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Zach's top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Friday, 4/11/25. His favorite daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS.
The NBA regular season goes out with a bang over the next three days. Sandwiched around a league-wide off day on Saturday, all 30 NBA teams will take the floor on both Friday night and Sunday afternoon. The first 10 of Friday's 15 games are on the main NBA DFS slate on DraftKings, which tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET and includes the games that start through the two 9:00 p.m. ET tip-offs.
Of the 20 teams on the main slate, the Hawks, Nets, Cavaliers, Pistons, Pacers, Grizzlies, Bucks, Timberwolves, Pelicans, and Knicks are all playing for the second day in a row. At this point in the season, teams are doing lots of different things with their rotations to get a last look at players before the offseason or set their teams for success in the postseason. Even though there is still a lot of uncertainty and things will likely shift before tip-off, several players do stand out as strong options from a DFS perspective on DraftKings coming into the day. If you're looking for help for your FanDuel lineup, check out Thunder Dan's FanDuel picks!
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/11/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EST on DraftKings.
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DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks
Anthony Edwards, MIN – SG ($9.7K)
Edwards and the Timberwolves are still in the middle of the mix in the Western Conference, where seeds No. 3 through No. 8 are still up for grabs. The Timberwolves could end up in the Play-In Tournament or could move up to a normal playoff spot with a strong finish to the season. They face the Nets on Friday in a favorable matchup and finish with the Jazz on Sunday.
Finding teams with plenty to play for is a strong strategy in the closing days of the regular season, and we know that Edwards can step up and deliver when it matters most for Minnesota. He did that on Thursday against the Grizzlies in Memphis, dropping 44 points, five rebounds, three steals, and 59.75 DraftKings points while leading the Wolves to a huge 141-125 road win.
Anthony Edwards answered the call in a PIVOTAL standings battle in Memphis!
🐜 44 PTS
🐜 5 REB
🐜 7 3PM pic.twitter.com/UwJH7W5tLw— NBA (@NBA) April 11, 2025
Edwards has over 42 DraftKings points in six straight games, with two games of at least 59 DraftKings points during that span. He had 28 points and 46.25 DraftKings points in Brooklyn last week, and he should be hyped for the rematch at home this Friday.
Nikola Vucevic, CHI – C ($8.5K)
The Bulls got a big win in their playoff race on Wednesday, beating the Heat at home and likely forcing Miami to visit Chicago for their matchup in the Play-in Tournament. While another massive game from Josh Giddey ($10.5K) and some strange decision-making from Tyler Herro ($9.3K) got the headlines, Vucevic had a big game as well, coming up just two assists short of a triple-double and producing 53.25 DraftKings points.
🇲🇪 Nikola Vučević today highlights vs. Heat:
🏀 20 POINTS
🏀 11 REBOUNDS
🏀 8 ASSISTSBulls won against Heat 119-111 ✅ pic.twitter.com/4w0lz0ZFhe
— DV highlights (@DVhighlights) April 10, 2025
Vucevic has 40+ DraftKings points and a double-double in four straight games, with 50+ DraftKings points in two of those contests.
On Friday, he's in a smash spot against the Wizards, who have struggled all season to slow down opposing centers. Vucevic had 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 53.75 DraftKings points in just 27 minutes against them in his last game against them in January.
Jonathan Mogbo, TOR – PF/C ($5.5K)
While the Raptors won't be headed to the postseason, their young core has had some impressive games over the last few weeks. For Friday's game in Dallas, the team ruled out RJ Barrett (rest), Immanuel Quickley (rest), Jakob Poeltl (hand), and Ja'Kobe Walter (hip). Those absences should clear playing time for several young Raptors, including rookie Jonathan Mogbo, who has been outstanding in the last two games.
Mogbo stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, two steals, and 50.75 DraftKings points in 30 minutes on Sunday against the Nets. He followed that up with another impressive performance that earned him 55 DraftKings points against the Hornets on Wednesday. He registered his first NBA triple-double and finished with 17 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds.
JONATHAN MOGBO IS THE FIRST ROOKIE TO RECORD A TRIPLE-DOUBLE THIS SEASON 😤
🔥 15 points
🔥 11 assists
🔥 10 reboundsAnd a Raptors win in their final home game of the season ✅ pic.twitter.com/VMtju3L5sr
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 10, 2025
Mogbo is an amazing value at this salary and has a high ceiling against the banged-up Mavs, who have clinched a spot in the Play-in Tournament but still have seeding to play for. The second-round pick out of San Francisco has been a great find for Toronto and will look to add another big game to his resume for an expanded role next season.
