FanDuel NBA DFS Picks for Today (Monday 1/20/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Welcome back Rotoballers! Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! We’ve got a fantastic five-game slate on FanDuel with plenty of stars, injury news, and intriguing value plays to sift through. As always, balancing your lineup with high-floor core plays and high-upside tournament picks is the key to success. Injury news will play a pivotal role in shaping value options, so staying updated as the day progresses is critical.

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/20/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EST on FanDuel. 

FanDuel NBA DFS Core Picks

Anthony Edwards - MIN - SG/SF ($9,300)

Anthony Edwards continues to be the offensive catalyst for Minnesota, especially in high-paced matchups like this one against Memphis, the league leader in pace. Edwards has topped 60 FanDuel points in 3 of his last 8 games, showcasing his ability to contribute across all categories. With Rudy Gobert listed as questionable, Edwards will likely shoulder even more of the scoring and playmaking load.

Memphis’ fast tempo provides additional opportunities for steals, transition buckets, and overall fantasy production. This matchup positions Edwards as a high-floor, high-ceiling play, particularly given his consistent shot volume and recent form.

Kevin Durant - PHO - PF/SF ($9,900)

Durant remains the heartbeat of the Suns' offense, especially when Bradley Beal is sidelined. Over the last three games, Durant has averaged an impressive 53 FanDuel points, buoyed by his 30% usage rate. This matchup against Cleveland is particularly intriguing, as the Cavaliers play at an above-average pace and are missing key frontcourt pieces like Evan Mobley. This opens up opportunities for Durant to excel both inside and out.

His ability to fill up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, assists, and blocks makes him a must-have on a slate where securing a safe 50+ FanDuel points is vital for cash games and tournaments alike.

Karl-Anthony Towns - NYK - C ($10,000)

Towns has a golden opportunity against the Hawks, who are ranked 28th in points allowed per game and have struggled to contain big men all season. The Knicks’ implied total of 120.3 points is the second-highest on the slate, signaling a high-scoring affair. With Josh Hart’s status uncertain, Towns could see even more opportunities in the offense, particularly in rebounding and second-chance scoring situations.

Towns is an elite playmaker at the center position, and his versatility allows him to stretch the floor, post up, and dish out assists when needed. Against an Atlanta team that struggles defensively, Towns could realistically post a 50+ FanDuel point performance, making him a top-tier core play today.

FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Trae Young - ATL - PG ($9,800)

Trae Young has been on fire, averaging 59 FanDuel points over his last three games, yet his salary and the tough matchup against a slow-paced Knicks team will likely keep his ownership in check. The Knicks are 25th in pace and 9th in points allowed per game, but Young has proven capable of thriving in tough matchups with his ability to score in bunches and rack up assists.

Young loves playing at Madison Square Garden. The bright lights of New York seem to bring out his best, as he’s delivered numerous memorable performances against the Knicks, including during the 2021 playoffs when he thrived as the villain of MSG. That flair for big moments in this iconic venue adds another layer to his GPP appeal.

Jalen Duren - DET - C ($6,200)

Despite Detroit’s low implied total, Jalen Duren is in play because of his consistency and upside, surpassing 30 FanDuel points in five of his last six games. His ability to dominate on the glass and contribute defensively with blocks makes him a strong tournament pivot. Houston’s frontcourt, anchored by Alperen Sengun, has been vulnerable to opposing centers, ranking 16th in points allowed in the paint.

If Duren can stay out of foul trouble, his combination of rebounding, scoring, and defensive stats could easily lead to a 40-point fantasy outing, making him a low-owned, high-reward option in GPPs.

Jaden McDaniels - MIN - SF/PF ($5,200)

Jaden McDaniels is a versatile and athletic forward who can impact the game on both ends of the court. He’s been logging big minutes, and his value skyrockets if Rudy Gobert is ruled out. Memphis plays at the fastest pace in the league, which should create plenty of opportunities for McDaniels to fill up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and defensive stats.

At $5,200, his salary allows for flexibility in lineup construction, and his upside makes him a strong contrarian play in tournaments. With a path to extended minutes and increased usage in an up-tempo game, McDaniels is a sneaky GPP option worth considering.

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FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks

Vit Krejci - ATL - SF ($4,900)

Vit Krejci has stepped into a larger role for the Hawks due to injuries, and he’s making the most of it. Over his last four games, he’s posted 26+ FanDuel points three times, showcasing his ability to produce in multiple categories. Atlanta’s rotation remains thin, which ensures Krejci’s minutes are secure.

The Knicks are a slow-paced team, but their defensive weaknesses on the perimeter provide Krejci with an opportunity to contribute via scoring, rebounds, and defensive stats. At $4,900, his combination of consistent playing time and low salary makes him a fantastic value option for cash games and tournaments alike.

Dean Wade - CLE - SF/PF ($4,000)

With Evan Mobley sidelined, Dean Wade is in line for increased minutes and usage in a game where Cleveland holds the highest implied total on the slate 121.8. Wade’s ability to stretch the floor and contribute defensively makes him a low-risk option with significant upside.

At just $4,000, he provides the salary relief needed to fit in higher-priced stars like Kevin Durant or Karl-Anthony Towns. Against a shorthanded Suns team, Wade could easily exceed value if his minutes approach the 30+ range, making him an excellent filler for your lineups.

Tyus Jones - PHO - PG ($5,400)

If Bradley Beal remains out, Tyus Jones becomes a near must-play at his $5,400 salary. Jones has been thriving in a facilitating role, regularly exceeding value through assists, steals, and efficient scoring. With the Suns needing secondary playmakers to support Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, Jones’ minutes and usage are trending upwards.

Even in a tougher matchup against Cleveland, Jones’ ability to rack up assists and contribute on the defensive end provides a strong floor for his price. He’s an elite value option for cash games and GPPs if Beal sits again.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.

• Favorite Overall Play: Anthony Edwards ($9,300)
• Favorite Value: Vit Krejci ($4,900)
• Favorite Cash Play: Kevin Durant ($9,900)
• Favorite GPP Play: Trae Young ($9,800)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis