do. Even though recent results haven’t been ideal, he’s still Giannis, and this matchup against a struggling Suns team is one you don’t want to pass up.
2 – Deni Avdija
Position: SF/PF | Salary: $8,100
Projections: 21.9 Points, 8.8 Rebounds, 5.4 Assists, 1.7 Stocks
Portland players are popping today, but no one looks better than Avdija. He’s logging 36 minutes per night and gets an outstanding matchup against Atlanta. With Henderson and Grant likely out and Simons potentially sidelined, Avdija is in a great spot at $8,100 with small forward and power forward eligibility. He’s projected for 44 fantasy points, the target score is 51, and he makes the optimal lineup 41% of the time. Avdija has been a revelation for Portland over the past two months, thriving after the trade that brought him to the Trail Blazers. His versatility makes him a valuable DFS asset, and the matchup only enhances his appeal.
1 – Royce O’Neale
Position: SF/PF | Salary: $4,000
Projections: 10.5 Points, 5.8 Rebounds, 2.8 Assists, 1.6 Stocks
Based on current betting market projections, assuming he starts for Kevin Durant, O’Neale should see 28 to 30 minutes. With small forward and power forward eligibility at just $4,000, he’s projected for 25.5 fantasy points. His target score is only 30, which makes him an optimal lineup choice 42% of the time. His price is based on him playing significantly fewer minutes than he likely will tonight, making him a strong value play. If Phoenix decides to start Bol Bol, Bradley Beal or another guard instead, O’Neale’s stock could take a hit, but if he’s in the starting lineup, he’ll be the top value option on the slate.
