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DraftKings Daily Fantasy Basketball Picks (4/18/18): NBA DFS Lineups

The playoffs continue and will feature three solid games on Wednesday night. With so many high-cost options available, you may have to depend on guys who aren't going to hit value, but will get you just enough to make a difference. The Indiana/Cleveland game will feature the fastest pace, followed by Houston/Minnesota and then OKC/Utah.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/18/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on DraftKings.

You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. Let me know how I did by giving me a shout on Twitter @Den_Clausen. Good luck!

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DraftKings DFS Guards

James Harden - PG/SG, vs. MIN ($11,200)

Harden played freakishly well against Minnesota on Sunday, scoring 44 points over 40 minutes of play. He seemingly toyed with the Wolves all game long, Euro Stepping and Step Backing all over the place with little effort. Game 1 wasn't an isolated incident either as the MVP front-runner has had their number all season. Expect nothing to change in Game 2.

Russell Westbrook - PG, vs. UTA ($10,800)

Westbrook is another obvious choice for DFS lineups on Wednesday as he played astoundingly against the defensively-sound Jazz in Game 1. He has played well against Utah at home this season, averaging 29 points, 11 boards and 10.5 assists at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Those numbers diminish significantly playing on the road in Utah, but we can worry about that in a few days.

Eric Gordon - PG/SG, vs. MIN ($4,700)

With Gordon, I am choosing to look at the bigger picture here. Game 1 was a mess for him, finishing with only seven points. However, he did take an abundance of shots and also played 30 minutes, which is a lot for anyone to play off the bench in the Playoffs. He is too good of a shooter to go only 3-for-10 from the field and 1-for-7 from deep, so if you are willing to take a risk, which is something we have to do in these big-time tournaments, it could pay off.

Derrick Rose - PG, @ HOU ($3,600)

Rose will likely be a popular DFS play as a result of his sturdy play in Game 1. Rose came off the bench and played 24 minutes on Sunday, finishing the night with 24 fantasy points, which was just under eight times his value. You can also choose to fade him out of your lineup altogether if you are looking to get a leg up on those who are hoping for a repeat performance in Game 2. In the case, if you have a few extra bucks to spare, you can throw in Jamal Crawford instead.

Other DraftKings DFS Guards to Consider: Jamal Crawford, Alex Abrines, Victor Oladipo, Donovan Mitchell (if he plays), J.R. Smith

 

DraftKings DFS Forwards

LeBron James - SF/PF, vs. IND ($11,500)

James also had a stellar Game 1 performance, scoring 24 points on 7-for-17 shooting from the field in addition to 12 assists and 10 rebounds. He has played well against the Pacers all season, averaging 28.8 points, 10.5 assists and 8.5 rebounds over four meetings with the club throughout the year. With the lack of offensive options on the Cavs' roster, the King is a sure bet to amass a serious amount of fantasy points. However, you will likely get similar production from either Westbrook or Harden, and you will save some money to boot.

Paul George - SF/PF, vs. UTA ($8,300)

George didn't see too much of a price hike despite playing well on Sunday. We tend to forget how talented George can actually be, and though he isn't going to get you LeBron-like numbers on a consistent basis, he can get you something close to it and at a reduced price. Priced at only $8,300, he will only need 41.5 fantasy points to hit value, something that will likely happen in Game 2.

Carmelo Anthony - SF/PF, vs. UTA ($5,400)

Melo is another guy who received only a minimal price increase for Game 2. Priced at only $5,300 on Sunday, Anthony accumulated 36.3 fantasy points in Game 1. He's not consistent by any means and is a risky play, but at only $5,400, it is a risk worth taking.

Other DraftKings DFS Forwards to Consider: Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr., Bojan Bogdanovic, Jae Crowder, Corey Brewer, P.J. Tucker (if Ryan Anderson sits), Taj Gibson

 

DraftKings DFS Centers

Karl-Anthony Towns - C, @ HOU ($8,900)

Towns had a very disappointing performance in Game 1. Despite matching up favorably against Houston during the regular season, Towns disappeared, scoring only eight points off of nine shots. He did grab 12 boards, but to say he played like garbage is an understatement. Coach Thibs was not too pleased either after this disastrous performance and as a result, look for Towns to come out hot in Game 2.

Other DraftKings DFS Centers to Consider: Clint Capela

 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

George Kittle

Still Hoping to be Ready for Week 1
Micah Parsons

Expected to Open Training Camp on the PUP List
Tucker Kraft

Packers Hopeful Tucker Kraft Will Participate in Training Camp
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Held Out of OTAs on Wednesday
Jayden Daniels

Participating in Commanders OTAs
Chris Bell

No Timetable for Chris Bell's Return from Knee Surgery
De'Von Achane

Limited in OTAs Due to Recovery From Shoulder Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

Participating in Packers OTAs
Josh Jacobs

No Criminal Charges Filed Against Josh Jacobs
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez Pulled Early on Wednesday With Hamstring Issue
Daniel Jones

Present at OTA Practice on Wednesday
CFB

Drew Mestemaker a Top Big 12 Quarterback Right Away?
T.J. Hockenson

Dynasty Stock Continues to Trend Down
Jordan Addison

Is Jordan Addison a Clear Buy-Low Candidate Ahead of 2026?
Cade Otton

Continues to Offer Depth in Dynasty Leagues
PGA

Sungjae Im Remains Boom-or-Bust at Colonial
Jared Goff

Continues to Have Dynasty Appeal at 31 Years Old
Tez Johnson

No Clear Path to Fantasy Relevance for Tez Johnson in Tampa Bay?
PGA

Michael Thorbjornsen Trending in Wrong Direction Entering Colonial
Zach Ertz

Could Still Contribute in Dynasty Leagues
De'Aaron Fox

Limited to Nine Points in Game 5 Loss
Russell Henley

a Top Option at Colonial
Dyami Brown

Holds Little Dynasty Value in His Return to Washington
Harry Hall

Hoping Putter Carries Him at Colonial
Julian Champagnie

Notches 22 Points With Four Triples Tuesday
Trevor Etienne

Could Still Find Dynasty Relevance After Quiet Rookie Season
Stephon Castle

Leads Spurs in Scoring Tuesday Night
Rickie Fowler

Looks to Regain Momentum at Colonial
Victor Wembanyama

Struggles in Game 5 Loss to Thunder
Bam Knight

Dynasty Value Has Run Dry in Crowded Running Back Room
Alex Caruso

a Difference-Maker Again in Game 5
Pierceson Coody

Looking to Stay Hot at Colonial
Jared McCain

Produces 20 Points in First Playoff Start
Mac Jones

and 49ers Agree to a Revised Contract
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores Game-High 32 Points in Game 5 Win
Martin Necas

Collects an Assist in Game 4 Loss to Golden Knights
Gabriel Landeskog

Scores Only Avalanche Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Carter Hart

Finishes Series-Clincher With 20 Saves
Dylan Coghlan

Continues Unlikely Success Story
Cole Smith

Scores Series-Clincher Tuesday Night
Mark Stone

Nets Another Goal as Golden Knights Finish Off Avalanche
Ludvig Aberg

Looking to Exchange Momentum for a Victory in Fort Worth
Stephan Jaeger

Trending Upward as PGA Heads to Fort Worth
Max Homa

Comes Off Awful Putting Performance at PGA Championship
Tony Finau

Faces Different Test at the Colonial
Robert MacIntyre

Seeks Better Beginning in Fort Worth
Tom Hoge

Ups and Downs Could Continue at Colonial
Brian Harman

Not Having the Best Golf Season in 2026
Austin Eckroat

Struggling Too Often Heading to Charles Schwab Challenge
Zach Bauchou

Tries to Keep Momentum Rolling at Colonial
Keegan Bradley

Looking to Rebound at Colonial
Tory Horton

Could Do Some Stuff "Toward the End of Spring"
Jared McCain

Moves into Starting Five
Boston Celtics

Joe Mazzulla Wins Coach of the Year
Jalen Williams

is Ruled Out for Game 5 on Tuesday
Zion Williamson

to See More Versatile Role
Cleveland Cavaliers

Kenny Atkinson to Remain Cavaliers Head Coach Next Season
Claude Giroux

Planning to Return for 20th NHL Campaign
Carter Hart

Aiming for Sixth Consecutive Win Tuesday
Evgeni Malkin

Inks New One-Year Deal With Penguins
Mackenzie Blackwood

in Net for Game 4 Against Golden Knights
Valeri Nichushkin

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Nathan MacKinnon

Will Suit Up Tuesday
Ben Griffin

Looking to Repeat This Week at Colonial
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Player to Avoid at Charles Schwab Challenge
Hideki Matsuyama

Needs Solid Driving Week at Charles Schwab Challenge
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of Charles Schwab Challenge
Akshay Bhatia

Lacking Driving Prowess Needed at Colonial Country Club
CFB

DJ Lagway Looking to Rebound at Baylor
CFB

Josh Hoover Tasked With Leading Indiana Back to the Playoffs
CFB

Braylon Staley the Next 1,000-Yard Tennessee Receiver?
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Return Timeline Remains Unclear
Evan Mobley

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 15 Points
James Harden

Wants to Stay in Cleveland
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Committed to Cavaliers
Mikal Bridges

Cools Off in Game 4 Against Cavaliers
OG Anunoby

Active on Both Ends in Blowout Win
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads Knicks in Scoring During Series-Clincher
Jalen Brunson

Named Eastern Conference Finals MVP
Ivan Demidov

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Lane Hutson

Records Power-Play Goal in Game 3 Loss
Frederik Andersen

Enjoys Another Easy Night at the Office in Game 3
Shayne Gostisbehere

Scores First Postseason Goal
Taylor Hall

Ends Four-Game Goal Drought
Andrei Svechnikov

Scores Game 3 Winner in Overtime
Gage Jump

Athletics to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Gage Jump to Major Leagues
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder is Ruled Out for Game 4 on Monday
Michael Porter Jr.

Nets Could Trade Michael Porter Jr.
Valeri Nichushkin

Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin Uncertain for Game 4
Oliver Kapanen

Sitting as Healthy Scratch Monday
Max Domi

Out Indefinitely Due to Offseason Surgery Complications
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Daniel Suarez

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF