Josh Engleman here to break down the top NBA DFS picks on DraftKings for tonight’s slate. Using Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections, we’ll highlight the best value plays to help optimize your lineups. With plenty of moving parts on this slate, staying up to date is crucial. I’ll have an updated top 10 around 6 p.m. ET, so be sure to check back. Also, don’t forget to monitor Stokastic’s NBA DFS Starting Lineups Page for the latest injury and rotation news. Let’s dive in!
DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks Today, April 4
5 – Nikola Vucevic
Position: C | Salary: $7,900
Projections: 20.1 Points, 9.4 Rebounds, 3.4 Assists, 1.5 Stocks
Vucevic gets an intriguing matchup against the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers. He’s priced at $7,900 and should see around 30 minutes of action, with Zach Collins backing him up. His target score is 50, and he lands in the optimal lineup about 25% of the time. While I’m not sure Vucevic will stay in the top 5 all day, I fully expect him to remain a strong play in the top 10.
4 – Tyrese Haliburton
Position: PG | Salary: $9,000
Projections: 19.5 Points, 3.9 Rebounds, 10.2 Assists, 2.2 Stocks
Halliburton gets one of the best possible matchups against the Utah Jazz, making him a top play at $9,000. He’s point guard only, but his double-double potential is massive. I have him for about 45 fantasy points. His goal is 55, and he’s in the optimal lineup over 30% of the time.
The real kicker is Indiana’s injury report. Aaron Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin and Pascal Siakam are all questionable. If any of them sit, Halliburton’s role will expand, making him an even stronger play. If one or two of them are ruled out, he will move up even higher on this list.
3 – Chris Paul
Position: PG | Salary: $4,300
Projections: 8.6 Points, 3.5 Rebounds, 7.5 Assists, 1.5 Stocks
We’re back again with Paul, who continues to be one of the best value plays on the slate. He’s taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers, which isn’t ideal, but he’s been playing around 30 minutes per game when games stay close.
Paul’s target score is 32, and he lands in the optimal lineup 37% of the time. The Spurs are shorthanded with Jeremy Sochan out and possibly more injuries on the way. Until we get definitive news, I’m assuming Paul will continue to log solid minutes, making him a strong value play yet again.
2 – Deni Avdija
Position: SF/PF | Salary: $9,400
Projections: 25.7 Points, 9.1 Rebounds, 5.8 Assists, 1.7 Stocks
Avdija has been on fire, and with another fantastic matchup against the Bulls, he’s a must-consider option today. He’s eligible at both small forward and power forward, which adds lineup flexibility. At $9,400, Avdija is projected for 48 fantasy points. His goal is 57, and he lands in the optimal lineup a ridiculous 57% of the time.
This assumes Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson, and Jerami Grant remain out. If any of them play, it dings Avdija’s value slightly. But given his recent performances and the fast pace of this matchup, he’s a strong play regardless.
1 – Dalano Banton
Position: PG/SG | Salary: $4,800
Projections: 16.9 Points, 4.4 Rebounds, 5.8 Assists, 2.3 Stocks
If the Blazers stay as shorthanded as they were last game, Banton is the clear top play on the slate. If Simons, Henderson and Grant all remain out, he’s your best option at $4,800. Banton is projected for 32 minutes (potentially more) and 35 fantasy points. His target score is 34, and he lands in the optimal lineup over 60% of the time.
However, this all hinges on injury news. If any of Portland’s key guys return, Banton will go from one of the best value plays to potentially unplayable. If the Blazers remain depleted, he’s the clear No. 1 play of the day.
