TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
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
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Stefon Diggs

Patriots Releasing Stefon Diggs
Mick Abel

Making his Case as Twins Starter in 2026
Corbin Carroll

Progressing to Batting Practice Swings
Byron Buxton

Looking Like a Draft-Day Value
Merrill Kelly

Scheduled for Bullpen Session on Thursday
Cam Schlittler

to Make Grapefruit League Debut on Friday
Andrew Kittredge

Dealing With Shoulder Inflammation
Walker Jenkins

Reassigned to Minor-League Camp
Cody Bellinger

Scheduled to Return to Grapefruit League Action on Thursday
Matt Shaw

to Start Seeing More Time in the Outfield
Hunter Greene

Says he Doesn't Have UCL Damage
Nolan McLean

Feeling Better, to Throw 50-55 Pitches in Sim Game
Trent McDuffie

Chiefs Sending Trent McDuffie to Rams in Blockbuster Deal
Hunter Greene

to Undergo MRI for Elbow Injury
Taylor Moore

Looking to Build on Cognizant Classic Finish
Robert MacIntyre

Brings Solid Form to Bay Hill
Scottie Scheffler

the Tournament Favorite at Bay Hill
Jonathan Drouin

Ready to Go Wednesday
Xander Schauffele

Trending Well Ahead of API
Jake Walman

Avoids Major Injury Tuesday
Marcus Johansson

Makes Early Exit Versus Lightning
Cole Smith

Golden Knights Pick Up Cole Smith From Nashville
Michael McCarron

Sent to Wild for Second-Round Pick
Ryan O'Reilly

Sustains Eye Injury Tuesday
Artturi Lehkonen

Deemed Week-to-Week
Kevin Love

Active Wednesday Night
Jaden Ivey

to Miss Five-Game Road Trip
Zach Edey

Has Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Matas Buzelis

Exits Early Tuesday
Josh Giddey

Hurts Ankle Tuesday
Jarrett Allen

Exits Early With Knee Injury
Si Woo Kim

Looking to Return to Top Form at Bay Hill
Leon Draisaitl

Dominates With Five-Point Game
Ben Griffin

Looking to Return to Form at Arnold Palmer Invitational
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks to Build on Cognizant Classic Win at Arnold Palmer
Sam Burns

Searching for Consistency at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Daniel Berger

Offers Sneaky Upside at Bay Hill
Jack Hughes

Contributes With Two Assists
Dougie Hamilton

Picks Up Two Points in Win
Jacob Markstrom

Cruises to Win
Dylan Guenther

Picks Up Two Points on Tuesday Night
Jeremy Swayman

Defeats the Penguins
Zion Williamson

Ready to Take on Lakers
VJ Edgecombe

Sustains Back Injury Tuesday
Ivica Zubac

Remains Absent Wednesday
Neemias Queta

Returning to Action Wednesday
Robert Williams III

Available Wednesday Night
Kris Murray

Iffy for Wednesday
John Collins

to Miss Second Consecutive Game
Obi Toppin

Probable for Wednesday's Action
Aaron Nesmith

Tagged as Questionable for Wednesday
Andrew Nembhard

Could Miss Another Contest Wednesday
Pascal Siakam

Listed as Questionable for Wednesday
Santi Aldama

Now Ruled Out Tuesday
Justin Thomas

Making Season Debut at API Following Lower-Back Surgery
Santi Aldama

Available Versus Timberwolves
NASCAR

Collin Morikawa Hopes To Better Last Year's Runner-Up Finish at API
Emmet Sheehan

Behind in Camp Due to Illness
Cedric Coward

Returns to Grizzlies Lineup
Ty Jerome

Back in Action Tuesday
Brady Singer

Lit Up in Cactus League Debut
Tommy Fleetwood

Isn't As Confident of a Start at Bay Hill as Previous Weeks
Christian Yelich

to Make Spring Debut on Wednesday
Quinn Priester

Might Not be Ready for Opening Day
Josh Hader

Could Throw a Bullpen Next Week
Blake Lizotte

Unavailable Against Bruins
Marcus Foligno

Considered Week-to-Week
Jonas Brodin

Rejoins Wild Lineup
John Carlson

Misses Fourth Consecutive Game
Mikael Granlund

Troy Terry, Mikael Granlund Remain Out Tuesday
J.T. Miller

Lands on Injured Reserve
Mark Stone

Ruled Out Tuesday
Isaac Paredes

Starting at First Base on Tuesday
Kyler Murray

Will be Released
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Not Using the Franchise Tag on Trey Hendrickson
Daniel Jones

Colts Place Transition Tag on Daniel Jones
Brendan Rodgers

to Seek Second Opinion on Shoulder
Adam Scott

Might Endure Tough Times at Bay Hill
Merrill Kelly

Throwing from 60 Feet
Aldrich Potgieter

Extremely Risky When it Comes to Bay Hill
Bobby Miller

Throws Off Mound Tuesday
PGA

Sungjae Im to Make Season Debut at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Jordan Spieth

an All-or-Nothing Option at Bay Hill
Harry Hall

Trying to Rebound After the Genesis Invitational
Ryan Gerard

Needs Better Start at Bay Hill
Kenneth Walker III

Won't Get the Franchise Tag
Patrick Cantlay

Still Plagued by Bad Putting Ahead of Arnold Palmer Invititational
Daniel Jones

Colts Expected to Use Transition Tag on Daniel Jones
Breece Hall

Jets Placing Franchise Tag on Breece Hall
CFB

Mark Stoops Joining Texas Coaching Staff
Nick Seeler

Suffers Lower-Body Injury Versus Maple Leafs
Jason Day

Attempts to Bounce Back from The Genesis Invitational
Jacob Bridgeman

Rolling into Arnold Palmer Invitational
Russell Henley

Looks to Defend Title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
Khalil Mack

Will Play in 2026
MMA

Lone'er Kavanagh Gets Back In The Win Column
Brandon Moreno

Gets Outclassed
Marlon Vera

Loses Fourth Fight In A Row
Daniel Jones

Colts Have "50/50" Chance to Get a Deal Done With Daniel Jones
David Martinez

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Daniel Zellhuber

Loses Third Consecutive Fight
King Green

Gets Second-Round TKO Win
Felipe Bunes

Drops Decision At UFC Mexico City
Édgar Cháirez

Edgar Chairez Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ryan Blaney

Falls to Eighth Despite Running Most of the Race in the Top Five At COTA
Ty Gibbs

Wins A Stage and Finishes Fourth At COTA
Christopher Bell

Earns First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at COTA
Kyler Murray

"Repeatedly" Linked to Jets
Shane Van Gisbergen

Falls Short of Victory At COTA
Tyler Reddick

Wins At COTA and Makes NASCAR History
David Montgomery

Texans Acquire David Montgomery From Lions
Kyler Murray

Likely to be Released
Travis Etienne Jr.

Not Expected to be Franchise-Tagged
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Planning to Release Aaron Jones Sr.?
Tyler Reddick

Could Make History at COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Still the Favorite at COTA
Christopher Bell

Will Be Tough to Beat at COTA
AJ Allmendinger

Could Contend at COTA
Connor Zilisch

Carries Plenty of Upside for DFS at COTA
Chase Elliott

May be A Strong Contender Again at COTA
Chris Buescher

Is Nothing But Consistent at Road Courses
Ross Chastain

May Be An Underrated Competitor for the Win at COTA
William Byron

Is William Byron a Viable DFS Option for COTA?
Carson Hocevar

Needs Clean Race at COTA
Kyle Larson

Could be A Decent DFS Option for COTA Lineups
Ryan Blaney

Could Ryan Blaney be A Sleeper DFS Option for All Formats for COTA?
Chase Briscoe

Should DFS Players Roster Chase Briscoe at COTA?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Is A Favorable Value Option for COTA DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

Could Ty Gibbs Be A Rosterable DFS Play for COTA?
A.J. Brown

Patriots "Have Explored Trade Talks" Involving A.J. Brown
Lone'er Kavanagh

Set For UFC Mexico City Main Event
Brandon Moreno

Looks To Bounce Back
David Martinez

Set For UFC Mexico City Co-Main Event
Marlon Vera

In Dire Need Of Victory
King Green

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Daniel Zellhuber

Aims To Snap Two-Fight Skid
Felipe Bunes

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Édgar Cháirez

Edgar Chairez A Favorite At UFC Mexico City
George Pickens

Cowboys Not Interested in Trading George Pickens
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF