DraftKings Daily Fantasy Basketball Picks (4/15/21): NBA DFS Lineups

The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on April 15, 2021. Euan Leith provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.

Happy Thursday, RotoBallers! We haven't had a slate this small on a Thursday for a while, and it will be an exciting decision in terms of lineup construction. There are injuries all over the schedule right now, and it makes me lean towards a stars and scrubs approach with so many discounted options at our disposal.

The Milwaukee versus Atlanta game was the one that came out on top of my game projections, but I don't have a great feel for it with Trae Young and Giannis Antetokounmpo both nursing injuries. Stephen Curry is lighting the world on fire and will be an extremely chalk-like play this evening, but I'm struggling to avoid him on such a small slate. You can be extra contrarian by going towards the Boston-Los Angeles game, but that 212 points over-under has me worried. These teams combined for 191 points last time out, and that was when the Lakers had a healthy Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/15/21. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. With COVID-19 a significant factor, remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before lineups lock.

DraftKings DFS Guards

Stephen Curry - PG, GS at CLE ($10,600)

I'm not sure how you could get away from Steph with the form he is in right now, but props to you if you want to be the contrarian. For me, there is no other player I would rather build my lineups around tonight. The two-time MVP has been utterly unconscious behind the three-point line in recent games. Curry's hit 29 of 49 attempts (59.1 percent) from three, and it's providing a sky-high ceiling every night. He's scored at least 49.75 DraftKings fantasy points in eight straight games and averaging 57.8 FPPG in that same stretch. It's tough to jump on the bandwagon when the hype is at its peak, but Curry can keep the good times rolling tonight against the Cavaliers.

Darius Garland - PG, CLE vs. GS ($6,600)

Facing Curry on the other side of the court will be Darius Garland. The Cavaliers are without Collin Sexton right now, and it's opening a door of opportunity for Garland to show what he's got as the main star of the show. The 21-year old has returned five times his salary in six of seven games and will look to make it seven of eight tonight. Over the previous seven games, Garland is averaging 18.6 points, 6.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.6 three-pointers. He's hitting his stride at just the right time for season-long fantasy basketball players, and we, as DFS players, can continue to profit on a night-to-night basis.

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DraftKings DFS Forwards

Jayson Tatum - PF, BOS at LAL ($9,400)

On Tuesday, I tried to go against the grain and picked Jaylen Brown as the Celtics player to start in lineups. However, I won't be making the same mistake twice, and I'll jump on Tatum's performances. The 23-year old is having a terrific 2020-21 campaign and averaging 44.9 FPPG. However, the last four games have shown a concrete floor and a reach-for-the-stars-type ceiling for the budding superstar. Tatum is averaging 34.5 points, 9.8 boards, four assists, 3.8 three-pointers, and getting to the free-throw line nine times a night in those few games. The forward dropped a season-high 53 points on the Timberwolves last Friday and looked locked in for the playoff push. Also in his favor: The Lakers come into the game as the worst defense versus power forwards over the last 15 games.

Cameron Johnson - SF/PF, PHO vs. SAC ($3,400)

If I'm going to recommend stars like Stephen Curry and Jayson Tatum, I need to give you all some budget options to fill out the rest of the squad. Cameron Johnson fits that bill perfectly with his $3,400 price tag. The sophomore forward eclipsed 19 fantasy points in six of his last seven games, and his consistency is earning him more playing time. Fortunately for DFS players, Johnson's price hasn't shot up. At the start of this run, he was $3,100, and he's still sitting at $3,400 tonight despite returning at least six times his value in five of seven games. The Kings are a middle-of-the-pack defense versus forwards, and if Johnson gets the playing time, he will have his shot to get another 20-point DraftKings night on his game log.

DraftKings DFS Centers

Hassan Whiteside - C, SAC at PHO ($3,400)

With Richaun Holmes (hamstring) on the sidelines for another couple of games, Hassan Whiteside has a late-season chance to prove what he can do on the court. Last night, he came off the bench and tallied 12 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks in 23 minutes. As long as the Kings like what they saw, he will continue to get his opportunities while Holmes recovers. Whiteside certainly hasn't bounced back in Sacramento, but he is still efficient when he takes the floor. He's averaging 19.6 points, 14.4 boards, and 3.5 blocks per 36 minutes. Whiteside has a fantastic chance for a double-double. Plus, at $3,400, he is an easy play as a scrub to go with your stars on Thursday.

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis