NBA Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-08-04

NBA Fantasy Overview — This Week's Landscape

The NBA landscape is shifting, with offensive explosions becoming the norm, yet defensive stalwarts like the Knicks, fresh off a gritty 94-90 win over the Spurs, are proving their worth. We're seeing consistent high usage from star guards, making them reliable DFS anchors. Injury reports are crucial this week; keep an eye on players returning from minor knocks as their minutes could be capped, creating unexpected value elsewhere. Schedule-wise, teams with multiple home games and favorable defensive matchups present prime stacking opportunities. Pace continues to be a key factor; target games projected for high totals, as they often translate to increased fantasy output across the board. The recent low-scoring Spurs-Knicks game is an outlier, don't let it fool you; offense reigns supreme in DFS.

Must-Start Plays — Top 3 Starters

Jalen Brunson (NYK) - PG: After leading the Knicks to a hard-fought win against the Spurs, Brunson is an absolute lock. His usage rate consistently hovers near 30%, and he’s been delivering elite scoring and playmaking. Priced in the mid-$9k range on DraftKings and slightly higher on FanDuel, he offers a high floor with immense ceiling. The Knicks have a favorable schedule ahead, and Brunson's role as the offensive engine means he'll continue to feast on volume, regardless of opponent. His ability to draw fouls and convert at the line boosts his fantasy output significantly, making him a cornerstone for any lineup.

Nikola Jokic (DEN) - C: The Joker remains matchup-proof, a DFS cheat code. Despite his premium salary, typically above $11k on both platforms, his statistical floor is higher than most players' ceilings. His all-around contributions – points, rebounds, assists, and even steals/blocks – make him a triple-double threat every night. He commands an astronomical usage rate within the Nuggets' offense and dictates their entire flow. Investing in Jokic ensures a massive points return, allowing you to build a reliable core around him, especially in games projected for high scoring where he can rack up even more assists.

Anthony Edwards (MIN) - SG/SF: Edwards is on a tear, demonstrating consistent scoring and improved peripheral stats. Priced in the high-$8k to low-$9k range, he offers multi-position eligibility, which is invaluable for lineup flexibility. His aggressive attacking style leads to high shot volume and frequent trips to the free-throw line. Minnesota’s fast-paced offense provides plenty of opportunities, and Edwards is their primary offensive initiator when not running plays through their bigs. He’s been particularly effective against teams with weaker perimeter defense, making him a high-upside play with a solid floor this week.

Bench These — Players to SIT

Keldon Johnson (SA) - SF/PF: Following a muted performance against the Knicks, Johnson’s fantasy stock feels volatile. While he still gets minutes, his offensive efficiency has dipped, and his usage is inconsistent with Victor Wembanyama commanding so much attention. Priced in the mid-$6k range, he offers insufficient upside given his recent struggles. He's facing tough defensive matchups this week, and relying on him to produce efficiently against stronger opponents is a risk. His role as a secondary scorer means his output can fluctuate wildly, making him a poor investment when looking for dependable production.

Read all Fantasy Picks coverage on SportsPulse →