FanDuel NBA DFS Picks for Today (Friday 1/3/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Tonight's NBA slate is packed with nine games, and there's plenty to dissect for NBA DFS on FanDuel. With key injuries to star players like Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, and Ja Morant, opportunities are opening up across the board. Whether you're grinding cash games or shooting for GPP glory, understanding the dynamics of pace, offensive efficiency, and matchups is essential.

Let’s dive into the top plays, value options, and expert strategies for this exciting slate! If you're looking for advice for the DraftKings NBA slate, then please check out Zach Thompson's piece here.

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/3/25. 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

Nikola Jokic, DEN – C ($13,00)

Let’s not overthink this one, Jokić is the guy tonight. The Nuggets take on a Spurs team that has been downright awful defensively, particularly against opposing centers. San Antonio ranks bottom five in defensive rating, and their interior defense is essentially nonexistent. This matchup is tailor-made for Jokić to dominate every facet of the game.

When we talk about Jokić’s ceiling, we’re essentially asking: how big will the triple-double be? He’s averaging nearly 1.8 fantasy points per minute, and if the game stays competitive, he’s projected to see 37+ minutes. At this price tag, you’re looking for him to hit around 65 FanDuel points to justify the cost—something that feels like his median outcome given the matchup.

Mark Williams, CHA – C ($6,300)

Mark Williams at $6,300 is one of the slate’s top value plays. Charlotte's young center continues to showcase his upside whenever he gets significant minutes, and tonight’s matchup against Detroit is as good as it gets. Detroit’s interior defense has been a sieve all season, ranking 20th in defensive efficiency and allowing the fifth-most rebounds to opposing centers. Williams is averaging 1.2 FanDuel points per minute, and with his projected 29-31 minutes, he’s a near-lock to crush value at this salary.

MAKE WAY FOR MARK WILLIAMS 😤pic.twitter.com/87rHQFWtf1

— Hornets Nation (@HornetsNationCP) December 31, 2024

Detroit’s defense not only struggles with size but also gives up plenty of second-chance opportunities. Williams has 40+ fantasy point upside, and at his price, he’s viable for any contest format tonight.

Fred VanVleet, HOU – PG ($7,400)

VanVleet’s role is locked in right now, and with Amen Thompson out, his minutes and usage are set in stone. In a Houston backcourt that lacks depth, VanVleet has no choice but to play heavy minutes, and tonight is no exception. He’s projected for 40+ minutes in a game where the Rockets will need his steady playmaking and scoring ability.

At just $7,400, FVV is a steal considering his dual upside in scoring and assists. He’s also been very active on defense, averaging nearly 2 steals per game, which adds a layer of value on FanDuel where steals are worth 3 points. The Celtics are still a strong defensive unit overall, but VanVleet’s usage and floor make him cash-viable tonight.

Cade Cunningham, DET – PG/SG ($9,700)

Cade Cunningham is in prime smash spot territory tonight. The Pistons’ offense runs entirely through him, and his massive usage rate reflects that. Averaging 25.5 points and 9.3 assists per game, Cade has been on a tear lately, and now he faces a Charlotte team that ranks near the bottom in defensive efficiency.

Cunningham’s fantasy profile is built on his ability to stuff the stat sheet. His 1.36 FanDuel points per minute rate is elite for someone playing nearly 35 minutes a game. With Detroit lacking other reliable offensive options, Cade’s role as a scorer, facilitator, and rebounder is locked in. A 50+ fantasy point performance is well within reach tonight, making Cade a high-priority play.

FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Devin Vassell, SAS – SG ($6,000)

Vassell is one of the sneakiest tournament plays on the slate. At just $6,000, he’s an elite value option with legit upside, especially given his role as a primary scoring threat for San Antonio.  He’s knocking down 3.5 threes per game on strong efficiency, which gives him a path to success even in a tough matchup.

What makes Vassell intriguing for GPPs is his usage rate and his ability to contribute defensively. He averages 1.3 steals per game, and those three-point shots combined with defensive stats can rack up quickly on FanDuel. Denver might focus on slowing Victor Wembanyama, which could leave Vassell with extra looks. With a projected 35.5 fantasy points and low ownership, Vassell has the tools to crush value and differentiate your lineup in tournaments.

Jaren Jackson Jr., MEM – PF/C ($8,500)

Jaren Jackson Jr. is in a smash spot tonight, and his expanded offensive role without Ja Morant makes him a top GPP target. Sacramento struggles against versatile bigs, ranking in the bottom third of the league in defensive efficiency against power forwards and centers. Jackson’s skill set perfectly aligns with exploiting their weaknesses.

One of the biggest appeals of JJJ in tournaments is his ceiling. He’s averaging over 2 blocks per game, and FanDuel’s 3-point bonus for blocks makes that a significant part of his value. On the offensive end, he’s seeing more touches and has been more aggressive in creating his own shot. If his three-point shot is falling, he has legitimate 50+ fantasy point upside.

Trey Murphy III, NOP – SF ($7,500)

Trey Murphy is the definition of a high-upside tournament play. At $7,500, he’s priced in a range where many DFS players might overlook him, but his ability to fill it up quickly makes him a great pivot option. Washington’s defense is a mess, ranking dead last in defensive efficiency, and they’ve consistently allowed massive fantasy performances to wings and shooters.

🇺🇸 Trey Murphy III today highlights vs. Heat:

🏀 34 POINTS
🏀 4 REBOUNDS
🏀 3 ASSISTS

Pelicans lost to Heat 108-119 ❌ pic.twitter.com/2NFfAAinUj

— DV highlights (@DVhighlights) January 2, 2025

He’s capable of getting hot from beyond the arc and can rack up points in a hurry. Washington’s poor transition defense sets up perfectly for Murphy to get easy looks in the open court. If he can add a few rebounds and defensive stats, you’re looking at a potential ceiling game of 45+ fantasy points, making him an ideal GPP play.

Darius Garland, CLE – PG ($7,500)

Garland is one of the most under-the-radar tournament options tonight. With Luka Dončić out for Dallas, Cleveland has the clear upper hand in this matchup, and Garland could be the player to take full advantage. His $7,500 salary makes him easy to fit into lineups.

Dallas’ defense without Luka loses some structure, especially in transition, and Garland is the type of guard who can exploit mismatches with his quickness and creativity. He can light it up as a scorer and playmaker, and his projected minutes (around 35) combined with his usage rate make him a sneaky candidate for a ceiling game. At lower ownership, Garland provides leverage in tournaments with a realistic shot at 40+ FanDuel points.

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 THUNDERDAN at checkout to save 10%

FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks

Ausar Thompson, DET – SF ($4,600)

Asar Thompson is a standout value play tonight, offering significant upside at a near-minimum salary. With Jaden Ivey sidelined, there’s a clear opportunity for Thompson to take on a larger role in Detroit’s offense. While he’s not yet a polished scorer, his ability to contribute across the stat sheet makes him a DFS darling.

Charlotte’s defense has been abysmal, particularly against versatile forwards like Thompson. They rank in the bottom tier of the league in defensive efficiency, and their struggles on the glass open the door for Thompson to rack up rebounds. At $4,600, he doesn’t need to do much to exceed value, but given his ability to impact every category, he has a realistic 30+ fantasy point upside.

Josh Hart, NYK – SF ($7,900)

Josh Hart is a bit pricier than a typical “value play,” but his role and contributions justify the salary. Known for his hustle stats, Hart consistently fills the box score, making him a strong choice in both cash and GPP formats. With Jalen Brunson questionable, Hart could see an uptick in usage, especially as a secondary ball-handler and rebounder.

Even if Brunson suits up, Hart’s minutes are locked in the 30+ range, and his defensive contributions provide a solid floor. If Brunson sits, Hart becomes an even better value as his offensive responsibilities increase. At $7,900, he’s not a flashy pick, but he’s one of those players who can quietly accumulate 35-40 fantasy points without dominating the scoring column.

Malik Beasley, DET – SG ($5,400)

Malik Beasley is the perfect example of a GPP-friendly value play. With Jaden Ivey out, Beasley should see extended run and more scoring opportunities, especially as a floor-spacing shooter. His sharpshooting ability and the high-paced matchup against Charlotte make him an intriguing option for tonight’s slate.

The key with Beasley is his three-point shooting. If his shot is falling, he can put up points in a hurry. Charlotte’s perimeter defense has been leaky, ranking near the bottom of the league in defending the three-point line. Beasley’s floor is a bit lower than someone like Asar Thompson, but his ceiling is much higher. At $5,400, he’s an excellent option if you’re looking for scoring upside in tournaments

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

• Favorite Overall Play: Nikola Jokić ($13,000)
• Best Value Play: Ausar Thompson ($4,600)
• Cash Game Lock: Fred VanVleet ($7,400)
• Top GPP Play: Jaren Jackson Jr. ($8,500)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis