X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings NBA DFS Picks for Today (Monday, 12/30/24): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Nikola Jokic - NBA DFS Lineup Picks, Betting Picks, Daily Fantasy Basketball

Jamie's top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Monday, 12/30/24. His favorite daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS.

I hope this Monday's article finds you with at least one Fantasy Football championship under your belt, and also some extra money from DFS! There was a lot of scoring in the NFL yesterday, but today we turn our attention back to the NBA as we try to close out 2024 with some cash.

There are seven games to tackle tonight, and some look VERY fantasy-friendly. Charlotte has already ruled out their top two players, and there are some other relevant questionable tags on the slate as well. With three late games (10 PM EST), we'll need to be very careful how build to maintain leverage on the field.

Be sure to join us in the RotoBaller Discord! We're helping you build cash and GPP lineups and will continue to post and analyze updates even after the 7 PM lock. This could be important tonight with the three 1o PM games, so check us out! Good luck, and Happy New Year!

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks

Nikola Jokic, DEN - C ($12,000)

The big man is going to cost you, but he's worth it on this slate. There are three players priced at $10k or over, and two of those (Luka Doncic and LaMelo Ball) aren't going to play. This makes the opportunity cost for Nikola Jokic unique, and you should explore every opportunity to get him into your lineups.

The Denver-Utah game has a 6.5-point spread and a 240.5-point O/U, so fantasy points will abound. Jokic is averaging nearly a triple-double on a 30.3% usage rate, and is playing heavy minutes. His 37.1 MPG is fourth in the NBA, and the matchup could not get much better.

Utah is ninth in pace and is dead last in defensive efficiency (and getting worse every game). Jokic has DK totals of 63 and 59 against the Jazz this year, and both games were well under his minutes average. The sky's the limit, and Jokic even gets a modest rebounding boost with Aaron Gordon off the court.

Kyrie Irving, DAL - PG/SG ($8,900)

The "Doncic is out" boost hasn't happened as much as we'd have hoped for Kyrie Irving this year, but that's only really affecting his GPP upside. Irving remains a rock-solid cash play at a sub-$9k price tag.

Over his last three games, Kyrie has averaged 38.5 MPG while hoisting up 74 shots in that span. Sacramento has begun to crater defensively, ranking 27th overall over the last ten games (and has fallen to 17th on the season). He flashed his scoring upside last game against Portland, putting 46 points on the board.

I'd be careful with this play in tournaments with P.J. Washington back, but Irving's cash floor is terrific.

Others Under Consideration: Karl-Anthony Towns, NYK - C ($9,800), Damontas Sabonis, SAC - C ($9,300), James Harden, LAC - PG ($9,100), Jalen Brunson, NYK - PG ($8,400)

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Joel Embiid, PHI - C ($9,500)

Death, taxes, and a questionable tag for Joel Embiid. I think this is a battle we'll be fighting all season with him, but it also keeps Embiid as one of the prime GPP targets on this slate. Portland is seventh in pace, 27th in defensive efficiency, and 21st in rebounding rate.

Based on the other centers on this slate, Embiid will likely be overlooked. The masses will up to Jokic or prefer to play Karl-Anthony Towns or Damontas Sabonis in a similar price range. This will keep Embiid's ownership muted, and he always has the upside to break the slate.

Take advantage of the $9,500 price tag. Remember that in his MVP season, his price tag was well over $11k more often than not. It's tricky that he's playing the late game, but luckily there are other contests at that time. If Embiid is out, you can put in Sabonis, De'Aaron Fox, Stephen Curry, or Kyrie Irving.

 

Want more NBA DFS tools and exclusive content? Check out our premium daily content from proven winner Will Priester! Grab an NBA season pass and get access to our daily projections, optimizer, Will's personal picks, props, advice, and VIP chat rooms. Use promo code BALLER at checkout to save 10%

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks

Mikal Bridges, NYK - SG/SF ($6,200)

Mikal Bridges was in my article last Monday, and nothing has changed since then. He continues to play the heaviest minutes in the league (an amazing 39.2 MPG), yet his price tag on DraftKings hasn't moved. Over the past five games, Bridges has played 45, 41, 43, 44, and 47 minutes. Wow.

The Knicks will play their second game in a row in Washington, and the Wizards are a prime attack point for DFS. On the season they're third in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency, and Bridges' scoring has been spiking in the month of December.

Jalen Brunson is questionable for this one, and his potential absence would open up tons of usage for the remaining Knicks. Of course, Brunson was questionable for the last game too, and responded by popping off for 55 real points (72 DK points). The 11.5-point spread isn't a worry, as the Knicks' starters always play deep into the game.

Even if Bridges is the third (or fourth) usage option on the team, his minutes floor is one you can always count on for cash, and his recent scoring binge gives him GPP upside as well.

Mark Williams, CHA - C ($5,300)

Where can I sign the petition to get Mark Williams more minutes for Charlotte? The guy does nothing but produce, yet his minutes have been frustratingly in the teens for most of his time this season. There's hope, though, as Williams has played 26 and 22 minutes in the last two games.

The Bulls are a tremendous target for DFS, as they rank second in pace and 25th in defensive efficiency. They also have given up BY FAR the highest at-rim frequency, which is where Williams lives. Even in his limited time, Williams has been an elite producer, averaging 1.51 FPPM.

LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller are both set to miss tonight. While their positions don't open up more center minutes, they are leaving behind a combined 66.9% usage rate which has to be picked up by SOMEONE.

Vasilije Micic, CHA - PG/SG ($4,600)

Vasilije Micic is a boring play but is almost a must for cash if you wish to play Jokic at $12k. His 0.81 FPPM isn't going to break the GPP slate, but he's also not priced for Ball and Miller being out. Micic should start and play 30 minutes in a prime environment, and he's replacing the league leader in usage rate (Ball - 39%).

Charlotte values are going to be the name of the game tonight, and Micic will be chalky. I don't mind coming in under the field in tournaments, but you'll need a cheap play like this in cash.

Others Under Consideration: Miles Bridges, CHA - PF ($7,300), Josh Hart, NYK - SF/PF ($6,800), Russell Westbrook, DEN - PG ($6,300), Scoot Henderson, POR - PG ($5,000), Josh Green, CHA - SF/PF ($4,500), Brice Sensabaugh, UTA - SF/PF ($3,900), Miles McBride, NYK - PG/SG ($3,800)

 

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stack

Nuggets at Jazz (240.5 O/U)

This is the clear winner as far as stacks go, but you'll have to get cute if Nikola Jokic is part of your stack ideas. With John Collins likely to sit again, some cheap Jazz players are stackable alongside Jokic. Brice Sensabaugh is only $3,900 and played 25 minutes last game, and Cody Williams ($3,200) is playing minutes in the 20s right now as well.

Another path is to do non-Jokic stacks, which would center around Jamal Murray, Michael Porter, and the more expensive Jazz players (Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen). This would require a bit more of a leap of faith given Jokic's massive role, but it's a viable route to take.

 

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

  • My favorite OVERALL play on the slate: Nikola Jokic
  • My favorite CASH play on the slate: Nikola Jokic
  • My favorite GPP play on the slate: Joel Embiid
  • My favorite VALUE play: Mikal Bridges


Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Ricky Pearsall

Heads to PUP List
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on PUP List
Luther Burden III

Signs Rookie Deal
Washington Nationals

Eli Willits Expected to Sign Contract on Saturday
Grayson Rodriguez

Being Shut Down Again - Will We See Him Again This Year?
Ezequiel Tovar

Activated and Back in Lineup on Friday
Max Fried

"Hopeful" to Pitch Next Week - Looks Like He'll Avoid IL Stint
Steven Kwan

Receives Injection in Wrist, Considered Day-to-Day
CJ Abrams

Back to Start Second Half
Alec Bohm

Back From Rib Injury on Friday
Trey Hendrickson

Holdout to Spill into Regular Season?
Jalen McMillan

Bucs Offensive Coordinator Not Forgetting About Jalen McMillan
Levi Onwuzurike

to Miss at Least Four Games
Nick Emmanwori

Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori Reach Agreement on Rookie Deal
Max Holloway

Set For Main Event
Brandon Lowe

Back From 10-Day Injured List
Dustin Poirier

Set For His Final UFC Fight
Roman Kopylov

Set For Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa

Returns At UFC 318
Luis L. Ortiz

to Remain on Leave for Another Month - Will he Pitch Again?
Daniel Rodriguez

Looks For Third Win In A Row
Kevin Holland

Set For His Fourth Fight This Year
Dan Ige

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Patricio Freire Set For His Second UFC Fight
Daniel Zellhuber

Set To Open Up UFC 318 Main Card
Michael Johnson

Looks For Third Consecutive Win
Elijah Arroyo

Signs Rookie Deal
Jaydon Blue

Described as "Borderline Lazy"
T.J. Sanders

Bills Sign T.J. Sanders to Rookie Deal
Christian Wilkins

Raiders Put Christian Wilkins on PUP List
Jabari Small

Lions Add Jabari Small to Backfield
Quinshon Judkins

Remains Unsigned, Won't Report With Rest of Rookies
Mason Taylor

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Jets
Hendon Hooker

Leading Lions QB2 Battle Entering Training Camp
Ozzy Trapilo

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Bears
Tate Ratledge

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Lions
Jack Bech

Signs Rookie Contract with Raiders
Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Uchenna Nwosu

Seahawks Place Uchenna Nwosu on PUP List
Taylor Decker

Alim McNeill, Taylor Decker Placed on PUP List
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Damian Lillard

Returning to Portland
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Clayton Kershaw

Retires Both Batters In ASG Appearance
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Hit In Pinky In All-Star Game, X-Rays Negative
MLB

NL All-Stars Win On Tie-Breaker Home Run Swing-Off
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF