👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings NBA DFS Picks for Today (Thursday, 4/3/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Paolo Banchero - NBA DFS Lineup Picks, Daily Fantasy Basketball

Dan's favorite DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Thursday - 4/3/25. His top daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS contests.

Things are getting hairier every day for us NBA DFS players. But if you are willing to grind it out til the end of the year and play some guys you've never rostered before all year, you might just find yourself atop the leaderboard at the end of the night.

The last few weeks of the regular season are for the die-hards. Whether you just need to get those DK crowns, or you are someone who watches the league every night and you think you have an edge on the field with your knowledge of rotations, there are still contests to play and money to be won! So let's do it!

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/3/25. 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. 

Featured Promo: New Novig users get a $25 purchase match (50% discount up to $25) on your first Novig deposit, and 6 free months of RotoBaller's "Big-4" Premium Pass (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) which includes exclusive tools for Betting, Props, DFS and more! CLAIM IT NOW

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks

Paolo Banchero, ORL - PF ($9.9K) 

If there's one guy to pay up tonight, I think it's Banchero. We always love targeting Washington with opposing offensive players, and on most nights, we love playing either Paolo or teammate Franz Wagner since both guys do so much of the heavy lifting for this Orlando squad.

Banchero has separated from Wagner a bit in the last month in terms of his production, which is why he costs an extra $1,100. While Wagner is a pure scorer, Paolo can rack up big rebounding and assist totals, as he did the last time he faced the Wizards and dropped 30-8-5 on them in just 31 minutes.

I think Franz is a solid play tonight, too, but I like paying a little extra for the player with the higher ceiling here, and that's Paolo.

Deni Avdija, POR - SF/PF ($8.6K)

Deni has been simply incredible down the stretch in terms of his statistical production. He cracked the 70 DK-point barrier last game against Atlanta with a massive 32-15-10 line and has two 60+ DK-point games on his resume in the last month.

With Portland handing him the keys to the offense here at the end of the season, Deni has thrived. He can hit outside shots and also get to the rim. He is constantly hounding the boards while functioning as their de facto point guard.

I think Deni could be in line for another monster triple-double tonight against a very bad Toronto team that is resting a lot of their starters, too.

Others Under Consideration: Giannis Antetokounmpo - PF/C ($12.1K), LeBron James - SF/PF ($10.1K)

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Tyler Herro, MIA - PG ($9K)

Herro has been so consistent for Miami lately that it's hard not to love him at this price. Just look at his production from the last six games.

He's dipped under 40 DK points just once in that stretch and is fresh off a 51 DK-point masterpiece against Boston. Since taking over as point guard, he's posting big assist numbers along with his scoring, and is easily hitting his floor on a nightly basis.

Memphis has been terrible defensively, and I want to attack them with either Herro or Bam in this spot tonight.

Shaedon Sharpe, POR – PG/SG ($7.1K)

Sharpe erupted for 56 DK points in his last outing and is playing heavy minutes - nearly 40 per game over the last few weeks.

His scoring prowess has been impressive, and he should be able to get what he wants tonight against this Toronto team that is tanking with nothing to play for. I want to target both sides of this game, as I think it has the classic appeal of a game that means nothing in the standings but everything to the players who want to put up big stats.

Pairing Sharpe with Avdija and running it back with some cheaper Toronto options makes a lot of sense to me.

Others Under Consideration: Bam Adebayo - PF/C ($8.8K), Kyle Kuzma - SF/PF ($6.2K)

 

Want more NBA DFS tools and exclusive content? Check out our premium daily content from proven winner Jamie Calandro! Grab an NBA season pass and get access to our daily projections, optimizer, Jamie's personal picks, props, advice, and VIP chat rooms. Use promo code THUNDERDAN at checkout to save 10 percent

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks

Ja'Kobe Walter, TOR – SG/SF ($4.2K)

Walter should start and play big minutes tonight. He's a volume scorer but has shown he can return seven-to-eight times his value on this pricetag before.

Zach Edey, MEM - C ($4.5K)

Edey is always a dicey play because of potential foul trouble or if teams decide to go small and he gets run off the court, but he's played 30 minutes in two of his last three games and can post big rebounding numbers.

Kyle Anderson, MIA - PF ($3.6K)

Anderson is excellent on a per-minute basis and is getting enough minutes now in the Miami rotation to where he's a top value tonight.

Tristan Vukcevic, WAS - C (4.4K)

UGH, I hate guessing the Washington rotation, but it seems like Vuk is going to get at least 20 minutes a night down the stretch even if it is off the bench. He is simply too good per minute to ignore at this price, as he can easily get to 30 DK points with his skill set.

Others Under Consideration: Jamal Shead - PG ($4.5K), Jaylen Wells - SF ($3.2K), Jamison Battle - SF ($3.7K)

 

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.



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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Thomas Bryant

Practices in Limited Capacity Wednesday
Spencer Jones

Limited at Wednesday's Practice
Peyton Watson

Limited to Non-Contact Work at Practice
Bam Adebayo

NBA Investigating LaMelo Ball's Trip of Bam Adebayo
Isaiah Jackson

Cleared for Wednesday
Terrance Ferguson

Can Terrance Ferguson Establish a More Consistent Role in 2026?
Dalton Schultz

Could See a Reduced Role in Houston in 2026
Kimani Vidal

Playing Time in Los Angeles an Open Question Heading into 2026
Juwan Johnson

Looking to Build on Breakout 2025 Campaign
Chuba Hubbard

Set to Re-Emerge as a Top-24 Running Back?
Gunnar Helm

Poised for Expanded Role in 2026
Immanuel Quickley

Remains Day-to-Day After Workout
Isaiah Jackson

Probable to Return for Play-In Game
Tyler Kolek

Returns to Practice Ahead of Playoffs
Trendon Watford

Active on Wednesday
Jonathan Isaac

Ruled Out for Play-In Game Wednesday
Dylan Harper

Expected to Suit Up for Game 1 on Sunday
Franz Wagner

to Remain on Minutes Restriction Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Will Pitch on Wednesday, But Won't DH
Nick Pivetta

Confident he'll Pitch Again This Year
Alex Lyon

Expected to Miss Playoff Opener
Jett Howard

Good to Go on Wednesday
Zach Hyman

Set to Return Thursday
Sam Steel

Back in Action Wednesday
Gustav Forsling

Sits Out Season Finale
OG Anunoby

Practices on Wednesday
Matthew Tkachuk

Rejoins Panthers Lineup Wednesday
TB

Max Crozier Available Against Rangers
Brandon Hagel

Returns for Regular-Season Finale
Trevor Story

Carries Red Sox With Five RBI on Wednesday
Sam Antonacci

Officially Called Up by White Sox
Jorge Soler

Suspension Reduced to Four Games
Harrison Bader

Giants Place Harrison Bader on 10-Day Injured List With Hamstring Strain
Matthew Golden

Packers "Clearing the Way" for Matthew Golden on WR Depth Chart
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Arizona Cardinals

Ty Simpson Visiting With Cardinals on Wednesday
De'Von Achane

"Not Available for Trade"
Travis Hunter

Will Still Play Receiver in 2026
Ketel Marte

Serving as Designated Hitter on Wednesday
Kevin McGonigle

Tigers, Kevin McGonigle Agree to Eight-Year Contract Extension
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Kansas City Chiefs

Jordyn Tyson in Play for Chiefs at No. 9 Overall in NFL Draft?
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Ryan Weathers

Allows Four Homers, Strikes Out 10 on Tuesday
Byron Buxton

Sets the Tone for Twins With Two Homers on Tuesday
Hunter Goodman

Homers Twice in Loss to Astros
JJ Wetherholt

Goes Yard Twice in Win Over Guardians
Colston Loveland

Could Colston Loveland Emerge as the Dynasty TE1?
Khalil Shakir

Has Khalil Shakir Fallen Too Far in Dynasty Rankings?
Christian Watson

How High is the Ceiling for Christian Watson?
Pat Freiermuth

Can Pat Freiermuth Become More Than a Depth Piece Again?
Cale Makar

Returns With Three-Assist Performance
Jimmy Snuggerud

Records First Career Four-Point Game
Tua Tagovailoa

How Much Value Does Tua Tagovailoa Offer as Falcons' Starter?
Jeremy Swayman

Ends Losing Run With Shutout Performance
Oliver Moore

Won't Play Wednesday
Nils Lundkvist

Returns for Regular-Season Finale
Roope Hintz

to Miss First Two Playoff Games
Pavel Zacha

Will Be Available for Start of Playoffs
Jalen Green

Scores Team-High 35 Points During Play-In Loss
Jrue Holiday

Nets 21 Points in Playoff Clincher
Deni Avdija

Helps Trail Blazers Into Playoffs With 41-Point Effort
Miles Bridges

Caps Off Big Night With Game-Winning Block
LaMelo Ball

Leads Hornets to Victory Versus Heat
Isaiah Jackson

Questionable Wednesday
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Zay Flowers

Set to Face Competition After Career-Best Season?
Detroit Lions

Lions Open to Trading Up in the NFL Draft
New York Giants

Giants and Dexter Lawrence Reach a Contract Impasse
Jordan Mason

Is Jordan Mason's Buy-Low Window Still Open?
Dak Prescott

Still a Dynasty Target After Leading NFL in Completions
Ketel Marte

Diamondbacks Expect Ketel Marte to Return on Wednesday
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Getting Hamstring Checked After Earning Save on Tuesday
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Willson Contreras

Exits Early on Tuesday Due to Lower-Back Tightness
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Jerami Grant

Coming Off the Bench Tuesday
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
Triston Casas

Shut Down With Abdominal Strain
Wyatt Langford

is Returning on Tuesday
Ketel Marte

Scratched on Tuesday With Back Tightness
Nick Pivetta

Heads to 15-Day Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
John Marino

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Pyotr Kochetkov

Starting for Hurricanes Tuesday
Gabriel Moreno

Diamondbacks Put Gabriel Moreno on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Matvei Gridin

Returns to Action Tuesday
Cole Ragans

Returning to the Mound on Tuesday Against Tigers
Ryan Pulock

Unavailable for Season Finale
Evander Kane

Not Expected to Play This Week
Erik Karlsson

Kris Letang Won't Play Tuesday
Sidney Crosby

Evgeni Malkin Resting on Tuesday
CFB

Tramell Jones Jr. Outperforms Aaron Philo During Florida's Spring Scrimmage
CFB

Keelon Russell Flashes in Alabama's Spring Game
Ty Gibbs

Holds off the Field for His First Cup Series Victory at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Earns His First Runner-Up Finish at Bristol
Kyle Larson

Dominant Performance At Bristol Falls Short of Victory
Tyler Reddick

Matches his Career-Best Finish at Bristol
Alex Bowman

Crashes Early at Bristol in Return From Injury
Carlos Ulberg

Is The New Light Heavyweight Champion
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Azamat Murzakanov

Suffers His First Loss
Paulo Costa

Wins Back-to-Back Fights
Curtis Blaydes

Drops Decision At UFC 327
Josh Hokit

Remains Unbeaten
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar A Worthy DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
NASCAR

Could Bubba Wallace Be A Solid DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
Carlos Ulberg

A Slight Underdog
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Can Become UFC Champion Again
Paulo Costa

Makes his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Josh Hokit

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Curtis Blaydes

A Favorite At UFC 327
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF