NBA Play-In Showdown: Player Picks for Friday Night

ATLANTA, GA — The NBA Play-In Tournament closes with two crucial games tonight, April 18, 2025. The Miami Heat face off against the Atlanta Hawks at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Dallas Mavericks taking on the Memphis Grizzlies at 9:30 p.m. ET. With a win-or-go-home scenario looming, daily fantasy sports (DFS) players will need to make calculated picks.

Tyler Herro stands out as an exceptional choice on DraftKings against the Hawks, who have the 24th overall rank in opposing player rating (OPRK). Herro averaged 41.5 fantasy points per game (FPPG) during the regular season, posting impressive numbers against Atlanta: 24.8 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, all while hitting a significant number of three-pointers.

Conversely, Bam Adebayo faces a tougher challenge against Atlanta’s defense, ranking 10th in OPRK against big men. He comes into the game after a solid performance against Chicago, where he recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds. During the regular season, he averaged 15.8 points and shot 51% from the field in his matchups with the Hawks.

Desmond Bane has emerged as a headline player in the limited two-game slate. The 26-year-old showcased his scoring potential in a recent loss to the Warriors, netting 30 points and contributing across the board with rebounds, assists, and defense. His potential makes him a valuable DFS target tonight against a Mavericks team that is struggling defensively.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is set to square off against the Mavericks, who rank 23rd in OPRK. Jackson comes off a strong outing against Golden State and has averaged 37.8 FPPG throughout the regular season. DFS managers could see a performance exceeding 40 fantasy points based on his recent form.

Andrew Wiggins has a favorable matchup against a Hawks team that occupies 27th place in OPRK against small forwards. He recently contributed significantly to his team’s victory over Chicago, despite inconsistent shooting. If he replicates that effort, he could be a strong asset tonight.

Among the Mavericks, Jalen Washington stands out as an excellent value option, especially on FanDuel. He performed well in his last game against Sacramento, putting up 17 points along with valuable stats despite facing shooting challenges.

Ja Morant’s status remains uncertain due to an ankle injury sustained in a prior game, making him a risky yet potentially rewarding selection. His performance has been stellar recently, averaging over 30 points in the final five games of the regular season.

Rookie Zach Edey has been a revelation for the Grizzlies, bringing both size and production recently. He contributed 14 points and 17 rebounds in the previous game and has been a rebounding machine lately, making him a compelling choice for DFS lineups.

Another player to keep an eye on is Santi Aldama, who delivered solid stats in the last game, scoring 14 points and showcasing his efficiency from the field. If he continues that trend, he could provide significant returns for DFS players.

Rookie Zaccharie Risacher, despite facing challenges against the Heat this season, remains a viable pickup at a lower price point, offering the potential for a better performance than his averages suggest.

As the frenzy of the Play-In Tournament continues, strategic DFS selections will be critical for fantasy players aiming for a winning lineup.