FanDuel NBA DFS Picks for Today (Monday 1/27/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/27/25. 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, $12,800

Jokic isn’t just a DFS cornerstone he’s the cornerstone, with unmatched production across all categories. He enters tonight as one of the two highest-projected players on the slate, projected 12 points higher than the next closest player. That alone cements his role as a top-tier option, but the matchup against Chicago makes him even more appealing.

The Bulls allow the 2nd most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers, struggling on the glass and in the paint. Denver’s implied team total of 126.3, the highest on the slate, provides the perfect environment for Jokic to deliver a monster game. His price tag is steep, but with his triple-double upside, he’s an essential GPP target and a premium cash anchor.

LeBron James – LAL, PF/SF, $10,000

At age 40, LeBron continues to defy logic, playing at an elite level and carrying the Lakers through tough stretches. Over his last three games, he’s averaged 50.4 FD points, showcasing his ability to contribute to scoring, rebounding, and assists. Against a Charlotte team that ranks 26th in defensive rating and struggles to contain wing scorers, LeBron should feast.

Add in his ability to control the pace and exploit mismatches, and you’ve got a high-floor cash play with GPP upside. The Lakers are favored by just 6 points, which keeps his minutes safe tonight.

De'Aaron Fox – SAC, PG, $8,900

Fox is the heartbeat of Sacramento’s high-octane offense, which ranks among the top 10 in pace. His quickness and ability to create offense off the dribble are tailor-made to exploit a Brooklyn defense that ranks 29th in defensive efficiency. With an implied team total of 116.0, Fox is positioned for success as both a scorer and a playmaker.

What makes him even more appealing is his ability to rack up steals (1.5 per game), which translates into extra FanDuel points. At $8,900, he offers a safe floor for cash games and the ability to explode for a 50+ FD-point night in tournaments.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – MIL, PF, $11,700

Giannis is the other top-projected player on the slate, sitting 12 points higher than the third-best option and slightly below Jokic. The key difference is his $1,100 discount compared to Jokic, making him likely the highest-owned stud even on a 12-game slate. Giannis brings consistency and explosiveness to every slate, averaging 59.3 FD points per game with elite production in scoring, rebounding, and defense.

He faces a Jazz defense that ranks 29th in defensive efficiency against power forwards, and their lack of interior resistance gives Giannis a clear path to domination. With Milwaukee’s implied total at 122.5, Giannis is a safe bet for a double-double with legitimate triple-double potential. His lower price tag and immense ceiling make him a priority for both cash and GPP lineups.

FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Jaren Jackson Jr. – MEM, PF/C, $8,600

Jaren Jackson Jr. is the ultimate GPP play with his ability to put up ceiling performances driven by his defensive prowess. Averaging 3.1 combined blocks and steals per game, Jackson’s defensive stats can swing tournaments in your favor, especially with FanDuel rewarding 3 points per block or steal.

The Knicks’ interior defense is exploitable, and with Memphis’ implied total of 119.5, Jackson has the upside to deliver a 50+ FD-point night. His volatility in minutes makes him a contrarian option, but that risk is exactly what makes him such an appealing GPP pivot.

Damian Lillard – MIL, PG, $9,700

Lillard’s scoring upside is unparalleled, and with Giannis drawing double-teams in the post, Dame is poised to capitalize on kick-outs and high pick-and-roll sets. Lillard averages 45.8 FD points per game and is shooting well from beyond the arc, which is key against a Jazz defense that ranks 26th in 3-point percentage allowed.

Utah also struggles to contain elite guards, ranking among the bottom third of the league in defense against the position. Milwaukee’s implied total of 122.5 sets the stage for Lillard to thrive in a high-scoring environment. While Giannis will garner most of the attention, Dame is a fantastic GPP option with 60+ FD-point upside.

Anthony Edwards – MIN, SG/SF, $9,000

Anthony Edwards is the clear alpha of the Timberwolves’ offense, making him an elite GPP option on tonight’s slate. His 30% usage rate highlights his dominance in shot creation, and his ability to contribute across multiple categories gives him a sky-high ceiling. Atlanta’s defense ranks 20th against wing scorers, and their lack of perimeter defense creates a perfect storm for Edwards.

Minnesota’s implied total of 115.0 suggests a competitive, high-scoring game, and Edwards thrives in pace-up environments. Edwards offers elite tournament upside with 50+ FD-point potential.

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FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks

Keegan Murray – SAC, PF/SF, $6,000

Keegan Murray is an exceptional value play tonight, providing steady production at an affordable price. As a key cog in Sacramento’s offense, he’s consistently seeing 35+ minutes per game, giving him a safe floor for cash games. Over his last three games, Murray has averaged 27.4 FD points, driven by his ability to contribute to points, rebounds, and defensive stats.

Tonight, he faces a Brooklyn team that ranks 29th in defensive efficiency and struggles against stretch forwards who can shoot from deep. At $6,000, Murray’s upside and solid role make him one of the best salary-saving options on the slate.

Jalen Suggs – ORL, SG/PG, $5,500

Jalen Suggs is one of the best punt plays on the slate if he suits up. He’s currently questionable, so monitor injury updates leading up to lock. At $5,500, Suggs is a steal for a player averaging 31.2 FD points per game in recent contests. His high usage rate in the Magic offense, coupled with his ability to contribute to scoring, assists, and steals, gives him a versatile path to value.

Facing Miami’s slow-paced but banged-up defense, Suggs should have opportunities to exploit mismatches if active. If he’s out, this could open additional value elsewhere in Orlando’s backcourt so keep an eye on the news.

Zach Edey – MEM, C, $5,400

Zach Edey has emerged as a highly efficient contributor for Memphis, and his per-minute production makes him an excellent GPP value. Averaging 23.6 FD points in just 20 minutes per game, Edey is the perfect example of high upside at a low cost.

If he can push closer to 25 minutes tonight, his ceiling could exceed 30 FD points, making him an intriguing pivot in both cash and tournaments. At just $5,400, he’s a low-risk, high-reward option for lineups that need a salary break.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

• Favorite Overall Play: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,700)
• Favorite Value Play: Keegan Murray ($6,000)
• Cash Game Anchor: LeBron James ($10,000)
• GPP Play: Jaren Jackson Jr. ($8,600)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis