NBA Sunday is a DFS fun day. Extend the weekend one more day with Fantasy Basketball action at DraftKings. Get the screens out. Build your DraftKings NBA DFS lineups early. Let’s dig into the NBA DFS research, make some fantasy basketball picks, and close out the week on the couch enjoying the four-game main slate that starts at 1 p.m. ET.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Shootaround [$100K to 1st]
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies ($10,900) — The MVP votes are in, and this game means nothing for individual accolades but everything for the team. SGA’s trophy shelf remains empty. His pursuit of an MVP award is over, but his quest for an NBA Finals trophy has just begun. The second season starts Sunday—the real season with real basketball. SGA isn’t a three-point-dependent player. He drives to the basket and gets to the free-throw line like a traditional star. This approach provides a consistent floor and significant upside through his high volume.
Other Options — Stephen Curry ($9,000)
Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies ($3,800) — It’s playoff time. Defense matters, but blowouts remain common in the first round. Strong defense and potential blowouts mean more playing time for Caruso. Memphis was the fastest-paced team in 2025, which boosts the Thunder’s output. Pace boosts are valuable at the top of the price range but even more significant at the bottom.
Other Options — Brandin Podziemski ($5,000)
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic ($9,900) — It’s time to turn it on. Jayson Tatum has underperformed in the playoffs for most of his career. Last season was different. The Celtics aren’t favorites this season, but they’re close. A title is within Tatum’s grasp if he takes over. The Round 1 series against the Magic will set the tone. The Magic have a solid defense, but it’s not as strong as projected. Also, regular-season defensive stats can be misleading. A series against Boston is a true test, and the Magic are likely to falter.
Other Options — Jaren Jackson Jr. ($7,500 )
Max Strus, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat ($4,000) — NBA DFS Value Picks are in short supply during the playoffs. Starters rarely sit, and the stars almost never leave the court. The first round can be different, though. Matchups are often skewed, and blowouts are common due to seeding and home-court advantage. The Heat are hot, but their success has been fueled by inferior opponents. The Cavs are likely to cool the Heat, which could mean more playing time for Miami’s second unit.
Other Options — Santi Aldama ($5,000)
Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors ($8,800) — Houston is only a 1.5-point favorite. Where’s the respect? Don’t doubt the oddsmakers. If this game is close, Alperen Sengun must step up. The Warriors don’t have a strong frontcourt. Sengun is the backbone of the Rockets, a Nikola Jokic 2.0. His name isn’t a household name yet, but after this series, he could be in the conversation for the best center in the NBA.
Other Options — Bam Adebayo ($8,700)
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder ($6,000) — The tendency is to go cheap at center or spend big. This approach can yield a consistent producer with upside, likely to be under-owned. Zach Edey has that competitive fire. Casual regular-season games don’t suit his demeanor. Playoff basketball is his forte. His matchup is tough, but it’s the playoffs—every matchup is tough.
Other Options — Steven Adams ($3,100)