DraftKings NBA DFS Picks for Today (Wednesday, 4/2/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

April 2, 2025

Zach's top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Wednesday, 4/2/25. His favorite daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS.

With less than two weeks remaining in the NBA regular season, DraftKings has an eight-game slate lined up for Wednesday night. The action tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET when three games get underway, and it includes all the games on the schedule except the late game between the Pelicans and the Clippers, which is available as a showdown contest. The eight matchups on the slate offer some good matchups to consider for DFS fantasy basketball on what should be another fun night filled with drama.

Of the 16 teams on the main slate, the Hawks, Nuggets, Knicks, and Spurs are playing for the second night in a row, while the Heat and Wizards are on the front half of their back-to-back games. Even with some uncertainty in those rotations, several players stand out as strong options from a DFS perspective on DraftKings. 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 4/2/25. 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. 

DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks

Nikola Jokic, DEN – C ($12.5K)

I don't typically highlight Jokic as a core play since he is so expensive and is difficult to build around on many slates, but this Wednesday against the Spurs, he is in such a smash spot that his ceiling is too high to pass up, even at his elevated salary. There should be enough cheap value at other spots to make his hefty price tag work.

Jokic is coming off a monster game on Tuesday night in a one-point loss to the Timberwolves. He finished with 61 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds, and 98 DraftKings points.

🃏 NIKOLA JOKIĆ, A GAME FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS 🃏

🤯 61 PTS
🤯 10 REB
🤯 10 AST
🤯 6 3PM
🤯 2 STL

An all-time showing from an all-time player! pic.twitter.com/fdFyl2RyHU

— NBA (@NBA) April 2, 2025

Despite the fact that he played 53 minutes, I'm going back to him again on the second night of the back-to-back as long as he's ready to roll against the Spurs. San Antonio has no answer for him with Victor Wembanyama (blood clot) unavailable. Charles Bassey ($5.4K; injury management) and Jeremy Sochan ($5.3K; back) both missed Tuesday's game, but even if both return, they won't be able to slow down Jokic.

In each of his three games since returning from injury, Jokic posted over 60 fantasy points, including a pair of triple-doubles. He had 83 and 82.25 DraftKings points in his two games this season against San Antonio, so as long as he's a full go on Wednesday night, he should be ready to deliver another monster game.

Donovan Mitchell, CLE – PG/SG ($8.8K)

The Cavs have been crushing everyone for most of the season, and on Wednesday, they'll host the Knicks, who are coming into Cleveland on the second night of their back-to-back. Mitchell has been outstanding over the last three games, posting 63, 50.75, and 59 DraftKings points against the Spurs, Pistons, and Clippers, respectively.

He had a double-double with 25 points and 14 assists against the Spurs to start that three-game run and finished it with a double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds against the Clippers.

The Cleveland Cavs are officially a 60-win team this season.

That's something that Cavs fans haven't been able to say in a while.

What a difference Donovan Mitchell makes.

In the pre-Spida era, the Cavs totaled 60 wins over 3 seasons combined from 2018-2021:
🔸19-63 (2018-19)… pic.twitter.com/WzpolMAd3j

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 31, 2025

After a little bit of a slow stretch in mid-March, Spida is primed and ready to roll down the stretch and into the playoffs. This matchup gives him another chance to help his team grab a statement win, and he brings an extremely high ceiling, given his recent output.

Spencer Dinwiddie, DAL – PG/SG ($6.3K)

Dinwiddie has been stepping in for the Mavs ever since the trade of Luka Doncic and the injury to Kyrie Irving (knee). He definitely has had his ups and downs, but he has produced excellent fantasy results over the last few weeks for an option available at barely over $6K.

Dinwiddie has over 31 DraftKings points in seven of his last eight games, averaging 37.8 DraftKings points per game at the rate of 1.11 DraftKings points per minute. He had four games of over 44 DraftKings points during that run, including 44.5 DraftKings points Saturday in Chicago.

Dinwiddie vs Bulls:

14 PTS
8 REB
11 AST

Leading the Mavs in assists this season. pic.twitter.com/xt8sXRAIGM

— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 30, 2025

The Mavs are in a good pace-up spot against the Hawks, who are also finishing a back-to-back set of games. As the team gets healthier, Dinwiddie may carry less of the scoring load, but his typically strong non-scoring numbers still make him a good option with such a big workload at this price point.

Others Under Consideration: Trae Young - PG ($9.8K), Tyrese Haliburton - PG ($8.7K), Jarrett Allen - C ($6.6K)

DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Jayson Tatum, BOS - SF/PF ($10.5K)

The Celtics host the Heat on Wednesday night, and Tatum may have to carry more of the workload than usual. The team listed Jaylen Brown ($8.2K; knee), Kristaps Porzingis ($8K; reconditioning), and Jrue Holiday ($6.3K; shoulder) as questionable and Al Horford ($5.5K; toe) as doubtful. If the other contributors in the rotation are out, Tatum could get even more work in what should be a good spot against the banged-up Heat.