Others Under Consideration: Ja Morant ($9K), Coby White - SG/SF ($8.7K), Payton Pritchard - PG/SG ($7.2K), Michael Porter Jr. - SF ($7.2K)
DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots
Nikola Jokic, DEN - C ($13K)
The Nuggets seem to be a team in turmoil after their surprising firings earlier this week, but on the court, Jokic continues to churn out big fantasy performances. They are still in the race for playoff positioning in the Western Conference and are in a pace-up spot against the Grizzlies on Friday night.
Jokic has at least 62 DraftKings points in seven straight contests with two ceiling games during that span that earned him 89.25 DraftKings points against the Pacers in his last home game and 98 DraftKings points against the Timberwolves.
Jokic must average 35 points in the last 2 games in order to average 30. He needs just 2 total assists in order to average 10 for the 1st time. He's 2nd in steals & likely to hold on (4 tonight.) He's shooting 58/42/80. He's top 3 in P/R/A. He's also the Nuggets coach. #MVP #King pic.twitter.com/lIkyQ50wQS
— Patrick Rasmussen (@prmorphine) April 10, 2025
This will be the first time that Jokic gets to face the Grizzlies this season, but especially at home, he has been on such a roll that the opponent doesn't really matter as much. His high usage and high ceiling make him worth his high salary if you can fine other value plays on this slate, which shouldn't be too hard with all the regular starters who will be resting.
Quentin Grimes, PHI – PG/SG ($9.3K)
Grimes and the Sixers are in a great pace-up spot as they host the Hawks in Philadelphia. Grimes has been one of the few bright spots in the Sixers' disappointing season and is coming off a double-double that earned 49.25 DraftKings points against the Wizards on Wednesday. He missed his first 10 shots in that game but still put together a solid stat line in the end, thanks to a big second half.
He has over 43 DraftKings points in four of his last five games and is getting a high usage rate with all the Sixers' injuries. The extra usage gives him a very high ceiling in this matchup, even though he isn't quite safe enough to be a core play since the team has nothing to play for.
In the Sixers' last matchup against the Hawks in Atlanta, Grimes had 26 points and 42.75 DraftKings points in 35 minutes.
Bobby Portis, MIL – PF/C ($6K)
Portis returned from his 25-game suspension with four games to prepare for the postseason. He made a splash right away on Tuesday, posting a double-double and earning 40.5 DraftKings points against Minnesota.
BP's BACK BABY!!
Pro Hog & Bucks F/C Bobby Portis @BPortistime w/dbl-dbl = 18p (7-15 FGs, incl 2-6 from 3, & 2-2 FTs), 10r, 2s. 1a, 1b, box +10 in 29m in Milwaukee's 110-103 home win Tues over Minnesota Timberwolves; BP on court for entire 40-13 4th Q run pic.twitter.com/CotMfrs0LJ
— Kevin McPherson (@ARHoopScoop) April 9, 2025
Portis had 14 points, eight rebounds, and 26.5 DraftKings points on Thursday, but as long as he's available for the second game of the back-to-back, he brings a very high ceiling against Detroit, especially if the Bucks opt to rest any other members of the frontcourt.
Keep an eye on the Bucks injury report, but if he is set up for minutes, Portis is a nice option with a high ceiling.
Ty Jerome, CLE - PG ($5K)
Another key injury report to monitor will be the Cavs, who have the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference secured coming into their matchup with the Knicks. Both Donovan Mitchell (ankle) and Darius Garland (toe) sat on Thursday against the Pacers, so Jerome had a chance to step into the starting lineup.
Jerome had a big game with 24 points, six assists, and 38.5 DraftKings points against the Pacers.
IT'S A TY-PHOON IN INDY! @tyjerome_ | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/h9swO5mW41
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 10, 2025
While picking up extra work as the team rests and prepares for the postseason, Jerome has at least 25 DraftKings points in four straight games and six of his last seven. He has a very high ceiling if he gets another start and should be a great place to save salary and still get reliable multi-category production.
Others Under Consideration: Josh Giddey - PG ($10.5K), Anthony Davis - PF ($10.2K), Franz Wagner - SF ($8.6K), Alexandre Sarr - C ($6.5K), Adem Bona - C ($6K), Jamal Shead - PG ($5.3K)
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DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks
Karlo Matkovic, NO - PF/C ($4.6K)
The Pelicans have one of the thinnest rotations in the NBA as they limp to the finish of their injury-ruined season. Matkovic, though, has shown good upside over the last few weeks and emerged as a very viable value play.
