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 exciting weekend of basketball, we’re here for more playoff excitement. The thrill of watching these teams perform at such high levels is unparalleled, particularly last night’s standout match between the Pelicans and Thunder. As we go further into the series, the stakes increase and the games only get more thrilling. With that said, let’s delve into this Monday’s games!
Core Plays
Jamal Murray (PG – DEN): $7,800 DraftKings, $8,800 FanDuel
It might not be obvious to many, but Murray has proven to be one of the most outstanding players in this generation’s postseason. The point guard for the Nuggets has recorded an average of 24.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in his 54 playoff appearances. In recent years, his performance has been even more impressive, averaging 58 DraftKings points per game against the Lakers in the previous year’s playoffs! Despite not shooting well in Game 1, he still managed to score 50 DK points. Therefore, one can 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 over 40 minutes in each game for the past month, with an average of 38 DK points per game for 40 minutes each night since he started on January 27. This incredible average from a player with such an economical price is impressive. It’s exciting 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 verge of securing his third MVP title in four years, with an average of 61 DraftKings points per game this season. His contribution becomes even more substantial in the playoffs, where he scored 64 DraftKings points in the first game. There isn’t a more competent player to achieve a 30-point triple-double, especially considering LA ranks 17th in 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 game time has been restricted throughout the season, but Orlando had been preserving the forward for the postseason games. They added Isaac to the starting lineup in the first game, where he scored 31 DK points in 29 minutes. He had a comparable performance in the final game, marking two of his top performances this season. If this defensive powerhouse is to play more than 25 minutes, his value needs to exceed $6K on both sites!
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 remarkable to think that we’re acquiring a player of such talent, priced this reasonably, who can play a 40-minute game. Anunoby, since his move to NY, hasn’t had many significant fantasy games, yet he’s still averaging more than 27 DraftKings points per game this season. This is all one can expect from a player within this price bracket, particularly as he’s confirmed to play a 40-minute game as the Knicks’ defensive stronghold.
Wendell Carter Jr. (C – ORL): $4,400 DraftKings, $5,600 FanDuel
I was surprised to see WCJ priced at only $4,400. He’s been typically around the $6K mark throughout his career and possesses the potential to revert to that level on any night. In Game 1, he was on the court for just 15 minutes, but that’s likely to be an exception, given that Cleveland has numerous big men that require coverage. This should necessitate Carter getting a minimum of 25 minutes on the court, making him a fantastic bargain considering his average score 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
