Strategy and Stats for 04/20/24 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 01:00 PM EST today, the NBA fantasy slate kicks off with an exhilarating quartet of games, culminating in a marquee matchup at Ball Arena where the Los Angeles Lakers clash with the Denver Nuggets at 08:30 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a robust 226.5 points, this game not only promises high-octane action but also a treasure trove of fantasy points, making it the centerpiece of tonight’s discussions. Fantasy managers should keep a keen eye on the top projected players at each position, as these athletes are poised to turn in performances that could be game-changers in your daily lineups. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each game, dissecting player matchups and strategic plays that could dictate the night’s outcomes and your fantasy scores.

Top Point Guard Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jalen Brunson ($9200), New York Knicks – Projected 53.5 pts

Jalen Brunson has been on a tear recently, averaging 58.1 daily fantasy points over his last five games, a significant increase from his previous set of games. Scoring 38.4 points per game on 52.7% shooting from the field and an impressive 46.3% from three, Brunson has been a critical asset for the Knicks. Despite facing the 76ers, who rank #1 in defense against point guards, Brunson’s consistent performance and high usage rate, highlighted by his 38.0 minutes and 26.4 shots per game, make him a valuable pick. His DFS value score stands at 5.8, marking him as a strong value in today’s games.

Jamal Murray ($7600), Denver Nuggets – Projected 46.2 pts

Jamal Murray’s recent performances have solidified his status as a top contender in DFS lineups, especially with an average of 41.7 fantasy points in his last five outings. His scoring ability is notable, with an average of 24.4 points on a highly efficient 55.2% shooting from the field and 48.5% from beyond the arc. Although his minutes have slightly decreased, his productivity per minute is high, making him an efficient choice against the Lakers, who are ranked #29 against point guards. Murray’s DFS value score of 6.1 classifies him as an elite value for today’s slate.

Top Shooting Guard Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($4400), Denver Nuggets – Projected 24.5 pts

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been showing consistent performance as a key player for the Nuggets. Over his last five games, he’s averaged 21.6 daily fantasy points. His scoring ability, coupled with an impressive 66.7% shooting from the field and 44.4% from three-point range, makes him a valuable asset, especially considering his upcoming matchup against the Lakers who rank #29 against SGs. With a DFS value score of 5.6, Caldwell-Pope stands out as a strong value pick at his current salary.

Gary Harris ($3400), Orlando Magic – Projected 14.5 pts

Despite a challenging season, Gary Harris has shown some improvement in his recent performances. In the last five games, he managed to average 13.9 fantasy points per game, a significant increase from his previous outings. His minutes on the court have also risen to an average of 31.0 per game, providing him more opportunities to impact the game. However, his shooting efficiency has notably dropped to 0% from the field, which is concerning. His next game against the Cavaliers, who have a strong defense ranked #12 against SGs, might pose a challenge. Harris’s DFS value score is 4.3, categorizing him as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Lineup

Michael Porter Jr. ($6600), Denver Nuggets – Projected 36.2 pts

Michael Porter Jr. has been a consistent performer for the Denver Nuggets, averaging 26.3 fantasy points over his last five games. Despite a slight dip in fantasy points and rebounds compared to his previous five-game stretch, Porter Jr. has increased his field goal accuracy to 51.4% and is taking more shots per game, up to 14.2 from 9.8. His next matchup against the Lakers, who rank 21st against SFs, presents a favorable scenario. With a DraftKings salary of $6600 and a projected point total of 36.2, Porter Jr. holds a 5.5 DFS value score, making him a strong value pick in today’s slate.

Franz Wagner ($7800), Orlando Magic – Projected 35.6 pts

Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic is another standout SF to consider. Over his recent five-game run, Wagner has significantly improved, scoring an average of 33.2 fantasy points per game, a notable increase from his previous average of 26.9. His scoring has surged to 21.2 points per game, and his field goal percentage is an impressive 61.2%. Although his three-point shooting remains modest at 30.0%, his overall performance has been robust. Facing the Cavaliers, ranked 18th against SFs, Wagner’s potential in today’s game is promising. However, with a higher salary of $7800 and a projected point total of 35.6, his DFS value score is a 4.6, positioning him as a core value pick.

Top Power Forwards in Today’s DFS Lineup

Paolo Banchero ($10200), Orlando Magic – Projected 46.9 pts

Paolo Banchero has been a powerhouse for the Orlando Magic, especially in his recent performances. Over the last five games, Banchero has averaged 45.1 daily fantasy points, a significant improvement from his previous set of games where he averaged 35.1. His scoring ability is evident with an average of 23.8 points per game, alongside 6.4 assists and 8.4 rebounds. Despite a slight dip in field goal percentage to 45.3%, his overall contributions on the court remain substantial, averaging 37.2 minutes per game. Facing the Cavaliers, ranked #18 against PFs, Banchero’s matchup looks favorable. However, his DFS Value Score of 4.6 places him as a core value pick, suggesting that while he’s a solid choice, his high salary demands careful consideration in your lineup construction.

Kevin Durant ($8600), Phoenix Suns – Projected 43.8 pts

Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns continues to be a reliable fantasy option, though his recent stretch has seen a slight decline in performance compared to earlier games. Durant has managed an average of 38.7 daily fantasy points over his last five outings, down from 46.4 in the previous five. His scoring remains strong at 23.6 points per game, and he’s shooting an impressive 53.0% from the field. However, his three-point efficiency has dropped to 33.3%. Despite these fluctuations, Durant’s consistent court time, averaging 38.3 minutes per game, keeps him as a vital part of the Suns’ strategy. With a DFS Value Score of 5.1, Durant presents strong value at his current salary, especially against the Timberwolves who are ranked #12 against PFs. His balanced performance and lower salary compared to Banchero make him an attractive option for DFS players looking for value.

Center Position Daily Fantasy Analysis

Nikola Jokic ($11600), Denver Nuggets – Projected 69.3 pts

As the fantasy basketball season progresses, Nikola Jokic continues to demonstrate why he’s a top pick in DFS lineups. Over his last five games, Jokic has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 62.7 daily fantasy points. His scoring ability is robust with an average of 29.2 points per game, complemented by impressive shooting efficiencies of 64.4% from the field and a remarkable 58.8% from three-point range. Not just a scorer, Jokic also contributes heavily in assists and rebounds, averaging 9.4 and 12.4 respectively. Despite facing the Lakers who rank #5 in defense against centers, Jokic’s consistent performance and his 6.0 DFS value score make him an elite option for the upcoming slate.

Joel Embiid ($10600), Philadelphia 76ers – Projected 60.4 pts

Joel Embiid remains a formidable force at the center position for the Philadelphia 76ers. In his recent performances, Embiid has averaged 53.8 daily fantasy points. His scoring prowess is evident with an average of 30.4 points per game, although his shooting efficiency has slightly dipped to 50.0% from the field. However, his three-point shooting remains strong at 48.1%. Embiid’s contributions extend to assists and rebounds, where he averages 5.2 and 9.2 respectively. Facing the Knicks, ranked #14 against centers, Embiid’s matchup is favorable. With a DFS value score of 5.7, he holds strong value and should be considered a key player in DFS lineups.