FREE 04/08 NBA Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

We’ve got an 8-game NBA slate tonight, tipping off at 7:00 PM ET with plenty to unpack for DFS. Two games immediately stand out from a totals perspective: CHI at CLE (238.5) and WAS at IND (235.5). Both should feature fast-paced environments with plenty of scoring opportunities, making them key spots to target. The rest of the slate has some solid options, but these high-total games could end up being where the field flocks, so roster construction will be important.

With all games starting by 8:00 PM ET, there’s no late-night hammer to worry about, which simplifies things a bit. Still, it’ll be interesting to see how ownership shakes out in those two high-total matchups versus the slower-paced games on the slate. Whether you’re stacking those shootouts or looking for leverage elsewhere, tonight’s slate offers a nice mix of game environments to work with. Let’s dive in and build smart!

Game Environment Analysis

MEM @ CHA (O/U: 228.5, Spread: 15.0)

• Pace: MEM (1st) vs CHA (21st) 🏃 (Pace mismatch)
• Off Eff: MEM (7th) 🔥 vs CHA (29th)
• Def Eff: MEM (10th) vs CHA (24th)
  ⚠️ Blowout risk

CHI @ CLE (O/U: 238.5, Spread: -14.0)

• Pace: CHI (2nd) vs CLE (9th)
• Off Eff: CHI (17th) vs CLE (1st) 🔥
• Def Eff: CHI (20th) vs CLE (8th)

WAS @ IND (O/U: 235.5, Spread: -19.5)

• Pace: WAS (4th) vs IND (10th)
• Off Eff: WAS (30th) vs IND (6th) 🔥
• Def Eff: WAS (29th) 🎯 vs IND (15th)
  ⚠️ Blowout risk

ATL @ ORL (O/U: 225.0, Spread: -4.0)

• Pace: ATL (3rd) vs ORL (28th) 🏃 (Pace mismatch)
• Off Eff: ATL (19th) vs ORL (27th)
• Def Eff: ATL (19th) vs ORL (2nd)

NOP @ BKN (O/U: 213.0, Spread: -2.0)

• Pace: NOP (15th) vs BKN (27th)
• Off Eff: NOP (24th) vs BKN (28th)
• Def Eff: NOP (27th) 🎯 vs BKN (18th)

BOS @ NYK (O/U: 222.5, Spread: -1.0)

• Pace: BOS (30th) vs NYK (26th)
• Off Eff: BOS (2nd) 🔥 vs NYK (5th)
• Def Eff: BOS (5th) vs NYK (14th)

LAL @ OKC (O/U: 230.0, Spread: -9.0)

• Pace: LAL (22nd) vs OKC (8th) 🏃 (Pace mismatch)
• Off Eff: LAL (10th) vs OKC (4th)
• Def Eff: LAL (13th) vs OKC (1st)

MIN @ MIL (O/U: 223.0, Spread: 5.5)

• Pace: MIN (23rd) vs MIL (14th)
• Off Eff: MIN (11th) vs MIL (12th)
• Def Eff: MIN (6th) vs MIL (11th)

Legend:

🏃 = Significant pace mismatch

🔥 = Strong offense vs weak defense

🎯 = Poor defensive team

⚠️ = Blowout risk

Bold = Favored team

PG - Ty Jerome ($4,500)

Ty Jerome stands out as one of the best value plays on the slate at just $4,500. With a strong 1.22 FPPM and a projection of nearly 30 DK points, he offers an impressive 6.66x value in his matchup against Chicago. The Bulls rank middle of the pack defensively, but Jerome’s ability to contribute across multiple categories in limited minutes makes him an appealing option, especially given his recent consistency (20+ DK points in four straight games). His 39.3% boom percentage and inclusion in over 25% of optimal lineups further solidify him as a high-upside play at this price point.

The primary concern here is his projected 35.7% ownership, which makes him chalky compared to the field average. However, this chalk feels warranted given Jerome’s price-to-production ratio and his role within Cleveland’s rotation. He’s averaging just under 21 minutes per game recently but has been incredibly efficient, putting up big numbers even off the bench. If you’re comfortable eating some chalk for salary relief and upside, Jerome is a solid foundation piece for both cash games and tournaments tonight.

More PG Plays:

• Darius Garland ($7,800)
• Tyrese Haliburton ($9,100)
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11,400)

SG - Desmond Bane ($8,300)

Desmond Bane checks a lot of boxes tonight in a favorable matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. At $8,300, his 4.73x value projection and strong 1.19 FPPM make him an appealing play for both cash games and tournaments. The Hornets rank among the league’s worst defenses, particularly against opposing wings, which sets up well for Bane to thrive as Memphis’ primary offensive option. His recent usage has been consistent, with shot attempts in the mid-20s and big minutes (33+ in three straight games), and his ceiling was on full display against Detroit when he dropped 52 DK points. While his recent shooting has been streaky, the volume and matchup suggest a bounce-back opportunity is well within reach.

The 17.6% projected ownership makes him one of the chalkier plays on this slate, but it’s justified given his role and upside in this spot. Bane appears in over 15% of optimal lineups, which reinforces his viability even at elevated ownership levels. If you’re targeting this game environment, Bane is a great way to get exposure to Memphis’ offense without overpaying for Ja Morant or Sabonis-level salaries. With Charlotte’s pace and defensive inefficiencies, Bane has a strong chance to exceed value while maintaining both floor and ceiling potential for DFS lineups tonight.

More SG Plays:

• Carlton Carrington ($5,600)
• Mikal Bridges ($5,600)
• Anthony Edwards ($9,400)

SF - Franz Wagner ($8,800)

Franz Wagner comes in at $8,800 on tonight’s slate, and while the price tag is steep, he offers a solid combination of floor and ceiling. Averaging 1.22 FPPM and projected for 36 minutes against Atlanta, Wagner’s role as a primary scorer and playmaker for Orlando keeps him in play even at high ownership (39.7%). His recent performances back this up, with DraftKings totals of 39.8+ points in three straight games. Atlanta’s defense has been inconsistent all season, ranking middle-of-the-pack in DvP against small forwards, which gives Wagner a good chance to hit his projection of 43.95 DK points and potentially exceed value at nearly 5x.

The high ownership is worth addressing here, as it reflects both his consistency and the lack of strong mid-range alternatives on this slate. While he may not have elite boom potential (16.2%), his ability to fill multiple stat categories makes him a safer option for cash games or single-entry tournaments. In GPPs, you’ll need to decide whether you’re comfortable eating the chalk or pivoting to lower-owned options with higher ceilings. Ultimately, Wagner’s steady production and prominent role in Orlando’s offense make him a strong play tonight despite being one of the more popular choices on the board.

More SF Plays:

• Jayson Tatum ($10,200)
• OG Anunoby ($6,900)
• LeBron James ($10,300)

PF - Paolo Banchero ($9,800)

Paolo Banchero comes in as one of the chalkiest plays on the slate, projected for 47.3% ownership, and it’s easy to see why. At $9,800, he offers strong value with a 5.2x projection and a robust 1.41 FPPM rate. Facing Atlanta, who has struggled defensively against forwards all season, Banchero is in an excellent spot to capitalize on his high usage and well-rounded game. He’s averaging over 50 DK points in his last two games, including a massive 70.5-point outing against Washington, where he dominated across all categories. With a projection of 36 minutes and a Boom% of nearly 23%, Banchero profiles as both a safe cash play and someone with tournament-winning upside.

The main concern here is his sky-high ownership in tournaments, which makes him less appealing as leverage compared to other top-priced options. That said, his consistency and involvement in the Magic’s offense make it hard to fade him entirely, especially given his strong optimal lineup percentage (22.7%). If you’re playing large-field GPPs, consider pairing him with lower-owned plays or pivoting off him in lineups where you want more differentiation. In smaller contests or cash games, however, Banchero is almost impossible to ignore given the combination of matchup, role, and ceiling potential.

More PF Plays:

• Evan Mobley ($8,900)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,600)
• Pascal Siakam ($7,600)

C - Zach Edey ($5,400)

Zach Edey is shaping up as one of the best value plays on tonight’s slate at just $5,400. With a 1.19 FPPM rate and a projection of 32.1 DK points, he offers a strong 5.94x value in a matchup against Charlotte, a team that has consistently struggled to defend big men. Edey has been dominant on the glass recently, averaging 13 rebounds over his last four games, including an impressive 21-rebound performance against Detroit. While his scoring opportunities are limited due to low shot volume, his ability to rack up boards and contribute in other categories—like blocks and assists—gives him a solid fantasy floor with upside.

At 17.6% projected ownership, Edey is chalky relative to the field, but it feels justified given his combination of price point, role, and recent production. He also appears in nearly 18% of optimal lineups, further reinforcing his viability in both cash games and tournaments. The game environment should work in his favor as well; Charlotte’s frontcourt lacks physicality, making this an ideal spot for Edey to dominate the glass again. If you’re comfortable eating some chalk at center tonight, Edey looks like a smart way to free up salary while still maintaining access to meaningful upside.

More C Plays:

• Evan Mobley ($8,900)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo ($12,600)
• Myles Turner ($6,100)

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!