Tatum missed a game after spraining his ankle in Sacramento but has returned with big games against the Spurs and Grizzlies. He had 57.7 DraftKings points against the Spurs on Saturday and followed that with 48 DraftKings points in Memphis on Monday.

The Mayor of Memphis tonight:

25 PTS
14 REB
2 AST
1 BLK
10/23 FG

14-1 against the Grizzlies in his career. pic.twitter.com/k41XiuePCP

— JT Muse (@TatumMuse) April 1, 2025

He had a double-double in each of those two games and has taken 20+ field goal attempts in eight of his last 10 games, averaging 53.6 DraftKings points per contest with a 34.7% usage rate. With so much work on a regular basis and possibly even more on Wednesday, he is in a smash spot at home against the Heat.

Miles Bridges, CHA – PF ($9.2K)

The Hornets will continue to rely on Bridges to carry their offense without LaMelo Ball (wrist, ankle) for the rest of the season. Bridges has shown a very high ceiling when asked to step into the primary role in the offense and came close to a triple-double on Monday while posting 55.5 DraftKings points against the Jazz.

🇺🇸 Miles Bridges today highlights vs. Jazz:

🏀 26 POINTS
🏀 10 REBOUNDS
🏀 8 ASSISTS

Hornets won against Jazz 110-106 ✅ pic.twitter.com/53L6545n4r

— DV highlights (@DVhighlights) April 1, 2025

Bridges has been up and down over the last month since the team is doing different things with the rotation, but he has a very high ceiling as the Hornets take on the Pacers. He has at least 54 DraftKings points in five of his last 13 contests and is averaging 43.2 DraftKings points per game in his 15 games without Ball in 2025.

Keyonte George, UTA – PG/SG ($6.5K)

The Jazz have been switching up their rotation on a nightly basis as well, but George has shown he can put up good numbers when he gets the chance to step up. With Lauri Markkanen (knee) still out and Collin Sexton ($5.9K; pelvis) questionable, George could have more offensive responsibilities again on Wednesday in Houston.

He had 20 points and 33.5 DraftKings points on Monday in Charlotte without Sexton and Markkanen, and has posted over 30 DraftKings points in three straight and five of his last seven.

The @utahjazz fall to the @hornets 110-106.

Keyonte George led the Jazz with 20 points in the loss. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/eHGtxFfrGP

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) April 1, 2025

He had 32.25 DraftKings points in 29 minutes against the Rockets last week, and he could get even more work in this rematch if Sexton is ruled out. His multi-category potential makes him a high-ceiling option in the backcourt.

Dennis Schroder, DET - PG/SG ($6K)

With Cade Cunningham ($10.3K; calf) doubtful and Marcus Sasser suspended, Schroder will likely have a large workload in a tough matchup against the Thunder. Schroder has struggled with his shot in the last two games, going just 8-for-26 (30.7%) from the field, but he still has put up 43.75 and 34.0 DraftKings points since he has handed out double-digit assists.

Dennis Schroder has been an absolutely key addition for the Pistons. Not only because he's been pretty solid in his role, but also because Cade was the only genuine lead handler on the team prior to Schroder's arrival.

It wasn't ideal when Ivey was moonlighting in that role with… pic.twitter.com/hJmogWzc9W

— .Mike (@ToTheBasketPod) March 30, 2025

Especially without Sasser now, Schroder will have to play plenty of minutes on Wednesday. If the Pistons can stay within striking distance of the high-powered Thunder, Schroder could end up an outstanding value at this salary.

Others Under Consideration: Domantas Sabonis - C ($9.5K), Josh Hart - SF/PF ($8.4K), Derrick White - PG/SG ($7.9K), Kyle Filipowski - PF/C ($7K), Stephon Castle - PG/SG ($6.9K), Jordan Poole - PG/SG ($6.3K), Christian Braun - SG/SF ($6.4K), Malik Beasley - SG/SF ($5.9K), Isaiah Collier - PG ($5.8), Jabari Smith Jr. - PF/C ($5.3K)

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DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks

Pelle Larsson, MIA – SG/SF ($4.3K)

The Heat have been without Duncan Robinson (back) and Andrew Wiggins (hamstring) for the first two games of their road trip, which continues on Wednesday with a stop in Boston. Larsson has stepped into the starting five and played 30 minutes in each of those two games and been very impressive, especially for an option barely over $4K.

On Saturday in Philly, Larsson had 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocked shots for a total of 40 DraftKings points. He followed that up with 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and 32.25 DraftKings points against the Wizards on Monday.

Pelle Larsson Stats When Playing 25+ Mins This Season:

13.7 PPG
4.0 RPG
3.0 APG
1.7 SPG
0.3 BPG
54.4 FG%
40.9 3P%
+81
4-2 W/L

Making a real case for making an All-Rookie team this season ‼️🔥 pic.twitter.com/zpGgPKoYYh

— 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝⚡️ (@TwoWayDav) April 1, 2025

Even though it isn't a great matchup against the Celtics, Larsson is a great value at this salary if he continues to fill in for Wiggins and Robinson.

