DraftKings NBA DFS Picks for Today (Thursday, 12/26/24): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Welcome back, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. Today we’ve got a loaded NBA slate on DraftKings tonight, and there’s a ton of injury news swirling around. Keep your eyes on last-minute updates—they can make or break your lineup.

Below, I’ll lay out my favorite core plays, some sneaky tournament picks, and top value targets, all focused on DraftKings salaries and scoring. Let’s dive in.

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 12/26/24. 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 DraftKings. 

DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – OKC – PG ($10,300)

SGA is an absolute usage monster for the Thunder and consistently flirts with 50+ DK points. He’s averaging t 1.53 DK points per minute, which is elite in any matchup. Facing Indiana, there’s potential for a high-scoring contest if the pace stays elevated which is perfect for SGA’s all-around game of scoring, assists, and defensive stats. He’s pricey, but he’s rock-solid in both formats thanks to his immense floor and that 60+ ceiling on a good shooting night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – MIL – PF ($11,300)

Always a threat to drop 60–70 DK points. He’s carrying a near 55-point projection and he's always got the upside to break the slate if he’s fully healthy. This season he's averaging over 1.5 DK points per minute in the current setup. Even if he’s listed as questionable, jump on Giannis in GPPs if he’s active. May be more of a tournament target given the Q tag and salary, but can be used in cash if you’re comfortable punting elsewhere.

Alperen Sengun – HOU – C ($8,600)

Houston runs a lot of offense through Sengun, and he’s projected around 43–45 DK points. A sweet 1.37 DK points per minute is no joke. New Orleans doesn’t have a shot-blocking menace that truly scares me off Sengun. Excellent in cash due to his involvement, but he’s also got triple-double potential for tournaments.

Trae Young – ATL – PG ($9,200)

Despite a lingering heel issue, he’s projected to rack up around 50+ DK points if he suits up and he boasts an average of 1.41 DK points per minute this season. If he’s limited, look to Dyson Daniels or Clint Capela for a usage bump, but if Trae is full-go, he can drop 60 any night. He's a great anchor in either format, but keep an eye on final injury news.

DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Josh Giddey – CHI – PG ($6,800)

Logs about 1.32 DK points per minute and can fill the stat sheet in points, rebounds, and assists. He's often overshadowed by bigger names at guard, so he can slip through the cracks. If that ankle is fine, Giddey can push 40+ fantasy points, making him a prime pivot.

Jaren Jackson Jr. – MEM – PF ($7,200)

In this matchup blocks, steals, and double-doubles are in play. He’s looking at about 1.15 DK points per minute, with a 46+ point ceiling if everything clicks. Foul trouble can derail him quickly, but that’s GPP life.

Zach LaVine – CHI – SG ($7,100)

A potential 24–25% usage rate that can explode for 40 real-life points any night. Projected around 36 DK points but has a path to 47–50 if he gets hot from deep. He's typically lower-owned than players with bigger names or steadier floors.

Amen Thompson – HOU – SG ($6,000)

Thompson is a high-energy guard who racks up rebounds and assists from the backcourt. If he gets 28+ minutes, 35–40 DK points is realistic. With Dillon Brooks possibly sitting, Amen’s run is more stable, and fewer DFS players trust him so his ownership should stay on the lower end.

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DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks

Patrick Williams – CHI – PF ($4,100)

Williams is projected for around 20–21 DK points with a 4.97 value rating. He sees about 27 minutes, and if he chips in a couple of blocks or threes, he can return solid GPP value.

Tari Eason – HOU – SF ($4,800)

Sporting a decent 1.07 DK points per minute. if he gets into the mid-20s in minutes (especially if Dillon Brooks remains out), he could easily exceed 5x value.

Mark Williams – CHA – C ($4,900)

About 1.14 DK points per minute and can approach a double-double. Solid tournament flyer if Charlotte stays competitive.

Clint Capela – ATL – C ($5,200)

Capela is projected for around 29–30 DK points and a 5.70 value rating, but he might be slightly overlooked tonight. A double-double with some blocks is well within reach, especially if Trae is limited.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

• Overall Favorite Play: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – He’s been consistently exceeding value thanks to his high usage and efficiency.
• Top Value: Patrick Williams – If you’re desperate for salary relief, he could return 6-7x value.
• Safest Cash Option: Alperen Sengun – High floor, typically stable minutes.
• High-Upside GPP Target: Trae Young (if active) or Amen Thompson – Either can drop a monster line if the stars align.

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis