Sunday’s four-game NBA DFS slate tips off at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Boston Celtics face the Orlando Magic in a game carrying the lowest total at 197, while the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks headline the slate with a 227 total. Every game is projected to stay competitive, with the largest spread just 7.5 points in favor of Boston.
On a small slate with limited player pools, maximizing production at every roster spot becomes critical. Value plays take on even greater importance as team rotations tighten. This primer breaks down key matchups, spotlights top plays by position and highlights salary-saving options to help craft a winning lineup.
Let’s dig in and pinpoint the players who can give you an edge today.
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
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF, C – MIL)
- DraftKings: $11,800
- FanDuel: $11,800
Despite the Milwaukee Bucks trailing 2-1 in the series, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been nothing short of dominant. His 36.1% usage rate leads all players averaging at least 30 minutes per game in the postseason, fueling an incredible 35.7 points per game.
Antetokounmpo has been an unstoppable force on both ends, adding 14 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game to round out his elite stat lines. Even with the Indiana Pacers throwing everything at him, he’s been able to produce at an absurdly high level.
Anthony Edwards (PG, SG – MIN)
- DraftKings: $8,900
- FanDuel: $9,400
The Minnesota Timberwolves hold a 2-1 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony Edwards has been a driving force behind their success. Edwards is doing a little bit of everything, averaging 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. His all-around impact has been critical in setting the tone for Minnesota on both ends of the floor, stepping up as the go-to option when the team needs a big play.
What stands out even more is how Edwards has balanced aggression with efficiency. He’s carrying a healthy 29.8% usage rate, yet still managing to shoot 42.9% from the field against a physical Los Angeles Lakers defense. Whether attacking the rim, creating his own shot or making plays for teammates, Edwards has taken his game to another level in this series, showing the maturity and consistency that make him one of the most dynamic players in the league.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
LeBron James (SF, PF – LAL)
- DraftKings: $9,300
- FanDuel: $9,500
Despite the Los Angeles Lakers coming up short in Game 3, LeBron James delivered a vintage performance. He erupted for 38 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, showing once again why he remains one of the most impactful players in the league. At 40 years old, James continues to defy expectations, stepping up when his team needs him most and proving he still has plenty of fuel left in the tank.
The Lakers are going to need another massive effort from James if they want to even the series tonight. His ability to take over games with scoring, playmaking and defensive intensity makes him the heartbeat of this team. Expect James to stay aggressive from the opening tip, looking to set the tone early and carry the Lakers in what feels like a must-win situation.
Paolo Banchero (PF – ORL)
- DraftKings: $9,400
- FanDuel: $9,600
Paolo Banchero has been outstanding for the Orlando Magic in this series, showing no fear against the Boston Celtics’ tough defense. He’s taken at least 25 shots in every game while still maintaining strong efficiency, shooting over 40% from the field each time out. That kind of high-volume, consistent scoring is rare, especially for someone seeing this much defensive attention. Banchero has turned the heavy workload into elite production, averaging 32.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and four assists per game.
Banchero’s blend of power, skill and versatility has made him a nightmare matchup for the Boston Celtics. He’s not only scoring at all three levels but also impacting the game on the glass and as a playmaker. With the Orlando Magic leaning heavily on their young star, Banchero is someone worth paying up for today.
Franz Wagner (SF – ORL)
- DraftKings: $8,100
- FanDuel: $8,400
Franz Wagner has emerged as the Orlando Magic’s go-to option through three games against the Boston Celtics, leading the team with a 35.2% usage rate. For a player priced under $9,000, that level of opportunity is hard to overlook. Wagner has turned the heavy workload into strong production, averaging 26.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and five assists per game in the series, providing excellent value relative to his salary.
Wagner’s combination of scoring aggression and playmaking has kept Orlando competitive against one of the league’s top defenses. He’s showing no hesitation in attacking the Celtics’ perimeter defenders, and his ability to stuff the stat sheet makes him a standout target on a small slate. With Orlando relying heavily on him to generate offense, Wagner projects as one of the best mid-range plays today.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Karl-Anthony Towns (C – NYK)
- DraftKings: $8,600
- FanDuel: $9,300
Karl-Anthony Towns left a lot to be desired in Game 2, struggling with just a 15.3% usage rate while posting 10 points and six rebounds. It was a frustrating performance for both the New York Knicks and fantasy players alike. However, Towns bounced back in a big way in Game 3, erupting for 31 points and eight rebounds, while raising his usage rate to 24.9%. He recognized that for the Knicks to control the series, he needed to be far more aggressive on the offensive end.
Towns’ Game 3 performance showed a different level of urgency, attacking mismatches and playing with more confidence around the rim. When he asserts himself offensively, he not only boosts his production but also opens up easier looks for his teammates, making him a critical piece for New York’s success moving forward.
Pascal Siakam (PF – IND)
- DraftKings: $7,300
- FanDuel: $7,800
Pascal Siakam has been in excellent form throughout the postseason, averaging 25.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and two steals per game. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him one of the most well-rounded players on the slate. Siakam’s scoring, combined with his versatility, has been crucial for the Indiana Pacers as they look to make a deep playoff run.
The Milwaukee Bucks have struggled defensively in the playoffs, ranking 12th in defensive efficiency. This presents a prime opportunity for Siakam to continue his dominant play, as he can exploit the Bucks’ defensive vulnerabilities both inside and on the perimeter.
Mikal Bridges (SG, SF – NYK)
- DraftKings: $5,600
- FanDuel: $6,100
Mikal Bridges got off to a quiet start in Game 1, but quickly found his rhythm in Games 2 and 3 against the Detroit Pistons. Over the last two contests, Bridges has averaged 19.5 points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple categories. Even though he isn’t the primary scoring option, his two-way impact remains critical for the New York Knicks as the series unfolds.
Bridges’ importance to the Knicks is also reflected in his workload, logging 38 minutes in Games 2 and 3. His defensive versatility, steady scoring and ability to create extra possessions through steals make him a valuable piece, even without the offense running through him.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Aaron Nesmith (SG, SF – IND)
- DraftKings: $4,800
- FanDuel: $5,100
Aaron Nesmith has made the most of his opportunities in this series, averaging 28.4 minutes per game and contributing across the board. He’s putting up 13.7 points, five rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game, showcasing his ability to impact multiple areas. His efficiency from the floor has been solid. At his price point, he’s providing excellent value for fantasy lineups, especially in a competitive matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
With his steady role and consistent production, Nesmith has been a reliable option for the Indiana Pacers, filling in the gaps when needed. While he may not be the focal point of the offense, his contributions are enough to make him a strong play, especially when factoring in his affordable salary.
Donte DiVincenzo (PG, SG – MIN)
- DraftKings: $4,500
- FanDuel: $5,300
Donte DiVincenzo has quietly become a valuable contributor for the Minnesota Timberwolves, doing a little bit of everything. While he isn’t lighting up the scoreboard, he’s filling up the box score with 7.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, one steal and one block per game. That kind of balanced production provides steady value, especially on a slate where finding reliable secondary pieces is critical.
DiVincenzo’s versatility has been a real asset against the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s defending multiple positions, making smart plays off the ball and helping keep possessions alive with his rebounding and hustle. Even without a high usage rate, his ability to contribute across several stat categories keeps him firmly in play.
Dennis Schroder (PG, SG – DET)
- DraftKings: $4,500
- FanDuel: $5,000
Dennis Schroder may be coming off the bench, but he’s playing a major role for the Detroit Pistons in their series against the Indiana Pacers. Schroder is averaging 28.3 minutes per game and ranks second on the team with 15.3 points per game. His ability to provide instant offense and steady production has been critical, especially with his efficient shooting, hitting 55.6% from the field and an impressive 61.5% from three-point range.
As a veteran presence, Schroder brings experience and poise to the floor, giving the Pistons a dependable scoring option outside of their stars. His combination of efficiency, scoring punch and leadership makes him a valuable piece, even in a bench role.
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