Obi Toppin, IND – PF/C ($4.5K)

Toppin is another player who has had to step into a larger role lately and has returned good value. With Myles Turner ($6.3K; illness) questionable, he could be in for more work again on Wednesday in a favorable matchup against the Hornets.

Toppin has been excellent off the bench, whether Turner is available or not, producing over 25 DraftKings points in four of his last five games. He showed off his sky-high ceiling in a 34-point double-double in mid-March that earned him 57.5 DraftKings points against the Timberwolves, but he has also been fairly consistent with double-digit points in eight of his nine games dating back to that monster performance.

Obi Toppin over his last 10 games is averaging

15 PTS
4 REB
2 AST
58/51/75 (5.7 3PA/GM)
74 TS%

Those aren’t hollow numbers; Obi’s impact on winning has been significant (7-3 W/L) pic.twitter.com/HCUGKClv9K

— Wes Trueblood (@TruebloodWesley) April 1, 2025

Delon Wright, NYK – PG ($4.5K)

The Knicks have been extremely short-handed at point guard with Jalen Brunson (ankle), Miles McBride (groin), and Cameron Payne (ankle) all missing the last three games. Wright and Tyler Kolek ($3.5K) have stepped up to help shoulder the load, with Wright as the more productive fantasy option.

In each of his last three games, Wright has logged at least 30 minutes. He hasn't gone off for huge numbers with a solid cast still around him, but he did post at least 23 DraftKings points in each contest and is coming off a 12-point game on Tuesday that earned him 29 DraftKings points against the Sixers.

As long as those three other guards are sidelined, Wright should get enough time to be a viable value play, even in a tough matchup against the Cavs.

Julian Champagnie, SA – SG/SF ($3.4K)

Champagnie got some extra run on Tuesday night and delivered 19 points and 29 DraftKings points in the Spurs' loss to the Magic. He knocked down five three-pointers and has multiple three-pointers in five of his last seven contests.

In his last six games, Champagnie has produced at least 18 DraftKings points five times and over 27 DraftKings points three times. You'll want to check the Spurs' injury report on the second night of their back-to-back, but if Chapagnie is lined up for good minutes and usage against the Nuggets, he's an excellent value under $3.5K.

Others Under Consideration: KJ Simpson - PG ($5.2K), Aaron Nesmith - SG/SF ($5.1K), Keldon Johnson - SF/PF ($5.2K), Luke Kornet - C ($5K), Oscar Tshiebwe - C ($4.5K), Cason Wallace - PG/SF ($4.4K), Isaiah Joe - SG/SF ($4.3K), Mitchell Robinson - C ($4K), Johnny Juzang - SG/SF ($3.9K), Jaylen Martin - SF ($3.8K)

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stack

Hawks at Mavericks (237.5 total)

The Hawks are finishing a back-to-back as they visit the Mavs after losing 127-113 to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Trae Young ($9.8K) was excellent with 29 points, 15 assists, and 63.5 DraftKings points despite leaving the game for a short time after being poked in the eye. Trae has 55+ DraftKings in three straight games and is a good pay-up play to build around, while Dyson Daniels ($7.7K) is a good complement as well but is a pricey option against the Mavs. If you need cheaper pieces for your Hawks stack, Vit Krejci ($3.7K), Caris LeVert ($4.6K), and Zaccharie Risacher ($4.7K) are options to consider, along with backup center Dominick Barlow ($3.3K), who is a punt play to check out.

The real value, though, is on the other side of this matchup, attacking the Mavs in a pace-up spot against Atlanta. Spencer Dinwiddie ($6.3K) is where I would start the stack with Anthony Davis ($9.6K) as a high-end option and Klay Thompson ($5.4K), Max Christie ($3.9K), and Jaden Hardy ($3.4K) nice pieces to include to save some salary.

Pistons at Thunder (231.5 total)

The Pistons are in a tough spot since they'll be without multiple suspended players and likely Cade Cunningham for a fifth straight game. Dennis Schroder ($6K) could end up doing a little of everything, while Malik Beasley ($5.9K) and Tobias Harris ($6.3K) will have to help carry the scoring load. Paul Reed ($3.1K), Simone Fontecchio ($3.3K), and Lindy Waters ($3K) will likely get extra work in the second unit in the new-look rotation without Marcus Sasser, Isaiah Stewart, and Ron Holland II.

The Thunder continue to rumble to the best record in the NBA and are piling up all kinds of superlatives coming down the stretch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11K) always has a high ceiling if you have the salary to pay for him. The other more expensive options have been a little underwhelming on a value basis lately, but Isaiah Joe ($4.3K) and Cason Wallace ($4.4K) have been exceptional value plays. You could even go cheaper with Alex Caruso ($3.8K) or Kenrich Williams ($3.7K) to round out the stack if you need to scrape for salary.

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: Donovan Mitchell
• My favorite CASH play on the slate:  Spencer Dinwiddie
• My favorite GPP play on the slate: Jayson Tatum
• My favorite VALUE play: Pelle Larsson

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