FREE 04/21 NBA Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s 2-game NBA DFS slate is small, but there’s still plenty to dig into. The action tips off at 7:30 PM ET with the Pistons visiting the Knicks in a game featuring the slate’s highest total at 220.5. While it’s not a massive number, it stands out compared to the slower-paced matchup between the Clippers and Nuggets (217.5) at 10:00 PM ET. Prioritizing exposure to the first game could be key, especially if you’re targeting players in faster-paced environments or looking for higher implied scoring.

With just two games, roster construction will be tight, so finding value plays and low-owned pivots will be crucial to gaining an edge. Late swap could also come into play given the gap between games, so keep an eye on news leading up to lock. Both matchups feature teams that can slow things down, but there are still strong individual DFS plays worth considering from each side. It’ll be all about balancing chalky plays with smart contrarian options tonight.

Game Environment Analysis

DET @ NYK (O/U: 220.5, Spread: -6.5)

• Pace: DET (7th) vs NYK (26th) 🏃 (Pace mismatch)
• Off Eff: DET (16th) vs NYK (5th)
• Def Eff: DET (10th) vs NYK (15th)

LAC @ DEN (O/U: 217.5, Spread: 1.0)

• Pace: LAC (22nd) vs DEN (10th) 🏃 (Pace mismatch)
• Off Eff: LAC (13th) vs DEN (3rd)
• Def Eff: LAC (4th) vs DEN (22nd)

Legend:

🏃 = Significant pace mismatch

🔥 = Strong offense vs weak defense

🎯 = Poor defensive team

⚠️ = Blowout risk

Bold = Favored team

PG - Cade Cunningham ($9,100)

Cade Cunningham sits at the top of the value board tonight, and for good reason. At $9,100, he projects for 50.7 DK points with a strong 5.6x value and appears in nearly 40% of optimal lineups. His recent performances back up the numbers—he’s averaging 52 DK points over his last four games, including a 66.5-point explosion against Milwaukee just last week. The matchup against the Knicks isn’t ideal, as they’re a solid defensive team, but Cunningham’s massive usage rate and ability to contribute across all categories make him matchup-proof. He’s locked into heavy minutes (projected for 39), and in a game where Detroit will need his playmaking to keep pace with New York, he should have plenty of opportunities to deliver.

The main concern here is ownership—Cunningham is expected to be rostered by over 75% of the field, making him one of the chalkiest plays on the slate. While that might scare some off in tournaments, it’s hard to argue against him being worth it given his floor/ceiling combination and role in this offense. If you’re fading him, you’ll need to find lower-owned options with comparable upside—something that’s tough to do at this price point. Ultimately, while chalky, Cade’s consistency and elite projection make him a strong building block for both cash games and GPPs tonight.

More PG Plays:

• James Harden ($9,500)
• Jalen Brunson ($8,300)

SG - Mikal Bridges ($5,700)

Mikal Bridges ($5,700) is in a strong spot tonight against Detroit, making him one of the most appealing mid-range options on the slate. At his salary, he offers solid value with a 5.1x projection and appears in 37.3% of optimal lineups—an encouraging sign of his potential to deliver. While his recent game was underwhelming, Bridges is projected for 38 minutes tonight, which should give him plenty of opportunities to return value. His 0.77 FPPM isn’t eye-popping, but with Detroit ranking near the bottom defensively and struggling to contain wings, this matchup sets up well for him to exceed expectations.

At 38.3% ownership, Bridges will be moderately chalky, but it’s justified given his price point and role in the Knicks’ rotation. He’s not someone you’re rostering for massive upside (16.4% boom rate), but his floor is stable enough to make him a strong cash-game play or a safe option in GPPs if you’re looking for value without taking on too much risk. The combination of heavy minutes and a favorable matchup makes him difficult to fade at this price tag, even with higher ownership levels factored in.

More SG Plays:

• Jamal Murray ($7,500)
• Christian Braun ($5,100)

SF - OG Anunoby ($6,800)

OG Anunoby ($6,800) stands out as a strong mid-range play on tonight’s slate, offering both consistency and upside in a favorable matchup against the Pistons. Detroit has struggled defensively all season, ranking near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency, and they’ve been particularly vulnerable to versatile wings like Anunoby. With a projection of 36.3 DK points and a solid 5.34x value, he’s priced appropriately for his role but still carries ceiling potential. His ability to contribute across multiple categories—evidenced by his five steals and two blocks in Game 1—gives him a high floor while his projected 40 minutes should ensure plenty of opportunities to rack up stats.

At 30.5% projected ownership, Anunoby is chalky but not egregiously so given his optimal lineup percentage of nearly 40%. The field seems justified in targeting him, especially with his recent uptick in usage and production since the All-Star break (21.2 PPG). While he’s not an under-the-radar tournament play, his combination of minutes, matchup, and multi-category upside makes him worth eating some chalk if you’re looking for stability with room for a potential boom. In cash games or single-entry tournaments, locking in Anunoby feels like the right call tonight.

More SF Plays:

• Christian Braun ($5,100)
• Josh Hart ($6,900)

PF - Aaron Gordon ($5,900)

Aaron Gordon ($5,900) is shaping up to be a strong mid-range option tonight in a pivotal playoff matchup against the Clippers. Coming off a 46-minute Game 1 performance where he posted 39.5 DK points, Gordon’s role remains secure as he logged heavy minutes and contributed across multiple categories. At this salary, his 5.4x value projection and 44.1% optimal lineup rate stand out on the slate, particularly given the Clippers’ struggles defending versatile forwards like him. With Denver leaning heavily on their starters in tight games, Gordon’s projected 38+ minutes provide plenty of opportunities for him to rack up fantasy points.

Ownership is hovering at 24.9%, which is slightly above average but still reasonable given his production and price tag. While he isn’t sneaky, he’s also not overwhelming chalk, making him a solid play even in tournaments where you’re looking for both value and upside. His recent performances—averaging 37 DK points over his last four games—show consistency with room for ceiling games like we saw in Game 1. In a competitive game environment with playoff intensity, Gordon offers reliable exposure to one of the slate’s most fantasy-friendly situations without breaking the bank.

More PF Plays:

• Tobias Harris ($6,200)
• Kawhi Leonard ($8,500)

C - Ivica Zubac ($7,700)

Ivica Zubac is in a strong spot tonight at $7,700, even with his high ownership (39.9%). He’s been a model of consistency lately, extending his double-double streak to 16 games while averaging 19.3 points and 13.4 rebounds during that stretch. Facing Denver isn’t ideal on paper with Nikola Jokic anchoring the paint, but Zubac has shown he can hold his own against elite competition—he just dropped 42.8 DK points in this same matchup a few days ago. His 1.21 FPPM and projected 34.5 minutes give him a solid floor, and his Boom% (27%) and Optimal% (27.4%) suggest he’s not only safe but also capable of hitting value in tournaments.

The ownership here is worth noting but not necessarily a reason to fade. At nearly 40%, he’s chalky for sure, but it’s chalk that makes sense given his role and recent production. The Clippers will need Zubac to stay on the floor to counter Jokic, which should lock him into heavy minutes in what projects to be a competitive game environment. If you’re comfortable eating some chalk, Zubac provides one of the best combinations of floor and ceiling at center tonight.

More C Plays:

• Karl-Anthony Towns ($9,300)
• Nikola Jokic ($11,500)

Good luck tonight! Make sure to check the Lineup Optimizer for latest updates before lock. Visit DFS Hero for our full suite of DFS tools including the Lineup Optimizer, Contest Simulator, Player Projections, and Ownership Projections. Use code HEROPLAY15 to get 15% off your first month!