Even without a standout performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder convincingly defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 by a margin of 51 points. The match featured a late-game bench clear-out where both teams combined for just 36 points in the final quarter, showcasing a significant drop compared to their initial pace. This situation presents both risks and opportunities for NBA DFS participants, as higher-priced players from the NBA DFS pool saw limited playtime. Meanwhile, lower-tier players like Marvin Bagley III (17 points) and Aaron Wiggins (21 points) noticed a significant uptick in potential value for NBA DFS lineups.

The Thunder are favored by 14.5 points on Tuesday, raising questions on how the results from Game 1 and the current spread should shape daily Fantasy strategies. LeBron James and the Lakers are expected to cover a 5.5 point spread against Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves, while Tyrese Haliburton leads the Pacers in a 4.5 point favor against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks in their respective Game 2.

Top NBA DFS Picks for April 22

One of the optimal picks from Mike McClure, an expert with over $2 million in DFS winnings, includes Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is priced at $10,300 on DraftKings and $11,200 on FanDuel. Despite limited minutes in Game 1, his performance highlighted immense potential against favorable matchups in the upcoming game.

For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam, listed at $6,900 on DraftKings and $8,200 on FanDuel, had a solid Game 1 with 25 points. Historical performance against the Bucks makes him a strong candidate to excel once again.

Be prepared by lining up your NBA DFS rosters early and check out the full advice and recommended plays only on SportsLine.