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The top NBA DFS daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel, DraftKings on April 26, 2024. Mike Barner's NBA DFS sleepers picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
Friday brings three more exciting playoff matchups. The only downside is that only three games leave us with limited options in DFS. Still, there are some appealing players to target at various salaries.
The key to being successful in NBA DFS comes down to making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available. But it's always really important to have a game plan, and the best players and spots circled first before making those adjustments. To keep up with all the latest developments and get access to updated projections, grab an NBA season pass and also gain access to our RotoBaller Premium Discord, where @chiefjustice6 is talking about the slate up until lineups lock!
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 4/26/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 5:30 p.m. EDT on FanDuel and DraftKings.
Today's NBA DFS Core Picks
The Mavericks did their job, winning one of the two games against the Clippers that they played in Los Angeles. Just like in the regular season, Luka Doncic put up monster numbers in both games. In Game 1, he finished with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. In Game 2, he posted 32 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. He should continue to have an incredibly high floor.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is listed as doubtful, putting him on pace to miss his third straight game. With him out, the Bucks have struggled mightily to slow down Pascal Siakam. Siakam has not only come away with two double-doubles, but he scored at least 36 points in both of the first two games. Tyrese Haliburton has struggled to score, so expect Siakam to continue to shoulder a heavy workload.
Myles Turner only averaged 27 minutes per game during the regular season, which was his lowest mark since his rookie season. Now that the playoffs have arrived, Turner logged at least 32 minutes in both of the first two games against the Bucks. That helped him average 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks. Expect him to continue to surpass 30 minutes for however long the Pacers stay alive in the playoffs.
- Luka Doncic, DAL vs. LAC – PG ($11,700 DK; $12,100 FD)
- Pascal Siakam, IND vs. MIL – SF/PF ($8,300 DK; $9,200 FD)
- Myles Turner, IND vs. MIL – C ($6,500 DK; $7,400 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Value Picks
Ivica Zubac looked like David Robinson in Game 1 against the Mavericks, finishing with 20 points and 15 rebounds over 33 minutes. He also played well in Game 2, recording 13 points and 12 rebounds. With plenty of minutes coming his way in the playoffs, he is a threat to produce another double-double.
We’ve received the full Jaden McDaniels experience in the first two games against the Suns. He is an excellent defensive player, but his scoring contributions are often inconsistent. He recorded nine points and six rebounds in Game 1, then followed it up with 25 points and eight rebounds in Game 2. As long as he can avoid foul trouble, he should play enough to make him at least worth considering in tournament play.
With the Timberwolves tightening up their rotations in the playoffs, Nickeil Alexander-Walker has logged added minutes off the bench. He only averaged 23 minutes per game during the regular season, but he has played at least 29 minutes in both games against the Suns. He scored at least 10 points in both games, while also chipping in four steals in Game 1. At such a cheap salary on both sites, he has the potential to provide value.
Top Value Plays:
- Ivica Zubac, LAC at DAL – C ($6,000 DK; $6,600 FD)
- Jaden McDaniels, MIN at PHX – SF ($4,600 DK; $5,300 FD)
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, MIN at PHX – SG/SF ($4,100 DK; $5,000 FD)
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Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard
Doncic can single-handedly win a DFS slate, but his salaries also make it difficult to fill out other positions. For those looking for a point guard with a cheaper salary, don’t sleep on Patrick Beverley. Including the playoffs, he has averaged 8.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.0 steals over eight games since moving into the starting lineup.
Top PG Options:
- Luka Doncic vs. LAC, ($11,700 DK; $12,100 FD)
- Patrick Beverley at IND, ($4,700 DK; $5,400 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard
Kyrie Irving has proven to be a terrific running mate for Doncic. He was one of the few players on the Mavericks who performed well in Game 1, scoring 31 points on 10-for-18 shooting from the field. He chipped in 23 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals in Game 2. Dating back to the regular season, he has averaged 1.7 steals over his last 16 games, further helping his upside in DFS.
Kyrie Irving goes behind the back for the assist to PJ Washington 😲
DAL-LAC 3Q is live on TNT pic.twitter.com/JGbkDDIf0f
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2024
Top SG Options:
- Kyrie Irving vs. LAC, ($8,400 DK; $9,400 FD)
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker at PHX, ($4,100 DK; $5,000 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward
After attempting 20 shots in Game 1, Paul George was limited to 14 shot attempts in Game 2, with Kawhi Leonard making his return. Still, George scored 22 points. He was efficient during the regular season, shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from behind the arc. Even with Leonard back in the fold, George’s efficient shooting still makes him someone to consider in DFS strongly.
Top SF Options:
- Paul George at DAL, ($7,900 DK; $8,200 FD)
- Jaden McDaniels at PHX, ($4,600 DK; $5,300 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward
The absence of Giannis has moved Bobby Portis into the starting lineup. Over four starts during the regular season, he averaged 19.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. In this series, he has averaged 14.5 points and 11.0 rebounds. For those looking to fade Siakam, Portis stands out as a viable target.
Bobby Portis muscles through the defense for the and-1 on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/NdNvsZBByB
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2024
Top PF Options:
- Pascal Siakam vs. MIL, ($8,300 DK; $9,200 FD)
- Bobby Portis at IND, ($6,900 DK; $7,600 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center
Both Turner and Zubac check in with reasonable salaries. Zubac has grabbed headlines because of his performance in Game 1 against the Mavericks, but Turner is the safer option between the two. It also helps his cause that he will be playing at home, while Zubac will go out on the road.
Top C Options:
- Myles Turner vs. MIL, ($6,500 DK; $7,400 FD)
- Ivica Zubac at DAL, ($6,000 DK; $6,600 FD)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks
- Bucks at Pacers (221.5 total)
- Clippers at Mavericks (211 total)
- Timberwolves at Suns (207.5 total)
Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids
- It’s tough to feel confident about paying up for Tyrese Haliburton with how he has played against the Bucks. He hasn’t been looking for his own shot, taking a total of 17 shots from the field over the two games. I’d rather pay up for Doncic or Irving.
My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today
Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.
- My favorite overall play on the slate: Luka Doncic
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Pascal Siakam
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Myles Turner
- My favorite value play: Jaden McDaniels
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