Tonight’s condensed three-game NBA DFS slate presents a strategic puzzle, featuring a stark contrast between potential dominance and tight competition.
The early matchup sees the Boston Celtics heavily favored by 11 points over the Orlando Magic in a low-total affair (197.5), suggesting a slower, more physical game. Conversely, the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers clash in the slate’s highest-total contest (212.5), though the Cavaliers enter as sizable 12-point favorites.
The night culminates in the closest projected battle, with the Houston Rockets favored by just 3.5 points against the Golden State Warriors in a defense-leaning game with a 203.5-point total.
With limited player pools on a small slate, securing reliable production at every roster spot is paramount. Identifying salary-saving gems becomes even more critical as rotations tighten. This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position and uncovers the value options that can help you construct a unique and winning lineup.
Let’s dive in and pinpoint the players who can provide you with an edge tonight.
View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet 
Tonight’s condensed three-game NBA DFS slate presents a strategic puzzle, featuring a stark contrast between potential dominance and tight competition.
The early matchup sees the Boston Celtics heavily favored by 11 points over the Orlando Magic in a low-total affair (197.5), suggesting a slower, more physical game. Conversely, the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers clash in the slate’s highest-total contest (212.5), though the Cavaliers enter as sizable 12-point favorites.
The night culminates in the closest projected battle, with the Houston Rockets favored by just 3.5 points against the Golden State Warriors in a defense-leaning game with a 203.5-point total.
With limited player pools on a small slate, securing reliable production at every roster spot is paramount. Identifying salary-saving gems becomes even more critical as rotations tighten. This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position and uncovers the value options that can help you construct a unique and winning lineup.
Let’s dive in and pinpoint the players who can provide you with an edge tonight.
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
Steph Curry (PG – GSW)
- DraftKings: $8,900
- FanDuel: $9,000
Steph Curry came out firing in Game 1, recording a 31.1% usage rate and delivering 31 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. His elite shot-making and ability to create offense in tight spaces were on full display, and he remains one of the premier high-upside plays on the slate.
With his combination of volume, efficiency and peripheral contributions, Curry always carries the potential to break a slate wide open.
With the Golden State Warriors expected to be in a tight battle against the Houston Rockets, Curry’s usage should stay elevated as the Warriors lean heavily on their superstar to carry the offensive load. Close games are exactly where Curry thrives, and his playoff pedigree only adds to his appeal.
Paolo Banchero (PF – ORL)
- DraftKings: $9,000
- FanDuel: $9,800
Paolo Banchero exploded in Game 1, leading the Orlando Magic with a massive 37.9% usage rate and turning that into 61.3 DraftKings points. He dropped 36 points while adding 11 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block, showcasing his all-around game in a tough matchup against the Boston Celtics’ tough defense.
Banchero’s ability to generate offense in isolation and get to the line makes him a particularly valuable DFS piece, especially when Orlando’s scoring options are limited.
With the Celtics’ defensive attention likely focused on limiting Banchero’s touches, the Magic will still be forced to ride their star forward and Franz Wagner for the bulk of the offense. Even in a slow-paced, low-total game, Banchero’s usage and role keep his ceiling intact.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Derrick White (PG – BOS)
- DraftKings: $6,900
- FanDuel: $8,200
Derrick White delivered a standout performance in Game 1, notching 30 points on a 28.7% usage rate while adding four rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks.
White was aggressive from the jump, showcasing his ability to score efficiently and contribute across multiple stat categories. With that kind of production, he firmly established himself as one of the slate’s most impactful guards.
Looking ahead to Game 2, White’s role is set to expand even further with Jayson Tatum (wrist) expected to sit. That absence funnels more offensive responsibility in White’s direction, increasing both his usage and playmaking duties.
Against an Orlando Magic defense that can struggle to contain dynamic guards, White profiles as a high-upside play in both cash and tournament formats.
Davion Mitchell (PG – MIA)
- DraftKings: $5,000
- FanDuel: $6,000
Davion Mitchell continued his strong April form into the postseason, putting together an impressive Game 1 performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers with 18 points, four rebounds, nine assists and one steal. His energy and poise off the bench provided a crucial spark for the Miami Heat, as he stepped into a playmaking role with confidence and control.
Mitchell’s ability to lead the second unit and generate offense has made him a sneaky play, especially at his current salary. While Cleveland’s defense presents a tough matchup, Mitchell’s recent production suggests he’s more than capable of finding success again.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Jaylen Brown (SG, SF – BOS)
- DraftKings: $7,500
- FanDuel: $8,100
Jaylen Brown remains a volatile option, especially after an inconsistent March that raised concerns about his reliability in cash formats. Even with Jayson Tatum (wrist) expected to sit out Game 2, Brown doesn’t come with a secure floor.
In Game 1, he logged a 26.8% usage rate and posted 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals — solid numbers, but not quite slate-shifting at his price.
With Tatum likely sidelined, Brown should step into an expanded offensive role, giving him clear upside in tournaments. However, he’s still operating within Boston’s structured offense, which limits how much he can truly take over a game.
Andrew Wiggins (SF, PF – MIA)
- DraftKings: $7,100
- FanDuel: $7,200
Andrew Wiggins had a relatively quiet showing in Game 1, finishing with a 20.2% usage rate — his lowest since March 15. He posted 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Despite the modest numbers, Wiggins remains a key part of the Miami Heat’s offense and defense.
After a 21-point loss on Sunday, expect the Heat to make adjustments and lean more on Wiggins as they look to bounce back in Game 2. His ability to create his own shot, contribute on the glass and defend multiple positions keeps him locked into big minutes. If his usage ticks up as expected, he could be one of the better mid-range plays on the slate.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Dillon Brooks (PF – HOU)
- DraftKings: $4,700
- FanDuel: $4,900
Dillon Brooks played significant minutes in Game 1, finishing second on the team in that category while contributing 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. While these numbers are decent for his price point, they fall short of his true potential, especially considering his role in the Houston Rockets’ lineup.
With another close game expected in Game 2, Brooks is poised to take on an even more prominent role, particularly on the defensive end, where his intensity will be critical against the Golden State Warriors’ dynamic backcourt.
Offensively, Brooks has shown flashes of upside throughout the season, particularly when given more opportunities. His aggressive play style can result in big scoring nights, and with Golden State’s offensive threats likely drawing attention, there will be chances for him to exploit matchups.
Al Horford (C – BOS)
- DraftKings: $4,300
- FanDuel: $5,500
Al Horford underwhelmed in Game 1, posting just 15.8 DraftKings points on five points, five rebounds and three assists. As a result, his salary has taken a noticeable dip, creating an ideal buy-low opportunity in GPPs.
While his Game 1 usage was limited, his role in the Boston Celtics’ starting lineup remains secure, and Boston’s frontcourt depth isn’t likely to eat into his minutes significantly.
Horford has consistently seen 25+ minutes in competitive games since February 20th. With Orlando’s size and physicality in the paint, his presence will be crucial again in Game 2.
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