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Sunday is giving us a four-game NBA DFS slate with more exciting action. The player pool is shortened due to such a small slate but there are still some good options. There are solid pay-up spots and solid value plays to help boost your lineups.
The key to succeeding in NBA DFS is making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available. But it's always essential to have a game plan, with the best players and spots circled before making those adjustments. To keep up with all the latest developments and get access to updated projections, grab an NBA season pass and access our RotoBaller Premium Discord, where @chiefjustice6 is talking about the slate until lineups lock!
This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 4/28/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our excellent NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EDT on FanDuel and DraftKings.
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Today's NBA DFS Core Plays
The New York Knicks had horrible luck in Game 3 as the Philadelphia 76ers won with some controversy from Joel Embiid. A couple of questionable antics by Embiid rained on his 50-point performance. With an injury to Mitchell Robinson, Jalen Brunson will probably want some revenge. Brunson is averaging 28.3 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds through three games. He’s coming off a dominant double-double with 39 points and 13 assists. He has flirted with a double-double each game this series, making his ceiling more enticing.
The Indiana Pacers have been forcing the Milwaukee Bucks to the max while Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to deal with his calf injury. This injury has forced him to miss the entire series so far. Now, Damian Lillard is doubtful with an Achilles strain for Game 5. Obi Toppin has been finding his groove while the Bucks have struggled to outplay the Pacers. Toppin had a poor outing in Game 1 with just 12.3 fantasy points but has recorded back-to-back games with 20 or more fantasy points. Facing a short-handed Bucks team, Toppin could have a ceiling game waiting for him.
Anthony Edwards has silenced many doubters with his playoff performance so far. He struggled during the regular season against Phoenix but the playoffs have been a different story. Edwards is averaging 28 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists through three games. Game 2 was a low-scoring night for him with just 15 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. However, in Games 1 and 3, the 22-year-old recorded 33 and 36 points with nine rebounds each. This being a four-game slate, his ownership may be low and one to be overweight on.
Top Core Plays:
- Jalen Brunson vs. PHI - PG ($9,400 DK; $9,800 FD)
- Obi Toppin vs. MIL - PF ($3,900 DK; $4,600 FD)
- Anthony Edwards vs. PHX - SG/SF ($8,900 DK; $9,900 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Value Plays
Nickeil Alexander-Walker continues not to get priced up while providing some solid performances for Minnesota. He has now dropped 10 or more points in all three games of the series while averaging 4.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds. Mixing Obi Toppin and NAW in lineups will allow for more pay-up spots and even grab Luka Doncic at his top-dollar spot.
Andrew Nembhard started slow in the series but has quickly turned his play around. Nembhard recorded 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists in Game 2 and then followed it up with 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists in Game 3. With the uptick in his play, Nembhard will remain a solid value option. Indiana does remain a cost-friendly team to stack with multiple options at each price tier.
The 76ers will need to fight (not literally) to tie up the series and Kelly Oubre Jr. is an interesting target. His Game 2 performance is a call for concern but in Games 1 and 3, he’s shown he can pay off his price tag. Oubre Jr. recorded 11 points and eight rebounds in the play-in matchup. He's averaging 9.7 points, four rebounds, and 2.3 assists in the first round. As long as his play remains consistent throughout this series, he’ll remain a solid value option in this fun matchup.
Top Value Plays:
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker vs. PHX - SG/SF ($4,300 DK; $5,500 FD)
- Andrew Nembhard vs. MIL PG/SG ($4,400 DK; $5,700 FD)
- Kelly Oubre Jr. vs. NYK - SG/SF ($5,400 DK; $6,100 FD)
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Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Point Guard
Luka Doncic will remain the top point guard option no matter what slate he is on. Doncic has now recorded 61.8, 58, and 52.5 DK points through the first three games against the Clippers. Next up would be Jalen Brunson if paying over $11.8K isn't on the agenda. Andrew Nembhard would be the salary-saver option while bringing an appealing ceiling. James Harden would be my final point guard option to pay up for.
Top PG Options:
- Luka Doncic vs. LAC ($11,800 DK; $12,200 FD)
- Jalen Brunson vs. PHI ($9,400 DK; $9,800 FD)
- James Harden vs. DAL ($7,800 DK; $8,900 FD)
- Andrew Nembhard vs. MIL ($4,400 DK; $5,700 FD)
Jalen Brunson hits the corner 3 as both teams trade buckets early in Philly!
📺 Game 3 on TNT pic.twitter.com/GEvOSXewvE
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2024
Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Shooting Guard
Anthony Edwards should be the top target at the shooting guard position while Doncic's teammate is the runner-up. From a fantasy standpoint, Kyrie Irving is coming off of a low-scoring game, but the blowout against the Clippers was the cause. In Games 1 and 2, Irving recorded 50.8 and 41.5 DK points. There aren't many pay-up spots here but you could save at this position also. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Patrick Beverley are in play. Due to the injuries with the Milwaukee Bucks, Beverley will see an increase in projections but also with his ownership. That could be chalk to eat.
Top SG Options:
- Anthony Edwards vs. PHX ($8,900 DK; $9,900 FD)
- Kyrie Irving vs. LAC ($8,300 DK; $9,200 FD)
- Kelly Oubre Jr. vs. NYK ($5,400 DK; $6,100 FD)
- Patrick Beverley vs. IND ($5,300 DK) Not SG Eligible on FanDuel
Anthony Edwards delivers as the @Timberwolves pick up the road win and take a 3-0 series lead!
🐜 36 PTS
🐜 9 REB
🐜 5 ASTThis is Ant's 7th career 30-point game in the postseason, tying Kevin Garnett for must such games in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/zo5xszFHFg
— NBA (@NBA) April 27, 2024
Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Small Forward
Pascal Siakam may come slightly lower with his ownership after a low-scoring performance Friday with just 38.3 DK points. Siakam dominated in the first two games, though, recording 62.8 DK points in both games. You can save on paying up with Knicks forward Josh Hart, who comes in at $7,400 on DraftKings. He's averaging a double-double this series with 21 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. It's hard to pass up on him.
Jaden McDaniels may be worth the risk as Minnesota will want to push Phoenix one step closer out of the door. While he recorded only 19.5 DK points in the first game, he bounced back with 42 DK points. He then mellowed out again in Game 3. McDaniels' projected ownership will tip the scale on if he should be rolled out, and if it's low, it's a green light.
Top SF Options:
- Pascal Siakam vs. MIL ($8,400 DK) Not SF Eligible on FanDuel
- Josh Hart vs. PHI ($7,400 DK; $7,900 FD)
- Jaden McDaniels vs. PHX ($4,600 DK; $5,000 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Power Forward
The power forward position on DraftKings is pretty ugly when looking at the $8K tier and above. Giannis Antetokounmpo is doubtful, which leaves Pascal Siakam and Kevin Durant. Siakam and Josh Hart can be locked in at both forward positions but that leaves the question about Kevin Durant. With him being at $8.1K, his fantasy score has not paid off through the first three games, making him avoidable.
Bobby Portis will get the biggest boost with Antetokounmpo doubtful and now with Lillard getting the doubtful tag. His fantasy output has increased in all three games and should increase in Game 4 with more responsibility. This leaves Obi Toppin as the next best option depending on how you roll with Pascal Siakam and Josh Hart.
Top PF Options:
- Bobby Portis vs. IND ($7,300 DK; $8,000 FD)
- Obi Toppin vs. MIL ($3,900 DK; $4,600 FD)
- Naz Reid vs. PHX ($4,400 DK; $4,700 FD)
Tyrese Haliburton lobs to Obi Toppin 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GmRsLcUOfj
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 26, 2024
Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Center
Joel Embiid should be the first option when looking at the center position, playing dirty or not. Embiid is coming off of a huge 50-point game, securing the Philadelphia 76ers their first win in the series. He has yet to dip below 50 DK during the postseason. If you don't want to pay up at center or for Embiid, then look at Rudy Gobert, who has been playing well. He's averaging a double-double with 17 points and 13.7 rebounds per game through three. Phoenix has struggled to slow the Minnesota big man down.
Myles Turner, Ivica Zubac, and Brook Lopez are consistent low-cost centers that can leave room for other players. Lopez will benefit from the injuries in Milwaukee, which makes him the most desirable center to pay down for.
Top C Options:
- Joel Embiid vs. NYK ($10,500 DK; $11,700 FD)
- Rudy Gobert vs. PHX ($7,200 DK; $8,100 FD)
- Brook Lopez vs. IND ($6,000 DK; $6,100 FD)
- Myles Turner vs. MIL ($6,800 DK; $7,900 FD)
- Ivica Zubac vs. DAl ($6,200 DK; $6,800 FD )
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Environments
- Bucks at Pacers (220.5 6total)
- Timberwolves at Suns (209 total)
- Knicks at 76ers (208 total)
Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids
Kawhi Leonard is expected to play but he has yet to pay off his price tag even with it being reduced. Leonard is averaging 12 points, eight rebounds, and two assists through two games. Recording just 15 and nine points in Games 2 and 3, there is nothing to trust or risk here. Dallas also has the Clippers' number it seems and Luka Doncic will be getting one game closer to the next round.
My Favorite NBA DFS Lineup Picks for Today
Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.
- My favorite overall play: Jalen Brunson
- My favorite CASH play: Bobby Portis
- My favorite GPP play(s): Anthony Edwards / James Harden / Myles Turner
- My favorite value play(s): Obi Toppin/Andrew Nembhard/Patrick Beverley
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