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Top DFS Picks for Michigan vs UConn

Chris Wassel

By Chris Wassel in College Basketball

Published:


Aday Mara could be the biggest beneficiary of a Yaxel Lendeborg injury tonight against UConn.
Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) laughs as he talks with an official during the second half in a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
  • The National Championship game takes place tonight between the Michigan Wolverines and UConn Huskies
  • Both teams are headlined by stars. Tarris Reed Jr. for UConn and Yaxel Lendenborg for Michigan
  • My College Basketball DFS expert picks and what to watch in the Michigan vs UConn matchup can be found below.

The 2026 NCAA basketball campaign ends tonight as the Michigan Wolverines and UConn Huskies do battle. Both teams are aiming for the title and UConn’s Dan Hurley is trying to win his third in four seasons. Dusty May is going for his first and would be Michigan’s first title (not named the NIT) since 1989.

I’ll be backing some of the best daily fantasy choices tonight in my Wolverines vs Huskies expert picks, while honing in on choices for the Captain and more. Read below for all the reasons why those selections stand out, plus we some updated news on players that might surprise one way or the other.

DFS Top Prices for Michigan vs UConn

PlayerDraftKingsFanDuel
Tarris Reed Jr. (UConn)$15,600$12,600
Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan)$15,000$13,400
Aday Mara (Michigan)$13,800$11,800
Elliott Cadeau (Michigan)$12,900$10,400
Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan)$11,400$7,800
Alex Karaban (UConn)$11,100$8,600
Silas Demary Jr. (UConn)$9,300$9,200
Braylin Mullins (UConn)$8,100$6,200

This game expects to be a fun contrast in styles with many trying to angle on a little less offense in this tilt. Michigan desires to push the pace and managed 91 points against Arizona with ease. Some felt they had a real chance at the century mark. UConn will be more of a challenge.

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DFS Differential In DraftKings and FanDuel

This is important going into the showdown on Monday night. DraftKings features their “Captain” who can net 1.5 times the points. So does FanDuel. However, FanDuel’s “MVP” costs the player 1.5 times the salary. Now, DraftKings has a $50,000 cap and FanDuel rolls in with $60,000. Point categories are mostly the same with differing values. The wrinkle with DraftKings is they offer a 1.5 point bonus for a double-double and three points for a triple-double.

FanDuel counters with a hire priority on three pointers made at 1.5 with field goals made and free throws made counting accordingly. It kind of all adds up here but one gets 0.05 points less for rebounds on FanDuel. Again, turnovers are more costly on FanDuel as well (1 point vs 0.5 points to the negative). Keep these things in mind when constructing your roster.

The schools of thought here are interesting when it comes to the final game. Going for the most points potential is the most obvious. Your captain/MVP needs to be the one that takes best advantage of that multiplier.

Fades For Tonight’s Big Game

Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan)

The Forward has been a force but there is one problem. He got banged up against Arizona after a solid start. After playing only 14 minutes, he sprained his knee but the ligaments are good. Again, he will not be 100% but will play. There is a slight ankle issue as well.

Solomon Ball (UConn)

Ball was not listed on the initial availability report. The Guard was a cheaper option and did manage double digits in points in each of his last three contests. It will be interesting to see what happens with Ball.

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Top DFS Picks For Tonight

Aday Mara (Michigan)

When Lendeborg went out against Arizona, it became the Mara and Elliot Cadeau show. Cadeau set up shop and Mara delivered to the tune off 26 points. Again, Lendeborg could prove to be a valuable decoy in the grand scheme of things against UConn. UConn only yields 65.8 points per game but they are susceptible to teams who can change pace via transition. Mara is one of those players who can stretch and test defenses. Mara is capable of a double-double for bonus points much like Cadeau who is the distributor. Cadeau’s defense is overlooked along with Mara’s as both can pick up extra DFS points via blocks or steals.

Silas Demary Jr. (UConn)

Yes, this is a big risk compared to Karaben and Reed Jr. especially but saving money is what leads us here. Demary Jr. fills the stat sheet and if he drains a few shots, he can get to double digits in points. Everything else is just extra as far as steals, rebounds, and assists. If you wonder who is our Michigan equivalent, I have Trey McKenney who can light it up if he stays out of foul trouble. The risk with McKenny is the lack of peripherals but again if he can make a few threes, look out! MCKenney, by the way, is a mere $4,600 on FanDuel…a true money saver.

Good luck tonight!


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Chris Wassel
Chris Wassel

Sports Writer

A journalist veteran for over two decades, Chris has taught the gamut of fantasy hockey sports online from injuries to news to prospects, and more. He has bet on several sports and written sports betting articles about the NBA, MLB, NCAA football, the NFL, and NHL for USA Today.

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