X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

FanDuel NBA DFS Lineup Picks (4/8/21): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Jimmy Butler - NBA dfs lineup picks, daily fantasy basketball

Juan Carlos Blanco highlights the top FanDuel NBA DFS lineup picks for 4/8/21, and a couple of sleepers to consider while building daily rosters.

We get a nice-sized slate for a Thursday night, as seven contests are on tap. There’s already one virtually confirmed notable absence, as Giannis Antetokounmpo is considered doubtful to face the Mavericks. That takes some of the luster off the Milwaukee-Dallas matchup, but it’s far from the only intriguing game of the night.

A Lakers-Heat Finals rematch – albeit without LeBron and A.D. – and Western Conference Suns-Clippers and Blazers-Jazz showdowns should make the ledger interesting, especially since Phoenix and Utah will be on the second night of a back-to-back set after facing each other Wednesday.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 4/8/21. I’ll be providing multiple player suggestions for players at guard, forward and center on FanDuel, aiming to highlight one option apiece at the high, middle and lower end of the salary scale. You can also check out DraftKings lineup picks and injury news before lineups lock. Good luck, RotoBallers.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

FanDuel DFS Guards

De'Aaron Fox, PG – vs. DET ($9,300)

Fox just racked up 53.7 FD points against the Timberwolves on Monday night, but his salary hasn’t budged whatsoever, and he’s locked into another favorable matchup Thursday. The star guard racked up 49.0 FD points against the Pistons over 38 minutes in his first meeting with them this season, and Detroit is allowing the seventh-most FD points per game (48.9) to point guards in the last 15 contests. Fox is also shooting 48.8 percent, including 40.0 percent from three-point range, with two days of rest between games, his best figures of any time interval between contests.

Collin Sexton, SG – at OKC ($7,500)   

There’s little doubt there will be plenty of DFS attention heaped on Sexton’s backcourt mate Darius Garland, considering he just exploded for a career-high 37 points against the Spurs on Monday and carries a $6,8K salary. However, that was largely an outlier performance for Garland, and it’s actually Sexton who’s been the more consistent of the two this season. Sexton has delivered over 5x a return on his current salary on 16 occasions this season, with nine of those instances coming on the road. He also checks in averaging 37.4 FD points per game over the last nine contests, while the opposing Thunder surrender the fifth-highest offensive efficiency (24.8 percent) to shooting guards, along with the most FD points per game (47.3) over the last 15 contests to the position.

Deandre Bembry, SG – vs. CHI ($5,200)

Bembry has seen a $1.5K boost in salary over Tuesday, when he turned in 34.5 FD points versus the Lakers partly on the strength of five steals, which tied his career high. It was Bembry’s second straight tally of more than 30 FD points, and although backcourt mate Malachi Flynn is likely to draw more attention after scoring 33.5 to 47.2 FD points in the last three, he also requires $900 in additional investment. Bembry’s defensive skills also dovetail well for fantasy purposes with the fact the Bulls are giving up a co-NBA-high 8.6 steals per game. Bembry is also averaging 29.6 FD points per 36 minutes with Kyle Lowry (foot) and Fred VanVleet (hip) off the floor this season, and with both players sitting again Thursday, he could once again deliver a strong return on investment.

Also consider: Luka Doncic ($10,300); Jrue Holiday ($8,800); Mike Conley ($7,200); Malachi Flynn ($6,000)

Want more NBA DFS tools and content? Our NBA Premium package includes our daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Optimizer, and access to our Premium Slack Chatrooms where members can chat with our NBA analysts. Check out this recent big win from RotoBaller premium member Bsuperak on FanDuel - join in on the winning!

 

FanDuel DFS Forwards  

Jimmy Butler, SF- vs. LAL ($9,400)

Butler has a tough matchup on paper against the Lakers, but their numbers against small forwards have largely been forged with LeBron James. Meanwhile, Jimmy Buckets has been one of the more automatic propositions fantasy-wise for the majority of the season, and he’ll come into Thursday’s matchup having scored 41.5 to 52.2 FD points in five of the last six games. Butler also recorded 42.1 FD points across 34 minutes in the  first meeting between the teams Feb. 20 with James on the floor, so his return could certainly be even greater Thursday, especially in a game that could be a wire-to-wire affair.

Kevin Love, PF – at OKC ($5,600)

Love has seen a notable salary bump from a Monday matchup versus the Spurs, when he posted 27.1 FD points across just 26 minutes. That followed a tally of 26.5 FD points across 23 minutes against the Heat a game prior, with Love progressively seeing his playing time increase the more he’s removed from his calf injury. The matchup against the Thunder is a strong one for Love in what should be another start at center with Jarrett Allen (concussion) already ruled out. OKC is allowing the fourth-most FD points per game (58.9) to fives over the last seven contests, which encompasses the amount of time Moses Brown has been starting at center subsequent to the shutting down of Al Horford for the season. It’s also worth mentioning the Thunder allow an NBA-high 9.0 steals per game on their home floor and are giving up 41.1 percent three-point shooting to centers, opening up some additional paths to a strong fantasy return for the multi-talented Love.

Isaiah Stewart, PF – at SAC ($3,700)

Stewart has been delivering some solid returns recently relative to salary, posting 19.4 to 33.2 FD points in five of the last seven games. The rookie big could enjoy some extra opportunity Thursday with Jerami Grant ruled out with knee soreness, as he’s averaging 34.1 FD points per 36 minutes without his teammate on the floor. Stewart’s 6-foot-8 frame makes him an ideal power forward candidate as well, so it isn’t out of the question for him to even enter the starting five in Grant’s stead Thursday. The matchup bodes well for him, as the Kings surrender the highest offensive efficiency to frontcourt players (85.1 percent) and in the paint (62.3 percent). Stewart only needs 18.5 FD points to deliver 5x return on his current salary, a feat he’s already accomplished on 24 occasions.

Also consider: Kristaps Porzingis ($8,400); Bobby Portis ($5,800); Saddiq Bey ($5,100)

 

FanDuel DFS Centers  

Nikola Vucevic– at TOR ($9,900)

It took him a couple games, but Vucevic is back to generating the caliber of production he regularly put up with the Magic prior to his trade to Chicago. The star center has scored 51.6 and 57.7 FD points over his last pair of contests on the strength of two impressive double-doubles. Vucevic is already averaging 45.2 FD points over his first two games against the Raptors this season, and Toronto is allowing 51.6 FD points per game to centers over the last 15 games. It’s also worth noting Vucevic put up a whopping 29 shot attempts in his most recent contest and has averaged 19.5 per game in the last four, so he’s encouragingly beginning to approach the usage he was enjoying in Orlando.

Richaun Holmes – vs. DET ($6,500)

Holmes is another player whose salary has taken a bit of a tumble recently, but he draws an appealing matchup that already helped him to 45.9 FD points in the one prior meeting between the teams Feb. 26. Holmes has put up 19.4 to 37.0 FD points in the last four games, but prior to that stretch, he’d averaged 42.5 FD points over the last 10 contests. The Pistons are also allowing the eighth-highest offensive efficiency (33.0 percent) to centers, along with the 10th-most FD points per game (54.7) to fives over the last seven games. Then, Detroit is tied for the most points in the paint allowed per game (52.3), while Holmes is averaging a career-high 10.3 points per contest in that part of the floor this season.

Moses Brown – vs. CLE ($5,100)

Brown has seen almost a $2K drop in salary since Monday, when he put up his third straight sub-30-FD-point tally. The fact he’s underperformed recently combined with his new bargain salary makes him particularly appealing Thursday, and the favorable positional matchup is just the proverbial icing on the cake. The Cavaliers are surrendering 54.0 FD points per game to centers for the season, including the seventh most (56.4) in the last 15 contests. Cleveland also ranks in the bottom half of the league with 53.4 rebounds per away game surrendered, and the combination of the Cavs’ 42.9 percent shooting on the road with the Thunder’s own pedestrian 45.5 percent success rate from the floor at home should afford Brown plenty of opportunities on both the offensive and defensive glass.

Also consider: Rudy Gobert ($8,100); Mason Plumlee ($6,200); DeMarcus Cousins ($4,100)



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Corey Heim

Does Not Qualify for Cup Race at Chicago Street Course
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF