What’s going on everybody? Josh Engleman here, and we have a small but mighty NBA DFS slate ahead of us on DraftKings for Monday, April 21. With only two games on the board, there’s no room for error — every pick counts. You’re going to have to be sharp with your decisions today, and I have my top 5 DraftKings NBA DFS picks thanks to Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections. Also, don’t forget to check out Stokastic’s NBA DFS Starting Lineups Page to get the latest injury and rotation news.
DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks Today, April 21
5 – Christian Braun
Position: SG/SF | Salary: $5,100
Projections: 13.9 Points, 5.4 Rebounds, 2.5 Assists, 1.6 Stocks
Braun is starting to become a staple in this Denver rotation, and on a two-game slate, that kind of secure playing time is pure gold. He’s shooting guard and small forward eligible, so he gives you great positional flexibility. I have him projected for 38 minutes, and it doesn’t really seem to matter what Denver does — Braun fits the mold, whether it’s at the two or the three. His fantasy target is 36, but this is a minutes-based value play with dual eligibility at a mid-tier price. Unless this game turns into a blowout, Braun will push 40 minutes.
4 – Nikola Jokic
Position: C | Salary: $11,500
Projections: 28.1 Points, 13.1 Rebounds, 8.9 Assists, 2.7 Stocks
If you’re paying up today, this one isn’t even close — it’s Jokic. He’s in a completely different stratosphere than the rest of the slate from a raw points perspective. The craziest part is he’s only $11,500. On a slate this small, he could just as easily be $12,500, and I wouldn’t blink.
I have him projected for 65 fantasy points — and even if he just hits projection, he’s in the winning lineup. I’m making sure to find my value plays elsewhere, because I’m not getting away from Jokic at home with a chance to go up 2-0. I’m expecting a monster night.
3 – Cade Cunningham
Position: PG | Salary: $9,100
Projections: 26.7 Points, 6.1 Rebounds, 8.3 Assists, 1.8 Stocks
Now, I’ll be honest with you — I’m a little nervous about this one. But the data looks good, and Cunningham is in a great spot if you trust the numbers. I have him at 37.5 minutes, though 40 is absolutely in the cards. The Pistons do not want to go down 0-2.
He’s at 50 fantasy points in the projections; the goal is 56. My concern is the defensive pressure — O.G. Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart are going to be glued to him. But maybe Cunningham just doesn’t care. Maybe he will take over anyway.
2 – Ausar Thompson
Position: SF/PF | Salary: $4,500
Projections: 10.0 Points, 5.6 Rebounds, 2.3 Assists, 2.7 Stocks
I love this play today. Thompson got into foul trouble in Game 1 and lost playing time. That might keep people off him — but he will get that time back. He’s in for 25 minutes, good for 25 fantasy points. That’s without any injury adjustment. If Isaiah Stewart (who is questionable) is out, Thompson could get even more run. Detroit may simply go small, and Thompson benefits. But even without Stewart news, he’s already a strong play.
1 – Jalen Brunson
Position: PG | Salary: $8,300
Projections: 27.9 Points, 3.4 Rebounds, 7.4 Assists, 1.4 Stocks
This one’s simple. Brunson is underpriced, full stop. He’s going to play 40-plus minutes in a competitive game — maybe even 44. He’s $8,300 and projected for 46 fantasy points, and his goal is just 52.
He’s $700 too cheap. That’s the bottom line. Brunson has been here before. He’s not going to be rattled. And there’s nothing on the Pistons side that scares me enough to get off him. Make your life easy: pair Jokic and Brunson, and build the rest from there.
