NBA Play-In DFS Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em| April 15, 2025

NBA Play-In Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em is here! The high-stakes matchups begin Tuesday, with eight teams vying for the remaining four playoff spots. The first day features seeds seven and eight, where a win guarantees a playoff berth. The loser falls into a win-or-go-home scenario, so expect big minutes from starters, which is a sight for sore eyes after the last few weeks of NBA DFS.

The Atlanta Hawks (8th seed in the East) travel to Orlando (7th seed) to take on the Magic. The winner opens up their playoff series in Boston against the Celtics. The loser plays the winner of Wednesday’s 9th vs. 10th seed game in hopes of punching a post-season ticket.

The Memphis Grizzlies (8th seed in the West) travel to the West Coast to take on the Golden State Warriors (7th seed). The victor heads to Houston to open a series against the Rockets. The loser tries again, playing the winner of the 9th and 10th seed game on Wednesday.

DFS Start ‘Ems

Stephen Curry (DK: $9,300, FD: $9,200)

Davidson’s golden boy sets up for a smash spot on Tuesday. Both sites put a fair price on the Warrior’s star, where he could get 50+ fantasy points easily. His 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season seem like a floor. He is an easy click, no matter what his ownership % ends up being.

Franz Wagner (DK: $8,500, FD: $8,800)

The Hawks are easy to score against. He is in an optimal starting position, with 24.2 points and 5.7 rebounds over the season while averaging 33.7 minutes per game. Those numbers will climb in the playoffs, with little surprise if he surpasses 38. Orlando gets little offensive help from the guard position, and Jalen Suggs is out for the year.

Honorable Mention: Paolo Banchero. Banchero is more expensive but traditionally shows a better ceiling. Both players are interchangeable based on the salary flexibility of your lineup.

Desmond Bane (DK: $7,800, FD: $8,300)

Bane and Ja Morant do magic together. Bane has a well-rounded game, scoring 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. At his price on both sites, he should break the 5x value in a game with a 228.5 implied total.

DFS Sit ‘Ems

Zaccharie Risacher (DK: $4,300, FD: $4,900)

Pick 1.01 shined multiple times over the season, with a few ceiling games over the latter part. This game is not a spot for him. Usage will go to more experienced players. He will see plenty of minutes, but his inexperience will put the ball in the other player’s hands.

Wendell Carter Jr (DK: $5,400, FD: $5,100)

The Magic’s center position is muddy due to the split with Goga Bitadze. With Carter Jr.’s expected point outcome of 24.34, he is not optimal at 4.51x. Onyeka Okongwu—while not great—will do a solid enough job of limiting the opposing five.

Goga Bitadze (DK: $4,400, FD: $4,600)

The argument against Carter Jr. is the same for Bitadze. Wagner and Banchero’s scoring does not allow the Magic Center’s fantasy points cup to overflow. Okongwu, Jaren Jackson Jr., Draymond Green, and Zach Edey are better plays in a one-off position like center. Avoid both Magic Centers.

Total Apex Stud of the Day

Ja Morant (DK: $8,900, FD: $9,100)

Morant is ready to shine after a season filled with injuries. He averages 27.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game in his playoff career. His current PRA of 37.5 screams OVER. These metrics alone forecast a 49.9 fantasy score, not including an additional block(s) and/or steal(s) as a bonus. Hitting that mark creates an incredible 5.6x value for DFS. Morant missed 32 games this season due to a pelvic and shoulder injury. Now that he is healthy, he is ready to explode.

Total Apex Dud of the Day

Luke Kennard (DK: $3,900, FD: $4,000)

Ja will shine bright, while Kennard will not. This game is not an optimal spot for Kennard, with Morant, Bane & Pippen Jr. healthy. In 24 playoff games, Kennard averages 19.1 minutes, 7.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and .9 assists, implying an 11.9 fantasy score. These numbers create a mere 3.05x value. The only way he hits 5x value will be via the three-ball, and his shooting proficiency pairs with volume. It is hard to be confident in either.

Conclusion

Welcome to the pre-playoffs. Use these plays to create unique, data-driven lineups that separate you from the field for the NBA DFS Play-In tournament two-game slate tonight.