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The top NBA DFS daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel, DraftKings on April 29, 2024. Mike Barner's NBA DFS sleepers picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
There are three playoff games on the schedule Monday, which includes the Nuggets and the Thunder having an opportunity to close out their respective series. Another three-game slate leaves us with limited options in DFS.
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 4/29/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:30 p.m. EDT on FanDuel and DraftKings.
Today's NBA DFS Core Picks
The Nuggets return home after being unable to complete the sweep against the Lakers. Even in a loss, Nikola Jokic produced 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists for the Nuggets in Game 4. He has two triple-doubles in the series and missed a third by one assist. Expect him to produce another monster stat line as the Nuggets look to advance to the next round.
After logging an average of 31 minutes per game during the regular season, Jalen Williams has played at least 35 minutes in all three games against the Pelicans. He took advantage of his expanded role to average 20.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.7 steals. As the main running mate for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams should continue to have a high floor.
Michael Porter Jr. played better at home during the regular season. He averaged 17.9 points and shot 50.2 percent from the field in Denver, compared to averaging 15.6 points and shooting 46.4 percent on the road. He is also in the midst of an excellent series that has seen him average 22.0 points and 9.5 rebounds. Look for him to at least approach 20 points again while also providing significant contributions on the glass.
- Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. LAL – C ($11,200 DK; $12,100 FD)
- Jalen Williams, OKC at NO – PG/SG/SF ($7,100 DK; $7,800 FD)
- Michael Porter Jr., DEN vs. LAL – SF/PF ($6,600 DK; $7,100 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Value Picks
After a quiet first two games of the series, Austin Reaves has come alive the last two. In Game 3, he produced 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and four steals. He followed that up with 21 points and six assists in Game 4. Going back onto the road does make Reaves a little riskier, but he’s still worth considering in tournament play.
The Pelicans nearly pulled off an upset in Game 1 against the Thunder, losing by just two points. Jonas Valanciunas logged 29 minutes in that game, finishing with 13 points and 20 rebounds. He saw his playing drop to 23 minutes in Game 2, but he still came away with 19 points and seven rebounds. The lopsided score in Game 3 may have factored into Valanciunas playing just 12 minutes. If the Pelicans can keep this even somewhat close, Valanciunas could dominate on the boards.
Nikola Jovic doesn’t usually stand out in any one particular area. While he spent plenty of time as a starter during the regular season, he averaged just 20 minutes per game. However, with the Heat shorthanded, he has played at least 25 minutes in all three games against the Celtics. That has helped him average 12.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks. At his cheap salary on both sites, he might be too good to pass up.
Top Value Plays:
- Austin Reaves, LAL at DEN – PG/SG ($6,000 DK; $6,600 FD)
- Jonas Valanciunas, NO vs. OKC – C ($5,700 DK; $5,300 FD)
- Nikola Jovic, MIA vs. BOS – PF ($4,800 DK; $5,000 FD)
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Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard
It’s not difficult to make an argument to roll with Gilgeous-Alexander in DFS. He has continued to have a massive usage rate in the playoffs, averaging 21.0 shot attempts and 6.7 free-throw attempts per game. That has propelled him to average 28.3 points per game, to go along with averages of 4.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.0 steals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from BEHIND the backboard 😲pic.twitter.com/1xlSvKA2ko
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 25, 2024
Top PG Options:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at NO, ($10,600 DK; $12,100 FD)
- Austin Reaves at DEN, ($6,000 DK; $6,600 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard
The matchup between the Celtics and Heat might be the least appealing of the night for DFS purposes. There is significant blowout potential, and the Heat have struggled to score without Jimmy Butler (knee) and Terry Rozier (neck). Still, both Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are viable options at shooting guard.
Brown has hauled in exactly eight rebounds in all three games against the Heat, while also scoring at least 22 points two times. White shooting 56.3 percent from the field has helped him average 16.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
Top SG Options:
- Jaylen Brown at MIA, ($7,500 DK; $8,200 FD)
- Derrick White at MIA, ($5,900 DK; $6,700 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward
Williams has a higher upside than Porter because of his ability to chip in with assists and steals. Still, both players are logging more minutes in the playoffs and are key contributors to their team. They are both great options, so roll with whichever works better for your budget.
Top SF Options:
- Jalen Williams at NO, ($7,100 DK; $7,800 FD)
- Michael Porter Jr. vs. LAL, ($6,600 DK; $7,100 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward
Jovic is a great option for those looking to save money at the power forward spot. For those looking to spend big at the position, look no further than LeBron James. He is shooting 57.7 percent from the field during the series versus the Nuggets, posting averages of 27.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks.
This angle of the steal + dunk from LeBron James is INSANE! 🤯pic.twitter.com/EseWLLhXo1 https://t.co/1lVg0dayBf
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 28, 2024
Top PF Options:
- LeBron James at DEN, ($9,500 DK; $10,600 FD)
- Nikola Jovic vs. BOS, ($4,800 DK; $5,000 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center
Jokic’s hefty salary makes filling out the rest of your lineup difficult. However, there is still enough value at other positions to help offset that. He might be the best option for the entire slate, regardless of position. For those who want to fade him in tournament play, the cheap salary and the upside that Valanciunas brings to the table are appealing.
Top C Options:
- Nikola Jokic vs. LAL, ($11,200 DK; $12,100 FD)
- Jonas Valanciunas vs. OKC, ($5,700 DK; $6,600 FD)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks
- Lakers at Nuggets (217 total)
- Thunder at Pelicans (204.5 total)
- Celtics at Heat (203.5 total)
Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids
- Stay away from Brandon Ingram, who has been held in check by Luguentz Dort. Ingram has only averaged 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in this series against the Thunder.
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: Nikola Jokic
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Jalen Williams
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Jonas Valanciunas
- My favorite value play: Nikola Jovic
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