NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: April 22
Since joining the starting lineup on Jan. 27, Josh Hart from New York has been averaging 38 DraftKings fantasy points per game.
Following an incredible weekend of basketball, we return with more exhilarating playoff action. The thrill of watching these teams compete at such high stakes is unparalleled, especially with the Pelicans-Thunder game last night topping off the weekend as the most exciting. The games continue to improve as the stakes rise with each progression in the series. Keeping that in mind, let’s delve into this Monday’s lineup!
Core Plays
Jamal Murray (PG – DEN): $7,800 DraftKings, $8,800 FanDuel
Many people may not be aware, but Murray ranks among the top postseason players of this generation. With an average of 24.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in his 54 playoff games, the Nuggets point guard has exhibited exceptional performance. Over the last few years, his stats have only improved, averaging 58 DraftKings points per game against the Lakers in the previous year’s playoffs. He managed to score 50 DK points in Game 1, despite not shooting well. Expect his remarkable playoff performance to persist.
Josh Hart (SF/PF – NYK): $6,900 DraftKings, $7,600 FanDuel
Currently, there are few players as dependable as Hart. He has been clocking in over 40 minutes per game for the past month, averaging 38 DK points per game over a span of 40 minutes each night since he became a starter on January 27. This is an incredibly high average for a player of his price range. We particularly admire the fact that he scored 46 fantasy points over 42 minutes in the first game!
Cash Game Considerations
Nikola Jokic (C – DEN): $11,500 DraftKings, $12,000 FanDuel
The Joker is on the brink of securing his third MVP title in four years, with an average of 61 DraftKings points per game this season. His performance intensifies in the playoffs, where he scored 64 DraftKings points in the first game. There’s no other player better suited to achieve a 30-point triple-double, especially considering LA’s 17th OPRK against rival centers.
Joel Embiid (C – PHI): $10,500 DraftKings, $11,500 FanDuel
Embiid was the favorite for MVP before getting injured, averaging over 62 DraftKings points per game. That’s second to only Luka Doncic, with Embiid posting an even higher average just before his injury. We haven’t seen him return to that yet, but we’re encouraged that he has at least 52 fantasy points in four straight outings while showcasing a 74-point upside.
GPP Targets
Jonathan Isaac (SF/PF – ORL): $4,500 DraftKings, $6,200 FanDuel
Isaac’s performance has been restricted throughout the season, but Orlando preserved the forward for the postseason games. They positioned Isaac in the starting lineup in Game 1, where he scored 31 DK points in 29 minutes. He similarly performed in the finale, marking two of his best games of the season. If this defensive star is going to play for more than 25 minutes, his value needs to exceed $6K on both platforms!
Mitchell Robinson (C – NYK): $4,200 DraftKings, $6,000 FanDuel
Robinson was the starting center before breaking his foot earlier in the year, and it looks like he can reclaim this role when he’s hot. That was certainly the case in Game 1, with Robinson collecting 34 DK points across 30 minutes. This guy can average 40 fantasy points per game in a 30-minute role, making him a heck of a value because NY needs him to guard Joel Embiid.
Value Plays
OG Anunoby (SF/PF – NYK): $5,100 DraftKings, $5,800 FanDuel
It’s incredible to think that we’re acquiring such a skillful player in a 40-minute role within this budget. Anunoby, since his shift to New York, hasn’t had many significant fantasy games, but he’s still managed to average more than 27 DraftKings points per game this season. This is the most we could hope for from a player within this budget, particularly because he’s secured a 40-minute role as the Knicks’ defensive pillar.
Wendell Carter Jr. (C – ORL): $4,400 DraftKings, $5,600 FanDuel
I was taken aback to find WCJ priced at a mere $4,400. He has predominantly been valued around $6K throughout most of his career and possesses the potential to revert to that performance level on any given night. Although his playing time was limited to 15 minutes in Game 1, I believe this to be an exception given the large number of big men in Cleveland that require coverage. This should compel Carter to clock at least 25 minutes, making him an exceptional deal considering his average of 25 points.
Advantageous Pricing
- Jamal Murray (PG – DEN): $7,800 DraftKings, $8,800 FanDuel
- Joel Embiid (C – PHI): $10,500 DraftKings, $11,500 FanDuel
- Wendell Carter (C – ORL): $4,400 DraftKings, $5,600 FanDuel
- Jonathan Isaac (SF/PF – ORL): $4,500 DraftKings, $6,200 FanDuel
- Mitchell Robinson (C – NYK): $4,200 DraftKings, $6,000 FanDuel
- Anthony Davis (PF/C – LAL): $9,500 DraftKings, $11,200 FanDuel
- Jarrett Allen (C – CLE): $7,200 DraftKings, $8,200 FanDuel
- Tobias Harris (SF/PF – PHI): $5,900 DraftKings, $6,900 FanDuel
- Jalen Suggs (PG/SG – ORL): $5,000 DraftKings, $6,100 FanDuel
