NBA DFS Picks & Lineup Advice: Wednesday (4/16)

The NBA Play-In Tournament rolls into Day 2 with a compact two-game DFS slate, offering a high-stakes setup that should lead to tight rotations and elevated minutes for key contributors.

The action tips off with the Chicago Bulls hosting the Miami Heat at 7:30 p.m. ET in what’s projected to be a grind-it-out battle, featuring a 220 over/under and Chicago favored by a single point. Later, the Dallas Mavericks square off against the Sacramento Kings at 10:00 p.m. ET. Sacramento enters as five-point favorites in a 216-point total matchup that features two explosive backcourts and plenty of star power.

With limited options on a small slate, every roster spot becomes increasingly valuable, and finding reliable value plays grows more challenging as rotations shrink. This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position and uncovers the salary-saving options that can help separate your lineup from the pack. Let’s dive in and identify the players who can give you an edge tonight.

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

The NBA Play-In Tournament rolls into Day 2 with a compact two-game DFS slate, offering a high-stakes setup that should lead to tight rotations and elevated minutes for key contributors.

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

Josh Giddey (PG – CHI)

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

Josh Giddey emerged as a completely different player after the All-Star break, stepping into a more assertive and well-rounded role. Over that stretch, he posted eye-popping averages of 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, flirting with triple-double territory on a nightly basis. His all-around production and increased usage make him a high-upside play, especially in a playoff-like environment where his ability to impact every facet of the game becomes even more valuable.

Giddey has thrived against the Miami Heat this season, averaging 26 points, 10.3 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks across three meetings. Miami’s defense, while typically tough, hasn’t had an answer for his blend of size, pace and playmaking. With seven triple-doubles under his belt this year and a strong track record against this opponent, Giddey brings elite tournament-winning upside to the slate.

Anthony Davis (PF, C – DAL)

DraftKings: $10,300
FanDuel: $10,800

Anthony Davis (adductor) is listed as probable for Wednesday’s NBA Play-In Tournament matchup against the Sacramento Kings and is fully expected to suit up in a win-or-go-home scenario. Though he played limited minutes post-All-Star break, never exceeding 33 minutes in a game, he still posted solid numbers with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 19.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists over eight games. With several days of rest since his last appearance on April 11th, Davis should be ready to take on a full workload and play heavy minutes in a must-win contest.

From a DFS standpoint, Davis brings slate-breaking upside. Sacramento has struggled at times containing versatile bigs, and Davis’ ability to dominate both in the post and on the glass puts him in a prime position to exploit this matchup. Given the stakes, his ceiling is as high as anyone’s on the board, making him a premier option in tournament formats.

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

Domantas Sabonis (C – SAC)

DraftKings: $10,500
FanDuel: $10,000

Domantas Sabonis has been a model of consistency all season, finishing as the league leader in rebounds with 13.9 per game while also contributing 19.1 points and six assists per game. His well-rounded game and high floor make him one of the safest options on the slate, especially in cash formats.

Sabonis rarely has a quiet night thanks to his involvement in nearly every aspect of the Sacramento Kings’ offense and his elite rebounding presence.

Nikola Vucevic (C – CHI)

DraftKings: $8,500
FanDuel: $8,200

Nikola Vucevic continues to be a reliable DFS option, even at age 34. The veteran big man wrapped up another strong regular season, averaging 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while serving as a steady presence in the paint. His ability to rack up double-doubles and contribute as a facilitator gives him a solid floor, making him an appealing target in both cash games and GPPs.

Vucevic has also fared well in limited action against the Miami Heat this season, averaging 16 points, 11 rebounds and five assists over two matchups. His size and skill set allow him to create mismatches against Miami’s frontcourt, and his passing from the post adds another layer of value.

Matas Buzelis (PF – CHI)

DraftKings: $5,500
FanDuel: $5,700

Matas Buzelis closed out his rookie campaign on a strong note, earning additional minutes in the rotation and proving he can contribute across the board. Over the second half of the season, he averaged 26.8 minutes and compiled 13 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, showcasing his versatility as a wing.

Buzelis also found success against the Miami Heat, averaging 18 points and 3.7 rebounds across three matchups. With a favorable price point and consistent usage, Buzelis offers both upside and flexibility when building out your lineups.

NBA DFS GPP Targets

Zach LaVine (SG, SF – SAC)

DraftKings: $8,700
FanDuel: $7,400

Zach LaVine has quietly put together another strong scoring season, averaging 22.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in 32 games with the Sacramento Kings. Known for his explosive scoring ability, LaVine offers tremendous upside for tournaments, evident by his nine games this season with 35+ points. He’s capable of getting hot in a hurry, and when he does, he can be a slate-breaker.

LaVine’s outlook is even more appealing with Malik Monk (calf) sidelined, opening the door for additional usage and shot volume. His combination of high ceiling and increased opportunity makes him one of the top guards of the day.

Andrew Wiggins (SF, PF – MIA)

DraftKings: $7,000
FanDuel: $6,600

Andrew Wiggins made an immediate impact after joining the Miami Heat, posting a 26.9% usage rate across 17 games while averaging 19 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and one block per contest. Erik Spoelstra trusted him as a central piece of the offense, often running sets through him in both half-court and transition opportunities. His ability to create his own shot, defend multiple positions and contribute across the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.

Although a hamstring issue limited his availability late in the season, Wiggins was able to suit up for the final two games. Four days of rest leading into this must-win matchup against the Chicago Bulls should help him return at full strength. At his current price, he brings strong mid-tier value with high upside, especially considering his prominent role in the offense.

Spencer Dinwiddie (PG, SG – DAL)

DraftKings: $5,700
FanDuel: $6,100

Spencer Dinwiddie has carved out a meaningful role down the stretch, becoming a key part of the Dallas Mavericks’ rotation. What began as a limited role, just 14 minutes per game in October, has grown significantly, with Dinwiddie averaging 32.2 minutes per game in April. His expanded usage has translated to steady production, particularly since the All-Star break, where he’s averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and six assists per game.

Dinwiddie faces a Sacramento Kings defense ranked 22nd in defensive rating since the break, making this an appealing matchup for guards. Dinwiddie should continue to see heavy run, especially in a high-leverage tournament environment.

NBA DFS Value Plays

Davion Mitchell (PG – MIA)

DraftKings: $5,300
FanDuel: $5,800

Davion Mitchell has stepped into a much more prominent role since arriving in Miami, showcasing his playmaking and defensive chops. After averaging 6.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game with the Toronto Raptors, he’s bumped those numbers up to 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game in a Miami Heat uniform. While still coming off the bench, Mitchell has carved out a significant role as a high-energy two-way guard who can stabilize the second unit and keep the offense flowing.

Mitchell’s defensive activity and motor will be especially important in a matchup against the fast-paced Bulls. He’s a strong value play at his price point, especially if you’re looking for a likely low-rostered option with upside in a favorable tempo matchup.

Kevin Huerter (SG, SF – CHI)

DraftKings: $4,600
FanDuel: $5,000

Kevin Huerter is shaping up to be a strong value play tonight with Lonzo Ball (wrist) ruled out. Huerter has routinely stepped into a larger role when Ball is sidelined, and that trend should continue against the Miami Heat. Over his last 10 games, Huerter is averaging 14.3 points, three rebounds and 3.9 assists while logging 31.5 minutes per game.

Huerter also has a recent track record of success against the Miami Heat, posting 22 points, four rebounds and four assists in their last matchup on April 9th. That performance highlights both his offensive upside and his ability to contribute across multiple categories. Given his consistent production and favorable price point, Huerter offers excellent value in a game where he’ll likely see a significant workload.

Trey Lyles (PF, C – SAC)

DraftKings: $3,900
FanDuel: $4,400

Trey Lyles remains a key contributor off the bench for the Sacramento Kings, even after Keegan Murray ‘s return pushed him out of the starting lineup. Over his final two regular-season games, Lyles still averaged 27.2 minutes while posting 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest. His consistent role in the rotation gives him a solid floor, even off the bench.

Lyles offers strong value at a very affordable price point for those looking to pay up for top-tier stars. He provides salary relief without sacrificing production. Lyles’ ability to stretch the floor and clean up on the glass adds sneaky upside.