Top Picks for NBA DFS on Friday, April 16 (2021)

The NBA is back in full force on Friday, closing out the regular work week with a huge 11-game schedule.

You can get the party started with a look at tonight’s NBA picks, while keeping tabs on player news is certainly encouraged for a slate this size.

It’s bound to be wild with a flurry of inactives announced just before lineup lock, so take what you read here with a mild grain of salt.

That said, it can be helpful to note game totals and prepare how to build out your daily fantasy basketball lineups.

I’ll try to get you ready for the day with my favorite NBA DFS picks, sleepers, and top lineup for April 16th, 2021.

The best raw points producer right now is Russell Westbrook. The return of Bradley Beal hasn’t sapped any of his upside, as he’s still a triple-double machine.

Westbrook has 61+ fantasy points in four of his last five games, and the Wizards are 4-1 during that span.

If they’re winning, Russ is going to have the green light to go full bore, and tonight he has the best possible matchup against the Pels.

FVV stands out as a fantastic play, as he’s finally back from a suspension.

He has been a rock-solid play all year with his 40 fantasy points per game, but he may have to do a ton of heavy lifting on Friday.

Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby are all out, and Gary Trent Jr. is doubtful.

You can stack your Raptors in general, but FVV may be a priority play.

Bridges continues to get serious run for a banged-up Hornets team. Charlotte is in probably the second-best game environment of the night against Brooklyn, too, so Bridges remains a good bet to push for 35+ minutes and 40+ fantasy points.

KD is on the other side of that game, and he’ll be back after resting in Brooklyn’s last game. His minutes cap should only increase, and an up-tempo date with Charlotte bodes well for his DFS upside.

Lastly, let’s not ignore Nikola Vucevic. Vuc is seemingly always a good play, and he is a fine price on a slate where center is loaded.

You will probably want to pay up for at least one center, and he may be the guy with news that Zach LaVine is going to miss some time.

Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine is expected to miss several games after entering into the league's health and safety protocol, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 15, 2021

With Chicago’s top scorer out, Vucevic is going to need to do a ton to keep Chicago in games. He feels like a stellar option to start NBA DFS lineup builds with on Friday night.

There is already an insane amount of value – not to mention solid mid-range plays – and this is an 11-game slate, so prepare for things to get really crazy.

I told you I liked Vuc earlier, but with LaVine out, it will also be hard not to be drawn to Coby White. His role has diminished, but with LaVine off the floor, it seems like a lock that the Bulls would give him another shot.

Someone a bit more stable and cheaper could be Monte Morris, and he’ll be in a battle with Facundo Campazzo to start on a nightly basis.

Both guys are viable with Jamal Murray out for the year, and I’d really just focus on whichever starts.

Kennard and most of the Clippers are again on watch.

Kawhi Leonard has been missing time, and he’s again iffy for Friday. If he or PG-13 are out, Kennard (39 minutes, 33.5 fantasy points in his last game) stands out as a solid value pick.

Two guys with the last name McDaniels are viable on this slate, but I prefer Jaden in Minnesota right now. Recency bias will get people off him due to two blowouts, but his role and production are worth the dive.

Lastly, consider some revenge for Khem Birch, who got the start with the Raptors last time out and put up 29 fantasy points.

Toronto is down several key bodies, so he’s a borderline lock for me if he starts again on Friday. The fact that tonight’s game comes against his former Magic squad is just the icing on the cake.

This lineup requires Birch and Morris to start, and Kawhi Leonard to be out again. That’s a good place to get things going, and if that’s the case, this team looks strong.

There is going to be even more value popping up, of course, and if Kawhi plays, I’d get off of George.

I’d also try to drop down from the more expensive McDaniels if that were the case, which would allow me to get a second elite like Nikola Jokic – or I’d try to get Vucevic, as noted.

This is a good start, and hopefully my NBA DFS picks serve you well. Enjoy the games, and good luck!