NBA DFS Picks For FanDuel Today: DFS Strategy & Value Plays for April 3

Sixers scorers could shine with Embiid out, plus other top plays and value options for Friday's NBA DFS slate

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:07pm

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A couple Sixers scorers have been recommended for your Friday FanDuel NBA DFS lineups as they could enjoy even more productive performances with a star player projected to be out. The eight-game main slate features several lopsided matchups, but there are still opportunities to find value plays and top scorers to build winning DFS lineups.

Why it matters

With the regular season winding down, injuries to key players are creating opportunities for other players to step up and produce big fantasy performances. Identifying the right value plays and top scorers will be crucial for building successful DFS lineups on this slate.

The details

The eight-game slate on Friday features several massive favorites, including the Celtics (-17) over the Bucks, the Hawks (-16) over the Nets, and the Jazz (-17.5) over the Rockets. While some of these blowouts may not play out as lopsidedly as predicted, it will still be important to find the right mix of high-upside plays and value options to construct winning DFS lineups. Key injury situations to monitor include Joel Embiid (illness) being doubtful for the Sixers, Anthony Edwards (knee/illness) being questionable for the Timberwolves, and Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) being ruled out for the Bucks.

  • Embiid is likely to miss Friday's game against the Timberwolves.
  • Edwards' status for the Timberwolves-Sixers matchup is uncertain.

The players

Jalen Johnson

Has recorded at least 46 FD points in four of the last five games while drawing a highly favorable Friday matchup against the Nets.

Jaylen Brown

Has exceeded 51 FD during three straight outings and hasn't gone under 40 since Mar. 14.

Tyrese Maxey

Is likely to take the floor without Joel Embiid (illness) on Friday and has scored over 44 FD in the last three appearances to raise his already elevated expectations in a marquee matchup against the Timberwolves.

Scottie Barnes

Is averaging 44.5 FD across his last and will continue working Friday without Immanuel Quickley.

Jayson Tatum

Erupted for 67.1 FD against the Heat on Wednesday thanks to a 25-point, 18-rebound, 11-assist triple-double and has now topped 50 FD during the last three while looking to be at full-strength.

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The takeaway

With several key players sidelined due to injury, this NBA DFS slate presents opportunities to find value plays and top scorers to build winning lineups. Identifying the right mix of high-upside options and cost-effective contributors will be crucial, especially with the prevalence of lopsided matchups on the schedule.