NBA DFS Picks & Lineup Advice: Sunday (4/13)

Today’s NBA DFS slate is a wild one. All 30 teams are in action with a massive 15-game schedule tipping off between 1:00-3:30 p.m. ET. With the regular season wrapping up today, motivation becomes a critical factor. Many teams have nothing to play for and could rest starters, so staying up to date on injury news is essential.

Only a few teams still have something on the line. The Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies are battling to secure playoff spots and avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament, while the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings are fighting for seeding within the NBA Play-In Tournament. These squads are more likely to play their starters full minutes, offering more lineup stability.

This DFS primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights top plays by position and uncovers value options to help build competitive, high-upside lineups.

View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet

This DFS primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights top plays by position and uncovers value options to help build competitive, high-upside lineups.

View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet

NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer

NBA DFS Core Plays

Nikola Jokic (C – DEN)

DraftKings: $13,000
FanDuel: $13,000

Nikola Jokic has been on a tear down the stretch, averaging 34.7 points, 13.2 rebounds, 10.3 assists and 2.7 steals over his last seven games. His all-around dominance gives him one of the highest floors and ceilings on any slate, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down with the Denver Nuggets still jockeying for playoff positioning. The Nuggets need a win to avoid slipping to the seventh seed and the dreaded NBA Play-In Tournament, which should keep Jokic locked into a full workload against the Houston Rockets.

With an abundance of value available across the board today, fitting Jokic into lineups isn’t nearly as difficult as it would be on a tighter slate. He’ll be among the most popular players of the day, and for good reason. Fading him carries a serious risk in both cash games and tournaments, as he’s a triple-double threat with 70+ fantasy-point upside.

James Harden (PG – LAC)

DraftKings: $10,200
FanDuel: $9,500

James Harden has been locked in over his last four games, averaging 27 points, 7.5 rebounds and 11.5 assists per contest while racking up one triple-double and three double-doubles in that stretch. He’s been aggressive offensively, controlling the pace and creating for teammates at a high level, exactly the kind of production you want with limited options tonight.

Harden’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors offers another strong spot for him to shine. Golden State is also trying to avoid the Play-In Tournament, so this game should be competitive. Harden’s floor is solid with his playmaking, and if his shot is falling, he has massive ceiling potential.

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

Kawhi Leonard (SF, PF – LAC)

DraftKings: $9,000
FanDuel: $9,200

Kawhi Leonard has been dialed in over his last four games, averaging 26.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals. He’s been a two-way force, contributing across the board while maintaining his efficient scoring touch. Leonard continues to be the steady anchor for the Los Angeles Clippers’ offense, and his defensive activity adds upside.

Today’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors carries playoff implications, and Leonard typically rises to the occasion in meaningful games. His ability to contribute in every category gives him a high floor, while his upside remains elite if he adds defensive stats and a big scoring night to the mix.

Adem Bona (C – PHI)

DraftKings: $6,000
FanDuel: $6,200

Adem Bona has made the most of his extended minutes with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 15.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in April. His energy, physicality and rim protection have been key for a short-handed Philly squad. Bona’s athleticism and relentless motor also help him stay involved on both ends of the floor, giving him strong upside at his price point.

Bona will take the floor today in a matchup against the Chicago Bulls that features the second-highest projected total on the slate, a great environment for fantasy production. With the 76ers resting key veterans and Bona expected to maintain a sizable role, he has a strong path to value once again.

NBA DFS GPP Targets

Anthony Edwards (SG – MIN)

DraftKings: $9,500
FanDuel: $9,600

Anthony Edwards has been on a tear in April, averaging 29.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game while carrying Minnesota’s offense down the stretch. He’s been aggressive in attacking the rim, knocking down threes and contributing across the stat sheet — exactly what you want from a player. With the Minnesota Timberwolves still fighting for playoff seeding, Edwards should see meaningful usage early as Minnesota looks to lock up a win quickly.

The only concern here is the blowout potential. The Timberwolves are massive 22-point favorites against a depleted Utah Jazz team resting most of its regulars. If this one gets out of hand early, Edwards may not be needed much in the second half.

Jimmy Butler (SF, PF – GSW)

DraftKings: $8,000
FanDuel: $8,400

With Steph Curry listed as questionable due to a thumb injury, the Warriors may need to lean more heavily on Jimmy Butler to secure a crucial win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Butler has stepped up recently, averaging 26 points, 4.5 rebounds, seven assists and two steals over his last two games. His ability to create his own shot, facilitate offense and contribute on the defensive end makes him a strong all-around option, especially if Curry ends up sidelined.

This is a meaningful game for Golden State as they try to solidify their position heading into the postseason, which could lead to an expanded role for Butler.

NBA DFS Value Plays

GG Jackson II (SF, PF – MEM)

DraftKings: $3,000
FanDuel: $4,000

With nearly every key player listed as doubtful for Memphis, there’s going to be a ton of value opening up, and GG Jackson stands out as a strong target. The sophomore has flashed upside throughout the year in limited opportunities, including a season-high 27-point outing that showcased his scoring ability and confidence on the offensive end. He’s an aggressive shot-taker with a versatile offensive game, capable of putting up points in bunches when given the minutes.

Jackson should see extended run against a Dallas Mavericks team likely to be focused on staying healthy for the postseason. With Memphis likely having a short-handed rotation, expect Jackson to get plenty of usage and shot volume. He doesn’t need to do much to return value at his price point. If Jackson’s shot is falling, he has the upside to smash in tournaments.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SG – MIA)

DraftKings: $3,500
FanDuel: $4,200

With Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and others sidelined, Jamie Jaquez Jr. is poised to take on a larger role for the shorthanded Miami Heat. He already proved he can be productive in this exact matchup, posting 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals in 23 minutes against the Washington Wizards back on March 31st.

With Miami resting key starters ahead of the NBA Play-In Tournament, Jaquez should easily clear the 20-minute mark again, making him a strong play on today’s slate.

Dalton Knecht (SG, SF – LAL)

DraftKings: $3,300
FanDuel: $4,100

Dalton Knecht is in line for extended minutes and a featured offensive role with the Los Angeles Lakers resting key players. He’s already flashed his upside this season with a career-high 37-point performance, proving he can score in bunches when given the opportunity. Knecht is a confident shooter with a scoring-first mentality, making him an ideal DFS target on a day when Los Angeles will be leaning heavily on its younger players.

Knecht also gets a dream matchup against a depleted Portland Trail Blazers squad playing at the fastest pace in the league over the last four games. That up-tempo environment creates more possessions, more shot attempts and more opportunities for fantasy production. If Knecht gets the green light, which he should, he’s capable of crushing value at his current price tag.

Value Watch: Hunting for Opportunity

With all 30 teams in action and many having nothing to play for, today’s slate is overflowing with potential value. Teams locked into their playoff position — or eliminated — are expected to rest starters or limit minutes for key players, opening the door for lesser-known options to step into expanded roles. Staying locked into starting lineups and injury news is essential.

Keep a close watch on these teams, as they’re expected to offer the most volatility and opportunity.

Atlanta Hawks – Starters are listed as questionable.
Boston Celtics – Six core players have already been ruled out.
Brooklyn Nets – Nothing to play for; resting numerous players.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Multiple key players have been ruled out.
Dallas Mavericks – Electing to rest veteran players.
Indiana Pacers – Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are out.
Los Angeles Lakers – Resting veterans with the No. 3 seed locked in.
Memphis Grizzlies – Nearly every regular is doubtful; expect a skeleton crew.
Miami Heat – Resting key players ahead of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Milwaukee Bucks – Veterans resting with playoff position secured.
New Orleans Pelicans – Nothing to play for; 11 players already ruled out.
New York Knicks – Four core players are questionable heading into tip-off.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Resting stars and role players with the No. 1 seed locked up.
Orlando Magic – Multiple players questionable; may rest starters with seeding set.
Philadelphia 76ers – Sitting everyone who hasn’t played this week.
Phoenix Suns – Resting veteran core with postseason hopes ended.
Portland Trail Blazers – Key players remain sidelined.
San Antonio Spurs – Continuing to rest their young core.
Toronto Raptors – Thin for weeks; no incentive to push anyone.
Utah Jazz – Keeping veterans out of the lineup to close the season.
Washington Wizards – Evaluating deep rotation players.

This is the part of the slate where sharp DFS players find their edge. Monitor news, react quickly and be ready to pivot — cheap volume is king today.