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Free daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for today's slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. Use Max Kulish's NBA DFS expert picks to building winning DFS lineups on April 16, 2024.
Welcome back, RotoBallers! Tonight we've got the Western Conference play-in games. These articles focus on the overall best plays, which are typically more suited for cash games. However, some exceptions may apply, depending on the size of the slate.
The key to being successful in NBA DFS comes down to making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available. But it's always really important to have a game plan and the best players and spots circled first before making those adjustments. To keep up with all the latest developments and get access to updated projections, grab an NBA season pass and also gain access to our RotoBaller Premium Discord where @chiefjustice6 is talking about the slate up until lineups lock!
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 4/16/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:30 p.m. EDT on FanDuel and DraftKings. As always, feel free to follow my X/Twitter (@Maxadelphia) to keep up to date with NBA news and for my nightly NBA bets if you're into that sort of thing. Let's go!
Today's NBA DFS Core Picks
There aren't many surprises to be found on tonight's slate -- all four teams are coming in healthy, and both games will be the fifth matchup of the season for the teams participating. So unsurpisingly, we have some familiar names in top plays.
- Steph Curry, GS at SAC – PG ($8.7K DK; $8.9K FD)
- LeBron James, LAL at NO – SF/PF ($9.4K DK; $10.3K FD)
- CJ McCollum, NO vs. LAL – PG ($7.7K DK; $8.5K FD)
Today's NBA DFS Value Picks
Welcome to the playoffs, where there just isn't much value to be found. Stars play more minutes, meaning cheaper options are thinner. When all teams involved are this healthy, it can be tricky to save salary. The only clear and obvious value play tonight is Keon Ellis, who has seen a substantial increase in production since 6MOTY candidate Malik Monk went down at the end of March.
Top Value Plays:
- Keon Ellis, SAC vs. GS - PG/SG ($4.5K DK; $4.9K FD)
- Larry Nance Jr., NO vs. LAL - C ($4.2K DK; $4.5K FD)
- Andrew Wiggins, GS at SAC – SF/PF ($4.9K DK; $5.9K FD)
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Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard
After posting 45+ fantasy points in six of his last seven games and with an average of 31/6/4 against the Kings this year, Steph Curry gets the stamp of approval as my favorite play on the slate tonight. PG is as deep as it can be on a two-game slate, so don't feel like he's an absolute must-play if you have other places you'd prefer to spend up at.
Top PG Options:
- Steph Curry, GS at SAC ($8.7K DK; $8.9K FD)
- CJ McCollum, NO vs. LAL ($7.7K DK; $8.5K FD)
- De'Aaron Fox, SAC vs. GS - ($8.6K DK; $9.9K FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard
Even if you wanted to, you can't really pay up at SG tonight. The most expensive option is only $7.3K, and only four players are over the "value" threshold of $5K.
Top SG Options:
- Keon Ellis, SAC vs. GS ($4.5K DK; $4.9K FD)
- Brandin Podziemski, GS at SAC – ($4.7K DK; $5.1K FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward
With the exception of LeBron, there is nowhere to spend up at SF tonight. LeBron figures to be a widely popular play after his 81 fantasy-point performance against the Pelicans on Sunday, so fade him at your own risk.
Top SF Options:
- LeBron James, LAL at NO ($9.4K DK; $10.3K FD)
- Andrew Wiggins, GS at SAC ($4.9K DK; $5.9K FD)
- Harrison Barnes, SAC vs. GS ($4.3K DK; $4.7K FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward
PF seems to be the most flexible roster spot tonight. Solid options across the board paired with plenty of players with multi-position eligibility means there are numerous ways to approach your build here.
Top PF Options:
- Herbert Jones, NO vs. LAL ($5.1K DK; $5.6K FD)
- Keegan Murray, SAC vs. GS ($5.5K DK; $6.4K)
- Jonathan Kuminga, GS at SAC ($5.9K DK; $6.6K FD)
Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center
Center has solid options tonight, but it isn't very deep. Pick whichever starter fits your build/budget the best and don't worry about getting cute.
Top C Options:
- Anthony Davis, LAL at NO ($9.7K DK; $11.5K FD)
- Larry Nance Jr., NO vs. LAL ($4.2K DK; $4.5K FD)
- Domantas Sabonis, SAC vs. GS - ($9.6K DK; $10.8K FD)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks
- Lakers at Pelicans (225 total)
- Warriors at Kings (223 total)
Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids
- While Domantas Sabonis led the league in triple-doubles this season, he didn't post one against the Warriors in four attempts, and has only gone over 20 points three times in his past 18 games.
- Brandon Ingram looked pretty bad in his first game back in a month, and could be seeing a minutes limitation again tonight.
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: Steph Curry
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: LeBron James
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: CJ McCollum
- My favorite value play: Andrew Wiggins
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