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 plays 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 Picks Today, March 31
5 – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Position: PG | Salary: $11,000
Projections: 32.9 Points, 4.9 Rebounds, 6.3 Assists, 2.6 Stocks
While Chicago’s defense has improved, the Bulls still play at a fast pace, which is perfect for Gilgeous-Alexander. With Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, and Jaylen Williams all questionable — and Aaron Wiggins already ruled out — Gilgeous-Alexander could see an even bigger role.
He’s one of only two players priced north of $10,000 on this slate, along with Jayson Tatum, so getting to him is pretty easy. Gilgeous-Alexander’s target score is 65 fantasy points, which is absolutely within reach. This is a fantastic spot for him, and there’s no reason not to pay up for him today.
4 – Mark Williams
Position: C | Salary: $8,200
Projections: 20.5 Points, 11.0 Rebounds, 3.0 Assists, 2.4 Stocks
Williams has a great matchup against the Utah Jazz. These two teams are in the middle of a tank battle, but Williams has been playing solid minutes, averaging around 27 to 28 per game when he’s on the floor. His goal is 51 fantasy points, and he’s in the optimal lineup 37% of the time. With no Walker Kessler on the other side, Williams will be up against Kyle Filipowski, Oscar Tshiebwe or whoever else Utah decides to throw out there — which isn’t exactly an imposing matchup. As long as Williams is active (Charlotte’s injury report isn’t out yet), he’s a top-tier play.
3 – Tyler Herro
Position: PG | Salary: $8,800
Projections: 27.4 Points, 5.1 Rebounds, 5.9 Assists, 1.3 Stocks
Anytime someone faces the Wizards, they immediately look like an elite play, and Herro is no exception.
He’s expected to play 35 minutes at point guard-only eligibility, and he projects for 45 fantasy points with a target score of 54. He lands in the optimal lineup 38% of the time, and Miami is missing some key pieces — no Andrew Wiggins, no Duncan Robinson — so its rotation is even more consolidated.
Washington’s defense is already awful, and now it is down some players, which means it is running out two-way guys and G-League call-ups. This is an ideal spot for Herro, making him a strong tournament play today.
2 – Tidjane Salaun
Position: PF | Salary: $3,800
Projections: 11.2 Points, 6.3 Rebounds, 2.0 Assists, 1.2 Stocks
Salaun is a key salary-saver to help fit in high-priced studs. Salaun is in the optimal lineup 39% of the time, and the expectation is that Miles Bridges will sit today, which opens up even more minutes for Salon. Let’s be real — he’s not a good NBA player. He’s one of the worst in the league. But that doesn’t matter for DFS. Minutes and salary relative to production are all that count, and Salon is expected to play more than his price tag suggests. That makes him a strong value option.
1 – K.J. Simpson
Position: PG | Salary: $4,900
Projections: 14.8 Points, 3.9 Rebounds, 5.6 Assists, 1.3 Stocks
Simpson is the top play as long as Charlotte doesn’t pull any surprises on the injury report. If they don’t call up Damion Bough from the G-League or make any other unexpected moves, Simpson will be in a fantastic spot.
With no LaMelo Ball and potentially no Bridges, Simpson will be running the show against a Utah Jazz team that’s tanking even harder than Charlotte. He’s not a high-upside per-minute performer, but volume and opportunity make him a fantastic value play.
Just double-check that injury report before locking him in; if Charlotte throws any curveballs, his situation could change, but assuming everything stays as expected, Simpson is your top ConTENder for today’s NBA DFS slate.