On Thursday, he had a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double against the Bucks and finished with 32 DraftKings points.
Karlo Matkovic OH MY GOODNESS 💥pic.twitter.com/Xc02AwUc3T
— Pelicans Nation (@PelsNationCP) April 11, 2025
In his last nine games, he has averaged 26.7 DraftKings points per game on 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 21.8 minutes per game. Depending on who is in and who is out on Friday for the Pelicans, he could start or come off the bench against the Heat, but he should have a chance to be productive for fantasy either way.
Antonio Reeves, NOP – SG/SF ($4K)
Reeves has also risen to the occasion for the Pelicans and has scored 15+ points and 29+ DraftKings points in three straight games.
Antonio Reeves last 3 games
18.7 PPG
3.0 RPG
2.7 APG
2.7 SPG
3.7 3/PG
34.7 MPGI don’t expect any of the vets in New Orleans to make a return and Reeves has played well in big minutes. I would consider him an option for the final 2 games. #FantasyBasketball
— Fantasy 365 (@FantasyBall365) April 11, 2025
He should continue to get plenty of opportunities, so getting him at only $4K makes him one of the top values on the board, especially with his flexibility to fit in either guard or forward.
A.J. Lawson, TOR – PG/SG ($4.4K)
Lawson should get more work with all the Raptors absences discussed above. He's coming off one of his best all-around games of the season on Wednesday against the Hornets. He finished that game with 14 points, a career-high seven assists, and six rebounds for 35 DraftKings points in 28 minutes.
He has scored at least nine points in five straight games and had a few monster games in early March when given extra playing time. He has a high ceiling in Dallas against his former team on Friday.
Jalen Pickett, DEN – PG/SG ($4K)
Pickett started for the fourth time in his last five games and has played over 20 minutes in all six games that the Nuggets have been without Jamal Murray (hamstring) recently. He had a career-high 18 points in Wednesday's win and added four assists on his way to 29.25 DraftKings points.
JALEN PICKETT ON BOTH ENDS OF THE COURT #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/44m4uUAr8r
— PrimeMakar8 (@retro_colorado) April 10, 2025
While the coaching change definitely shook things up, Pickett seems to be one of the early beneficiaries of the transition and should be a great play if he gets 30+ minutes against Memphis on Friday. He's a great option to help balance out spending up on Jokic in this pace-up spot against Memphis.
Others Under Consideration: Orlando Robinson - C ($4.9K), De'Andre Hunter - SF/PF (4.5K), Keion Brooks - SF/PF ($4K), Elfrid Payton - PG ($3.9K), Tyson Etienne - PG ($3.7K), Brandon Williams - PG ($3.2K), Kylor Kelley - C ($3.1K),
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stack
Grizzlies at Nuggets (241.5 total)
The Grizzlies play at the fastest pace in the NBA this season and the Nuggets have been in plenty of high-scoring contests lately as well, making both sides of this contest very stackable in a game that is critical to both teams for playoff seeding.
Zach Edey ($5.8K) is putting together a strong finish to his rookie campaign, while Ja Morant ($9K), Desmond Bane ($8.3K) and Jaren Jackson Jr. ($7.9K) always bring a high ceiling and the potential to go off for a monster game. Scotty Pippen Jr. ($4.7K) and Vince Williams Jr. ($3.3K) are solid affordable ways to round out the stack in their current roles in the second unit.
For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic ($13K) is the right place to start the stack with Jalen Pickett ($4K) helping balance out the spending and Michael Porter Jr. ($7.2K), Aaron Gordon ($6.3K), and Christian Braun ($6.5K) all in good pace-up spots as well.
Hawks at 76ers (240 total)
The only game that comes close to matching that point total is the up-tempo Hawks visiting the inury-depleted Sixers in Philly. The Hawks beat the Nets on Thursday, so watch the injury report closely to see if the regular rotation is adjusted at all for the second night of the back-to-back. Trae Young ($10K) and Dyson Daniels ($7.8K) would be the main parts of a healthy Hawks stack with Terance Mann ($3.3K), Zaccharie Risacher ($4.7K) and Caris LeVert ($4.6K) bringing good value.
For the home team, Quentin Grimes ($9.3K) is definitely still the focus of the offense, but both Jared Butler ($5.5K) and Jeff Dowtin Jr. ($4.9K) have been productive in the backcourt as well. Lonnie Walker IV ($6.2K) and Adem Bona ($6K) have also been solid contributors with high ceilings.
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: Anthony Edwards
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Jonathan Mogbo
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Nikola Jokic
- My favorite VALUE play: Jalen Pickett
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