Best DraftKings NBA Playoff Picks for Round 1 Moving Forward

Round 1 of the NBA playoffs has begun and is ongoing, and we saw some great games and amazing performances in the previous nights. So now we’ll go deep into those performances and games today to see which ones were the greatest of the great. So no more waiting—let’s get into it now!

We start with Banchero impressing in the Playoffs

While the Orlando Magic lost to the defending champions in game 1 of the 2025 playoffs, that was in spite of and not because of the excellent performance from their star man. His 36 points against one of the best teams in the league meant he scored a very impressive 61.3 points on DraftKings for the game, more than his second-highest-scoring teammate and third-highest-scoring teammate combined. I believe this is the Celtics’ game plan to let their stars shine while completely suffocating their supporting cast. So keep picking Banchero.

Next is the World’s Greatest Warrior, Chef Curry

The former MVP, who is definitely living up to his projection this season, is in game 1 of the first round in the Western playoffs. Steph Curry had 45.5 points in DraftKings last night after leading the Warriors to upset the #2 seeded Rockets, which I’m sure is more important to him, but that’s not why we’re here, is it? With great defensive guards like Brooks and Vanfleet, I don’t think he’ll hit this every time, but with the Rockets’ younger guards’ inexperience, I could see this being a great series for the ex-MVP.

Our third DK King is the Clippers’ Harden

James Harden is once again proving that the myth of him being a playoff choker is indeed a myth. His 32 points and 11 assists not only gave him 60.5 points on DraftKings, but it was 15 more points than his worst enemy, Steph Curry, on the same night. Still not enough to lead the Clippers to a win, but LA’s second team looked great out there. He’s always done great in the playoffs, from games 1 to 5. However, 6 to 7 is a different story, but until an elimination game, I’d happily have him on my team.

The Surprise Pick is Ty Jerome of the Cavs

Not the guy I would’ve picked to score 41.3 DraftKings points; he has by far the best points per minute ratio out of anyone here. Earning his 41.3 points in only 26 minutes off the bench, playing a huge role in the Cavs’ game 1 win over the Heat. Now, this is likely an expectation as he only averages 10 points against the Heat, so it’s not like he’s vice city’s kryptonite. I’d sit him for sure moving forward.

Next up is the Lakers’ own with Dončić

Someone I’ve talked about before: while many things about the Lakers didn’t work in Luka’s playoff debut, he was not one of them. His 52.5 points were by far the highest any Laker had on DraftKings or any fantasy site last night, as the Lakers were upset by the feisty Timberwolves. Based on what I said about him before, and now you know that I’d definitely play him for the rest of the series, but not any of the other Lakers.

Lastly is last season’s MVP with Jokic

I’ve actually talked about his teammates before, but never the man himself.  He certainly earned a talking about after the 67.3 DraftKings points he earned to lead the Nuggets to a tough Game 1 victory to get their playoffs started right! I’m 100% positive this’ll be far from his best playoff performance this year either.

Thanks a bunch for reading, and best of luck with your lineup picks for round 2!