NBA DFS Picks: Best Captain Options and Value Plays for Pacers vs. Knicks Game 4 Showdown
Key NBA DFS Captain Picks for Game 4: Pacers vs. Knicks
Game 4 between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks is shaping up as a make-or-break moment for both teams and for daily fantasy sports (DFS) players hoping to squeeze value out of every roster spot. With momentum shifting rapidly in this Eastern Conference Finals series, the right captain pick could make all the difference in DFS contests. Two names you just can't ignore for the captain slot are Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton.
Brunson has basically put the Knicks on his back all postseason, running the offense and delivering big scoring nights when the team needs him most. His usage rate is sky-high, which means more chances for assists and rebounds when the shot isn't falling. Tyrese Haliburton, on the other hand, has been the engine for the Pacers. His floor vision and aggressive drives don't just pile up points, but also keep his assist numbers healthy, making him a classic high-floor/high-ceiling DFS play. Both stars command hefty salary cap hits in DFS formats, but their roles and output make the investment worthwhile if you're hunting for that game-winning lineup.
Don’t sleep on OG Anunoby for your captain or flex positions. He’s become one of those players who can fill up the fantasy stat sheet without demanding the ball. A couple of steals, a block here and there, plus he can knock down an open three. Anunoby’s recent performances—especially racking up stocks (steals and blocks)—have boosted his fantasy appeal, often outperforming his price tag.
If you want to get sneaky in tournaments, look at value big man Mitchell Robinson. Robinson moved back into the Knicks’ starting lineup for Game 3 and faces a Pacers team that’s been leaking points in the paint all series (47 per game, to be exact). His price is still reasonable, providing salary relief if you want to jam in one of the superstars up top. He’s a candidate for a double-double if things go right.
- NBA DFS contests get shaken up with off-the-radar picks like T.J. McConnell. The Pacers guard rarely plays big minutes, but when he’s out there, he’s all hustle—getting at least 10 points or 16+ FanDuel points (FDP) in many recent games. For a bargain basement price, he’s the guy who could pop and set your lineup apart in big-field contests.
Betting Trends and Series Storylines
The Pacers hit the betting boards as -2.5 favorites with the game total floating at 221.5. According to Covers Consensus, the split is close: 56% of bettors favor Indiana against the spread, and 54% are leaning toward the Over. That kind of split usually means you’re in for a tight contest—and probably some wild swings both ways during the game itself.
Game 3 was wild. The Knicks made history by overcoming not just one or two, but three separate 20+ point deficits during the 2024 postseason. That type of resilience isn’t just a nice storyline—it directly affects DFS, as the Knicks' core players keep seeing massive minutes and opportunity in comeback scenarios. On the other side, Indiana has shown a knack for slamming the door shut in Game 4s, using their momentum to close series out at home.
DFS players have plenty to chew on: Do you trust the Knicks’ stars to keep grinding through another war of attrition? Or do you see a high-pace Pacers squad getting more players involved as they try to put the series away before Game 5? Every roster spot matters, and in a game expected to feature plenty of shot attempts and highlight plays, the right mix of superstars and off-the-radar cheap options could be the difference between going home empty-handed and taking down a big DFS payday.