Strategy and Stats for 04/26/24 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 05:30 PM EST today, the NBA fantasy slate is set to ignite with a trio of thrilling games, headlined by a high-octane clash at Gainbridge Fieldhouse where the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Indiana Pacers. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 224.0, this game promises a flurry of fantasy points, making it a goldmine for DFS enthusiasts. Keep an eye on the Bucks’ power forward, who’s been on a scoring tear, averaging 28 points per game over his last five outings, and the Pacers’ guard, who dished out 10 assists last game. This matchup not only sets the stage for potential high-scoring affairs but also serves as a perfect segue into our in-depth analysis of today’s top projected players at each position. Get ready to dive into a comprehensive breakdown of the matchups that could make or break your fantasy lineup tonight.

Top Picks for PG in Today’s NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

Luka Doncic ($11700), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 74.2 pts

Luka Doncic continues to be a fantasy powerhouse, and his recent performances underscore his elite status. Over his last five games, Doncic has dazzled with an average of 62.9 daily fantasy points, driven by his scoring ability, playmaking, and rebounding. Notably, he’s shooting an impressive 58.5% from the field. Despite a slight dip in three-point efficiency to 36.8%, his overall contributions on the court remain substantial, especially with an increased average of 40.9 minutes per game. Facing the Clippers’ middle-tier defense against PGs, Doncic’s projected DFS value score of 6.3 makes him an essential pick for today’s games.

Damian Lillard ($10800), Milwaukee Bucks – Projected 53.5 pts

Damian Lillard has been a consistent performer for the Bucks, and his fantasy output remains strong. In his recent stretch, Lillard has averaged 43.5 daily fantasy points. His scoring has been efficient, with a field goal percentage of 52.4% and an impressive 40.9% from beyond the arc. While his assists have seen a slight decrease, his ability to contribute across multiple categories keeps his value high. With a DFS value score of 5.0, Lillard is a strong value against the Pacers, who rank 13th in defense against PGs. His balanced game and high court time make him a reliable option for today’s fantasy lineups.

Shooting Guard Spotlight: DFS Analysis

Eric Gordon ($4000), Phoenix Suns – Projected 14.8 pts

Eric Gordon’s recent uptick in performance makes him a player to watch, despite a challenging matchup against the Timberwolves’ robust defense against SGs. Over his last five games, Gordon has shown significant improvement, boosting his fantasy points per game from 10.4 to 15.3, and his field goal percentage has skyrocketed from 33.3% to an impressive 54.5%. However, his projected DFS value score of 3.7 suggests caution. His low cost of $4000 could be tempting for those looking to allocate funds elsewhere in their lineup, but his performance against a strong defense is a notable risk factor.

Malik Beasley ($4400), Milwaukee Bucks – Projected 13.2 pts

Malik Beasley’s consistency and shooting efficiency are key highlights in his recent games. With a stellar 72.7% shooting from the field and 34.6% from three-point range, Beasley has managed to maintain a decent output of 13.8 fantasy points per game. Despite a slight decrease in his previous performance metrics, his ability to contribute across the board with points and rebounds makes him a viable option. However, his DFS value score of 3.0 at a salary of $4400 indicates that he might not provide the best value this slate, especially considering the moderate defense of the Pacers against SGs.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Khris Middleton ($8800), Milwaukee Bucks – Projected 42.2 pts

As we delve into Khris Middleton’s recent performances, it’s clear he’s a pivotal player for the Bucks and DFS lineups alike. Over the last five games, Middleton has averaged 31.3 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he posted 36.8. Despite this, his shooting has improved significantly, boasting a field goal percentage of 61.1% and a three-point percentage of 50.0%. Although his minutes have decreased to 28.1 per game, his efficiency makes him a valuable asset, especially against the Pacers’ robust defense ranked #7 against SFs. With a DFS Value Score of 4.8, Middleton stands as a core value pick at his current salary.

Jaden McDaniels ($4600), Minnesota Timberwolves – Projected 22.5 pts

Jaden McDaniels emerges as an intriguing budget option in DFS, especially given his recent upswing in performance. In his last five outings, McDaniels has averaged 24.5 fantasy points per game, a notable increase from 18.9 in his earlier games. His scoring has surged to 12.6 points per game, complemented by a solid rebounding average of 4.8. His shooting accuracy is impressive, with a field goal percentage of 63.0% and a significant jump in three-point accuracy to 38.9%. Playing an average of 34.0 minutes against the Suns’ weaker defense ranked #29 against SFs, McDaniels offers a DFS Value Score of 4.9, positioning him as a core value play in today’s slate.

Power Forward Analysis: Daily Fantasy Insights

Kevin Durant ($8200), Phoenix Suns – Projected 45.7 pts

Kevin Durant continues to be a linchpin in fantasy lineups, especially considering his robust average of 39.7 minutes on the court per game. Over his last five games, Durant has posted an average of 38.0 daily fantasy points. Although there’s been a slight dip in his performance compared to the previous five-game stretch—where he averaged 42.2 fantasy points—his scoring ability remains strong with 24.4 points per game on a 52.9% shooting from the field. His next matchup against the Timberwolves, who rank 12th in defense against PFs, positions him as a potentially lucrative pick. His DFS value score of 5.6 underscores his strong value at a $8200 salary, making him a compelling choice for your DFS roster.

PJ Washington ($6300), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 28.3 pts

PJ Washington presents a more nuanced choice for DFS players, especially with his recent performance showing variability. Over the latest five-game stretch, Washington has averaged 23.9 daily fantasy points, a notable decrease from his previous output of 39.9 points. His scoring has also dipped to 10.2 points per game, coupled with a decrease in shooting efficiency to 50.0% from the field. Facing the Clippers next, who are ranked 5th in defense against PFs, could pose additional challenges. However, with an average of 30.0 minutes on the court and a DFS value score of 4.5, Washington might still hold core value for those looking to fill a slot with a potentially under-the-radar performer at a $6300 salary.

Center Position Daily Fantasy Analysis

Rudy Gobert ($7200), Minnesota Timberwolves – Projected 42.4 pts

Rudy Gobert’s recent surge in performance makes him a compelling pick for today’s DFS slate. Over his last five games, Gobert has not only increased his fantasy output significantly but also improved his on-court contributions across the board. He’s averaging 46.5 daily fantasy points, up from 31.7 in his previous five games, with notable jumps in points per game from 11.5 to 17.8 and rebounds from 11.2 to 15.0. His exceptional 77.5% shooting from the field highlights his efficiency. Despite a tough matchup against the Suns’ seventh-ranked defense against centers, Gobert’s dominant form and a DFS value score of 5.9 suggest strong value at a salary of $7200.

Myles Turner ($7800), Indiana Pacers – Projected 38.6 pts

Myles Turner is another center who has shown impressive form lately, making him worth consideration for DFS players. In his last five outings, Turner has averaged 37.4 daily fantasy points, a significant improvement over his previous 27.6. His scoring has increased to 18.8 points per game, and his assists have seen a substantial rise to 3.2 per game. Turner’s ability to contribute from beyond the arc, shooting 36.4%, adds an extra layer to his fantasy value. Facing the Bucks’ fourth-ranked defense against centers will be challenging, but Turner’s recent performance and a DFS value score of 4.9 indicate core value at his current salary of $7800.