NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (4/9/24)

Welcome back, RotoBallers! Tonight we've got an 11-game slate highlighted by the TNT doubleheader of Celtics at Bucks and Warriors at Lakers. 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 4/9/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 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

Tonight's slate is chock full of star power, but most of it is concentrated between PG and C. 18 of the 20 most expensive players on the slate tonight are eligible for one of those positions, and only three of those players carry multi-position eligibility. PG and C are typically the two most important positions on a nightly basis anyway, but on a slate so large with little room for error, these two positions will dictate your success tonight.

1. Victor Wembanyama, SA at MEM – C ($11K DK; $11.9K FD)
2. Nikola Jokic, DEN at UTA – C ($12.1K DK)
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC vs. SAC – PG ($10.1K DK; $10.6K FD)

Today's NBA DFS Value Picks

Just when you think the Grizzlies can't get any more injured, they're in line to only have eight active players tonight, none more expensive than $6.5K. Memphis is the obvious spot for value tonight. Two other teams that are missing some of their more important pieces are the Jazz and Raptors. As always, keep an eye on some of the big names who are truly questionable. The 76ers' injury report, and the status of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey most notably, can reshape the entire slate.

Top Value Plays:

1. Memphis Grizzlies starters
2. Malaki Branham, SA at MEM - PG/SG ($4.4K DK; $4.7K FD)
3. Johnny Juzang, UTA vs. DEN – SF ($3.8K DK)

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Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard

There are options galore at all price ranges for PG tonight. Keep an eye on the previously mentioned SGA and Tyrese Maxey, as well as Jamal Murray. Any of these three being ruled out would open up even more great plays at a cheap price.

Top PG Options:

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC vs. SAC - ($10.1K DK; $10.6K FD)
2. Jalen Brunson, NYK at CHI - ($9.2K DK; $9.7K FD)
3. Tyrese Haliburton, IND at TOR - ($9.3K DK; $9.6K FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard

SG is once again overshadowed by its more important counterpart, but that doesn't mean there are no good options to choose from. SG is full of guys who aren't cheap enough to consider as value plays but project well. If you're looking for a more balanced approach to your lineup tonight, SG will be a key position.

Top SG Options:

1. Malaki Branham, SA at MEM ($4.4K DK; $4.7K FD)
2. Gary Trent Jr, TOR vs. IND – ($6.3K DK; $6.5K FD)
3. Jordan Poole, WAS at MIN – ($7.6K DK; $7.3K FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward

SF is the premier spot for value tonight, with plenty of viable options under $5K available.

Top SF Options:

1. Johnny Juzang, UTA vs. DEN ($3.8K DK)
2. Julian Champagnie, SA at MEM ($4.6K DK; $5.4K FD)
3. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, MIN at WAS ($4.5K DK; $4.7K FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward

PF appears to be an all-or-nothing position tonight. With not many standout midrange options, the position naturally lends itself toward paying up or going with a budget option. I think most people will pay down due to how many solid sub-$5K options there are, but the top three of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Paolo Banchero all look good on paper.

Top PF Options:

1. Maozinha Pereira, MEM vs. SA ($4.3K DK; $4.3K FD)
2. Darius Bazley, UTA vs. DEN ($3.6K DK)
3. RJ Barrett, TOR vs. IND ($7.7K DK; $8K FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center

Center has great options from top to bottom, so use this roster spot according to what makes the most sense with the rest of your build.

Top C Options:

1. Victor Wembanyama, SA at MEM ($11K DK; $11.9K FD)
2. Nikola Jokic, DEN at UTA ($12.1K DK)
3. Brandon Clarke, MEM vs. SA - ($5K DK; $5.8K FD)

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks

1. Pacers at Raptors (240 total)
2. Kings at Thunder (227 total)
3. Spurs at Grizzlies (217 total)

Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids

1. Fading Luka Doncic is always a risk, but with this being the first leg of back-to-back road games and as a 13-point favorite, it feels like his $12.7K salary is too steep tonight.
2. If both teams are fully healthy, I'll be avoiding 76ers-Pistons as a whole. Should either Sixers All-Star be ruled out, their backup would certainly be worth consideration.
3. Magic at Rockets is a game that should be a good watch and competitive but looks bleak from a DFS perspective.

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: Victor Wembanyama
• My favorite CASH play on the slate: Maozinha Pereira
• My favorite GPP play on the slate: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
• My favorite value play: Memphis Grizzlies starters

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis