Happy Friday RotoBallers! As usual, we have a jam-packed Friday night slate, filled with some juicy matchups. These articles focus on the overall best plays, which are typically more suited for cash games. However, with larger slates like this one, you don't have to worry about ownership getting steamed up too hard usually, so consider these suggestions GPP viable as well (some exceptions may apply).
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 4/8/22. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome new NBA injuries report tool as the slate can completely change before lineups lock.
As always, feel free to follow my 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!
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DraftKings and FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Darius Garland - PG, CLE @ BKN ($9,400 DK, $9,000 FD)
The Nets don't particularly like playing defense, which is a pretty good sign for a guy who has scored 25+ points in 25 of his last 30 contests. Neck and neck for the top seed in the East's play-in tournament, I expect this game to be treated like a playoff game with both teams playing their starters extended run.
Malik Monk - PG/SG, LAL vs OKC ($5,600 DK, $5,400 FD)
With the Lakers' "Big 3" (using that term loosely) all out for their game vs Golden State last night, Monk was able to take over as the main offensive threat. It's simple: a guy who takes 15+ shots and 10+ 3's, is always worth a look at a mid-$5k price range.
Zavier Simpson - SG, OKC @ LAL ($3,900 DK, $4,700 FD)
The Thunder are at their yearly stage of full tanking, and Simpson is the benefactor from a fantasy perspective. Since getting the call up to the big leagues two games ago, he has played 39+ minutes in both games and has posted 26+ fantasy points in both games as well. The Lakers just gave up 121 points to the Warriors last night, and with their season officially over the Lakers have absolutely nothing to play for anymore. I expect the Lakers' subpar defense to continue, even against guys no one has heard of until last week.
Others to consider: Trae Young ($10,800 DK, $10,300 FD), Kevin Porter Jr. ($8,400 DK, $8,400 FD)
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DraftKings and FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Kevin Durant - SF/PF, BKN vs CLE ($11,600 DK, $11,700 FD)
Durant has 70+ fantasy points in 3 of his last 5 games, has a favorable matchup against the Cavs, and most importantly; he's still playing for something. For me, Durant is the best big money play on the slate tonight.
Jaylen Hoard - PF/C, OKC @ LAL ($5,600 DK, $6,000 FD)
Hoard is another OKC guy who has appeared out of thin air to break slates. With 40+ fantasy points in 3 of his 4 games at the NBA level, and also two games with 20+ rebounds, the floor seems particularly high for Hoard. Like I just mentioned; the Lakers have nothing to play for, while the guys on OKC are trying to make a name for themselves in the league. It may not be sexy on the surface, but a player with this kind of floor/ceiling combo can't be ignored.
Reggie Perry - PF/C, POR @ DAL ($3,900 DK, $3,900 FD)
Perry is another guy trying to earn his keep in the NBA, and has actually been a per-minute beast in fantasy in his short career thus far. The Blazers got destroyed by the Pelicans last night, and Perry posted 31 fantasy points in 22 minutes. Playing @ Dallas tonight, I expect a similar final score, but that would open the door for Perry to clean up in garbage time.
Others to consider: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,800 DK, $7,500 FD), Reggie Bullock ($4,700 DK $4,300 FD)
DraftKings and FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Pascal Siakim - PF/C, TOR @ HOU ($9,600 DK, $10,000 FD)
Siakim exploded last night against the Sixers for a 37/11/12 triple-double (77 fantasy points), and tonight he gets the Rockets and their dead last defense against centers. I think it would be lofty to expect another triple-double, but 50+ points seems like a very attainable benchmark for a guy playing great basketball lately.
Jericho Sims - PF/C, NYK @ WAS ($3,700 DK, $4,800 FD)
Sims got the start Wednesday against the Knicks, and posted the best game of his career; 10 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks for a 38 point fantasy night. With no Julius Randle or Mitchell Robinson, there is a great opportunity for Sims to make the most of the last few games of this season, including tonight.
Others to consider: Deandre Ayton ($6,800 DK, $6,200 FD)