Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors DFS Showdown | April 15, 2025

The Memphis Grizzlies travel to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Warriors at 10 PM EST at the Chase Center tonight for the second Play-In tournament game. Coming in pre-NBA Playoff, both teams ended the season on a high note and finished 48-34, ranked 7th and 8th in the Western Conference. Here is who to start and sit for tonight’s DFS DraftKings showdown game, as Golden State has the edge with experience, but a young Memphis team could suprise and pull a major upset.

Grizzlies vs. Warriors DFS Start ‘Ems

Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (Captain: $12.6K, Utility: $8.4K)

Coming off his own back injury, Jaren Jackson Jr. should be able to continue at a high level, as he has had a career season for the Grizzlies. The Memphis forward/ center is basically a lock for 20 fantasy points and was solid against the Warriors last game. Jackson Jr. averages about the same as Bane at 37.8 fantasy points compared to 38.2, but is cheaper, making him a pretty safe bet as a utility player.

Desmond Bane (Captain: $13.2K, Utility: $8.8K)

Desmond Bane has averaged 30-plus fantasy points in the last six games, two of which he has gotten over 50 points. The Memphis guard has been a consistent shooting option along with Morant for the Grizzlies. Although he didn’t shine in their last matchup, I expect him to stay on a heater despite coming off a minor groin issue and adductor soreness.

Grizzlies vs. Warriors DFS Sit ‘Ems

On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.

Draymond Green (Captain: $11.1K, Utility: $7.4K)

The Golden State veteran center/forward did return in the Clippers game on Sunday from a neck issue, but the defensive player of the year candidate has had high variance as a fantasy asset. Draymond Green could rebound in this must-win matchup, but he has one 40-plus fantasy point performance in April.

Moses Moody (Captain: $7.8K, Utility: $5.2K)

The guard/forward for Golden State hasn’t gone over 21 fantasy points for eight straight games. Out of the salary savers listed below, I would fade Moses Moody and Luke Kennard for Memphis, as they will likely be under on minutes in a do-or-die matchup that with showcase their other stars.

Total Apex Lock of the Game

Stephen Curry (Captain: $15.6K, Utility: $10.4K) or Ja Morant (Captain: $15K, Utility: $10K)

You can’t really go wrong with playing either at captain or utility. The All-Star point guards for their respective teams are the highlight scorers and main focus if either wants to escape the Play-In tournament. Salary savers you could pair with either include Brandin Podziemski, Scotty Pippen Jr., Santi Aldama, and Vince Williams Jr.

Curry on the Warriors is slightly more costly, but he has slightly more consistency as a fantasy lock compared to Morant on the Grizzlies. Steph had a 95-point fantasy explosion the last time they faced off, so I would imagine Memphis will adjust. Ja had a 50-point fantasy day, but it was against the 7th-ranked defense against the position with Golden State.

Total Apex Fade of the Game

Jimmy Butler (Captain: $13.5K, Utility: $9K)

Although he is not listed on the injury report, it was clear Jimmy Butler is dealing with something. He had a limp after taking a knee to the thigh during their game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Butler should be ready to go, but to what extent is a question. The forward for the Warriors is coming off three straight 45-plus-point fantasy performances, but I would prefer other options at the top and pay up or go with a cheaper route. I see this as a classic Curry game for Golden State if the Warriors win.