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The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on April 1, 2021. Euan Leith provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
Happy April Fool's Day, RotoBallers! We welcome the second quarter of 2021 with open arms and hope that teams don't play a prank on us with late-developing lineup news. It's been a problem all season, but you will be as up-to-date as possible if you are following the Rotoballer accounts.
There are seven games on the docket tonight with opposite ends of the spectrum on display. The Denver-Los Angeles game gives us two teams with the highest offensive rating in the league over the last ten days, but they also play at a plodding pace. Meanwhile, Washington and Detroit rank in the bottom-half of offensive rating, but the Wizards play the fastest pace in the association. It will all make for some intriguing lineup builds and plenty of variation.
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/1/21. 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.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Kyrie Irving - PG/SG, BKN vs. CHA ($9,800)
James Harden left last night's game with a hamstring strain and should be doubtful for tonight's game at best. His absence gives Kyrie Irving a sky-high DFS ceiling against the Charlotte Hornets tonight. The 29-year old was magnificent last night against the Rockets with 31 points, 12 assists, six rebounds, a steal, and three triples for 60.5 DraftKings fantasy points.
Irving will be the primary ball-handler for a Nets offense with a hobbled Harden that leads the league with a 117.3 offensive rating. Charlotte is a middle-of-the-road defense versus guards and doesn't pose a threat to capping Irving's fantasy output. He's the fifth-most expensive player on the slate and will be chalk, but it will be hard to go against that in cash games.
Saben Lee - PG, DET vs. WAS ($4,500)
Detroit is in a full-blown rebuild as they struggle through the 2021 season, and it means a lot of young players are getting extended looks for the Pistons. Saben Lee is no exception. Dennis Smith Jr. (back) has been out for seven of the last ten games and wasn't on the court for the first half of this back-to-back on Wednesday. As long as he sits, Lee should get some much-needed court time against the Wizards, and he will produce positive fantasy results.
He's played 24 minutes in two of the last three games and provided seven and eight-times his salary in both matchups. With Smith out, the rookie will have a chance to shine against a Wizards team that pushes the ball up the court like no one else in the league. Those extra possessions will come in handy and give Lee the opportunity he needs tonight.
Luke Kennard - SG/SF, LAC vs. DEN ($4,200)
Paul George (foot) is out for tonight's game against the Nuggets, and that opens the door for another big night for Luke Kennard. His first season in LA has been a bit of a disappointment considering the size of his offseason contract, but he's showing signs of life in George's absence. Over his last two games, the 24-year old is averaging 19 points on 13.5 shot attempts, four rebounds, two assists, four three-pointers, and shooting the lights out. Kennard is 14-for-27 from the field and 8-for-18 behind the three-point line.
Besides George, Rajon Rondo, Serge Ibaka, and Patrick Beverley will also sit. With a lack of ball handlers and playmakers on offense, the Clippers will be relying on Kennard to continue his recent run. He's scored at least 17 points in back to back for the first time this season, and he will look to make it three-straight when the Nuggets visit the Staples Center tonight.
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DraftKings DFS Forwards
Brandon Ingram - SF, NO vs. ORL ($7,800)
Ingram could be the star of the show on offense for the Pelicans tonight. Zion Williamson (thumb) and Lonzo Ball (hip) may both sit out, and it would be highly advantageous for Ingram and his DFS production. The 23-year old has been a bit of a rollercoaster since the All-Star break, but a lack of star running mates should give him a long runway to a big Thursday night.
Ingram is averaging 23.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers on the season. Those numbers are coming out to 39.9 fantasy points per game. I expect him to crush that average tonight against a Magic defense ranked third-worst in the league versus small forwards. With increased usage and a plus matchup, the 2016 first-round pick should be a big priority for your roster.
Joe Harris - SF/PF, BKN vs. CHA ($5,500)
I'm starting to get on board with the idea of stacking Kyrie Irving and Joe Harris tonight. With Harden (hamstring) and Kevin Durant (hamstring) playing for the Nets, there will be a massive uptick in Harris' usage. Ignore the splashy signing in the frontcourt the team has made. Go with the guy they sign to a huge contract last offseason.
Last night, Harris produced 39 fantasy points when he dropped 28 points on 7-for-12 shooting from behind the three-point line. He also chipped in with six rebounds. The Nets trusted 29-year old to step up for the team when they needed him, and it will be a great spot to reward their faith in him against the Hornets on Thursday.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Bam Adebayo - C, MIA vs. GS ($8,300)
Since returning from a knee issue, Adebayo has been extremely reliable to lean on in DFS. On Thursday, he faces off against a Warriors frontcourt that's fifth-worst versus power forwards and third-worst against centers. Adebayo has no competition for touches right now and will dominate this Warriors unit.
Over his last seven contests, Adebayo is averaging 21 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, two blocks, and one steal nightly. He hasn't scored less than 16 points or corralled less than eight rebounds in any of those seven matchups. I love Adebayo as a steady play in lineups if you can't get all the way to Nikola Jokic ($10,600).
Isaiah Hartenstein - C, CLE vs. PHI ($3,700)
I may be chasing fool's gold, but I am buying into Hartenstein as a solid play on Thursday. Last time out, he recorded five points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, one block, and a three-pointer in 26 minutes. Hartenstein's teammates, Jarrett Allen (concussion), Larry Nance Jr. (illness), and Kevin Love (calf), are all out or questionable for tonight's game against the 76ers. While Philly does have a tough frontcourt defense, Hartenstein can contribute in so many ways that he's a perfect punt/salary relief play at the center position or the utility spot.
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