Josh Engleman here to break down the top NBA DFS picks on DraftKings for tonight’s massive 10-gamer. We’re still waiting on plenty of updates — questionable tags for the entire Lakers squad, uncertainty around Oklahoma City, Giannis Antetokounmpo on the slate, Tyrese Haliburton in a smash matchup against the Wizards — so things are bound to shift. But for now, I am using Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections to find the best picks, and be sure to use Stokastic’s NBA DFS Starting Lineups Page to get the latest injury and rotation news.
DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks Today, April 8
5 – Jalen Smith
Position: C | Salary: $3,000
Projections: 10.1 Points, 5.6 Rebounds, 1.2 Assists, 1.0 Stocks
There are some moving parts here, so stay tuned for injury news. Nikola Vucevic is questionable tonight, and if he’s ruled out, it opens up a big opportunity for Smith. In that case, he would likely be splitting 48 center minutes with Zach Collins. Even if Smith doesn’t start, he could see extra run at the four given the Bulls’ short-handed frontcourt.
I have Smith projected for 17 minutes right now, but he’s such a strong per-minute producer that he still shows up as a value. If Vucevic plays, this spot is likely gone. But if he’s out, Smith will become one of the chalkiest plays of the slate.
4 – Evan Mobley
Position: PF/C | Salary: $8,900
Projections: 22.6 Points, 9.2 Rebounds, 3.9 Assists, 2.7 Stocks
This one’s simple: There is no Donovan Mitchell tonight for the Cavaliers, and that instantly boosts Mobley’s profile. Cleveland faces the Bulls, who offer one of the softest matchups on the slate — bad defense and a major pace-up spot.
I have Mobley projected for 31 minutes at power forward/center. He’s projected for 45 fantasy points with a ceiling of 55, and he lands in the optimal lineup 32% of the time. Cleveland is going to be one of the most important teams to target today.
3 – Darius Garland
Position: PG | Salary: $7,800
Projections: 22.0 Points, 3.1 Rebounds, 7.7 Assists, 1.3 Stocks
We’re staying in Cleveland because no Mitchell means Garland is a must-consider. The Bulls matchup is just too good to pass up, and Garland becomes the primary creator and scorer with Mitchell off the floor.
He projects for 32 minutes at point guard, good for 41 fantasy points with a target score of 49. Garland hits the optimal lineup 33% of the time. This is just a slam-dunk situation: A fast-paced opponent, a missing superstar and mispriced DFS options. Cleveland checks every box tonight.
2 – Franz Wagner
Position: SF | Salary: $8,800
Projections: 26.8 Points, 6.3 Rebounds, 5.0 Assists, 1.7 Stocks
There’s not much offense in Orlando beyond Wagner and Paolo Banchero, and tonight’s no exception. The Magic get a great matchup against Atlanta, and Wagner is a steady option when games stay competitive. We have him at 45 fantasy points with a ceiling of 55, and he’s in the optimal lineup 38% of the time. With no Jalen Suggs and limited contributions from guys like Wendell Carter Jr., Wagner is going to have to carry the load.
1 – Paolo Banchero
Position: PF | Salary: $9,800
Projections: 28.4 Points, 8.5 Rebounds, 5.0 Assists, 1.7 Stocks
Banchero has the same strong matchup against Atlanta, and he’s logging huge minutes — 36 a night when the game stays close. That gives him a 50-point projection with a goal of 59, and he lands in the optimal lineup 38% of the time. Banchero’s role is rock solid, his usage is massive and he’s always live for 30-plus real points. Until we get more injury news, this is the clear top play.
