NBA Playoffs DFS Picks & Lineup Advice: Sunday (5/11)

Sunday’s two-game NBA DFS slate tips off at 3:30 p.m. ET with the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals. This matchup carries a 228 total, with the Thunder favored by 6.5 points.

The nightcap features the Cleveland Cavaliers facing off against the Indiana Pacers at 8:00 p.m. ET in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Cleveland is favored by 5.5 points, with the game carrying a 230 total.

With just two games on the slate, every roster decision carries heightened impact. Narrow player pools demand precision. Uncovering the right value plays is crucial as teams lean on tighter rotations. This breakdown highlights top targets by position, digs into key matchups and identifies cost-effective options to help separate your lineup from the field.

Let’s dive into the slate and uncover the edges that can help you cash tonight.

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

Let’s dive into the slate and uncover the edges that can help you cash 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

Nikola Jokic (C – DEN)

DraftKings: $11,200
FanDuel: $11,500

Nikola Jokic continues to offer one of the highest floors in NBA DFS, even on an off-shooting night. Despite hitting just 32% of his shots in Game 3, he still racked up 54.5 DraftKings points thanks to his all-around production: 20 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. His ability to stuff the stat sheet in every category keeps him firmly in play, regardless of matchup or shooting variance.

Jokic has already shown what his ceiling looks like when his shot is falling in this series. In Game 1, he shot 52% from the field and exploded for 83.5 DraftKings points. If he can get back to that level of efficiency, he’s a slate-breaking option worth paying up for.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – OKC)

DraftKings: $10,200
FanDuel: $10,700

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the floor after the Game 3 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets with a smile, like he was letting the Nuggets enjoy their moment without knowing what was coming next. That look said he’s not only locked in but ready to exact revenge, and that’s exactly the kind of edge worth chasing. Even on a night when he shot just 32% from the field, SGA still put up 50.3 fantasy points thanks to 18 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. That kind of stat-stuffing production makes him hard to ignore.

Heading into Game 4, SGA feels like a ticking time bomb. If the shot starts falling, which it easily could, his fantasy output could explode. He already plays heavy minutes and dominates usage, and now he’s got the added motivation of a gut-wrenching loss. In both cash and GPP formats, there’s every reason to want a piece of what looks like a major bounce-back brewing.

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

Jamal Murray (PG, SG – DEN)

DraftKings: $7,300
FanDuel: $7,900

Jamal Murray has found his rhythm in this series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, delivering consistent production across multiple categories. He’s averaging 20.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, five assists and 1.7 steals, showcasing his ability to contribute beyond just scoring. His activity on the defensive end and steady playmaking give him a reliable floor, especially in competitive games where his usage remains high.

Murray is also trending in the right direction offensively, coming off his best outing of the series with 27 points and nearly a double-double, falling just two assists short. His shooting efficiency has improved each game, and if that continues, he could easily outperform his salary.

Jarrett Allen (C – CLE)

DraftKings: $6,600
FanDuel: $7,500

Jarrett Allen has flown under the radar this series, largely due to Donovan Mitchell’s scoring explosion at 41.3 points per game this series. But Allen has quietly been a steady and impactful presence for the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, two assists and 1.7 blocks. His efficiency around the rim and consistent production in the paint have made him a key stabilizer for the Cavaliers, especially against a fast-paced Pacers squad.

He’s held his own down low, battling on the boards and anchoring the defense with timely blocks. While the spotlight may be on Mitchell, Allen’s steady minutes and reliable output make him a strong option to consider, particularly in lineups that need a dependable mid-priced big with double-double upside.

NBA DFS GPP Targets

Myles Turner (C – IND)

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

After strong outings in Games 1 and 2, Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner took a noticeable step back in Game 3. He attempted just seven shots and grabbed only three rebounds, part of which can be attributed to foul trouble that limited his aggression and overall impact. The Pacers will need a more assertive effort from him in Game 4 to match the physicality of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ frontcourt, especially with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley controlling the paint.

Despite the down game, Turner has been very effective throughout the series, averaging 17 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 3.3 blocks. His shot-blocking and defensive activity provide a stable floor, and when he’s engaged offensively, he can put up strong numbers. With Indiana likely emphasizing his role on both ends in a pivotal matchup, Turner is a solid tournament play with bounce-back upside.

Max Strus (SG, SF – CLE)

DraftKings: $5,100
FanDuel: $5,300

Max Strus has caught fire at the perfect time for the Cleveland Cavaliers, putting together back-to-back standout performances in this series against the Indiana Pacers. Over the last two games, he’s knocked down nine three-pointers while averaging 21.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists. That kind of all-around production, especially from beyond the arc, makes him one of the most intriguing value plays on the slate. His confidence is growing, and the Cavaliers continue to lean on his versatility.

With shooting guard and small forward both thin on tonight’s slate, Strus stands out as a strong mid-tier option. He’s still priced affordably despite his recent surge, offering a clear path to strong value in both cash and tournament formats.

NBA DFS Value Plays

Michael Porter Jr. (SF – DEN)

DraftKings: $4,500
FanDuel: $5,400

One thing that stands out with Michael Porter Jr. is his toughness. He’s battling through a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his left shoulder, an injury that typically requires 4-6 weeks of recovery time. Understandably, his playoff production has dipped due to the injury, but he showed signs of breaking through in Game 3, posting 21 points, eight rebounds and one assist. That performance was a reminder of the scoring upside he brings when his shot is falling and he’s active on the glass.

Porter remains a risky play given the injury and volatility in his usage, but his price tag helps offset the risk. If Game 3 was a turning point in terms of comfort and rhythm, he could easily return value and offer solid leverage in tournaments.

Bennedict Mathurin (SG, SF – IND)

DraftKings: $4,100
FanDuel: $4,600

Bennedict Mathurin has been a key offensive weapon for the Indiana Pacers in this series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading the team with an average of 17.7 points per game. His shooting has been exceptional, and he’s hit at least 6.5x value in two of the three games.

While Mathurin is a bit of a risky play given that his fantasy points are largely tied to his scoring, his price tag makes him an attractive option for roster construction. With limited options in the lower price ranges, he provides a high-upside, low-cost way to balance your lineup.