FanDuel NBA DFS Picks for Today (Tuesday 1/14/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Welcome back Rotoballers. Tonight is another exciting NBA DFS slate! Today’s slate features seven games, with plenty of high-scoring potential and juicy matchups. With injury news piling up and some significant value opening up, this slate offers the perfect balance of cash game safety and GPP upside to attack on FanDuel.

Let’s dive into the top core plays, tournament picks, and value options for tonight.

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/14/25. 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

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - OKC - PG ($11,400)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an MVP-caliber level this season and has been remarkably consistent in delivering elite FanDuel production. With Joel Embiid out, the defensive presence of Philadelphia's interior takes a massive hit, opening the door for Shai to attack the paint at will. SGA's 35% usage rate is among the highest in the league, and he’s been averaging over 53 FanDuel points per game this season.

Combine that with his ability to accumulate steals (2.1 per game), blocks, and high assist totals, and you have a player who rarely disappoints. I expect him to dominate a Philadelphia team that struggles to defend without their defensive anchor.

Giannis Antetokounmpo - MIL - PF ($11,800)

Giannis is in a smash spot tonight against the Sacramento Kings, who rank near the bottom of the league in points allowed in the paint. Giannis thrives in games where he can dominate the interior, and Sacramento’s lack of rim protection plays right into his strengths.

With his slate-leading 1.68 FanDuel points per minute, Giannis provides an unparalleled combination of scoring (31.4 PPG), rebounding (11.9 RPG), and defensive upside (blocks and steals).

Even with the hefty price tag, his upside is worth every dollar. In a competitive game environment, he has a clear path to 70+ FanDuel points. Whether you’re building for cash or GPPs, Giannis is a cornerstone piece tonight.

Domantas Sabonis - SAC - C ($10,100)

Sabonis is a nightly triple-double threat and one of the most versatile big men in the league. His role as a facilitator in Sacramento’s offense ensures a steady flow of assists, while his rebounding presence provides a high floor. Milwaukee is a middle-of-the-pack rebounding team, which bodes well for Sabonis to pile up boards.

Over his last five games, Sabonis has averaged 19.2 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute across all categories. While many DFS players will gravitate toward Jokic at center, Sabonis offers a compelling pivot with a similar upside at a $2,800 discount. Look for him to put up 50+ FanDuel points tonight.

Tyrese Maxey - PHI - PG ($9,300)

With Joel Embiid out, Tyrese Maxey becomes the offensive engine for Philadelphia. Maxey has proven his ability to carry the scoring load in Embiid’s absence, with a usage rate that climbs above 30% when the big man sits. He’s a high-volume shooter who also thrives in transition, and OKC’s fast pace will allow Maxey to capitalize on those opportunities.

To go along with his scoring, Maxey has increased his playmaking, averaging over 6 assists per game in similar situations. He’s an excellent cash play due to his high floor, and his ability to take over games makes him a viable GPP target as well. Expect Maxey to exceed 45 FanDuel points with room for more if this game stays competitive.

FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Nikola Jokic - DEN - C ($12,900)

The reigning MVP is the ultimate ceiling play on tonight’s slate. Jokic’s unique skill set allows him to dominate in every facet of the game, averaging an absurd 69.3 FanDuel points per game over his last three contests. While his salary is steep, his ability to rack up points, rebounds, and assists makes him a slate-breaking option. Facing a Dallas team that ranks in the bottom third of the league in defense against centers, Jokic is primed to exploit this matchup.

The game’s projected total of 230.5 provides a high-scoring environment, and if Jokic adds defensive stats like blocks and steals, 70+ FanDuel points are well within reach. He’s an elite GPP target for those looking to differentiate their lineups with sky-high upside.

Devin Booker - PHO - SG ($9,400)

Booker draws a fast-paced matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, a team that ranks 23rd in defensive efficiency and allows a significant number of points to opposing guards. Booker thrives in up-tempo games, and with Phoenix projected for 119 points, he’s a strong bet to deliver elite scoring.

He’s averaged 43.2 FanDuel points over his last three games, showcasing his scoring ability while also contributing rebounds and assists. His versatility makes him a fantastic GPP play. Look for Booker to post 50+ FanDuel points if his shot is falling tonight.

Zach LaVine - CHI - SF ($8,500)

LaVine stands out as a prime GPP play in what should be the highest-scoring game of the slate (238 total). He’s been red-hot recently, averaging 39.4 FanDuel points per game over his last three outings, and his scoring ceiling is bolstered by his ability to hit from deep and attack the rim.

New Orleans has struggled defensively against wings, and LaVine’s high usage and shooting volume make him an ideal candidate to exploit this weakness. While he’s slightly more volatile than some cash game options, his potential for a 50+ FanDuel point night makes him an exciting GPP pivot.

De’Aaron Fox - SAC - PG ($8,800)

Fox brings elite upside to the table at a mid-range price point for point guards. His speed and ability to push the pace make him a threat to post monster games in the right matchup, and Milwaukee’s defense has shown vulnerabilities against quick guards.

Fox’s 29% usage rate ensures he’s heavily involved in Sacramento’s offense, and his ability to fill up the stat sheet with assists and steals gives him added appeal.

He’s an excellent lower-owned GPP option who could easily return 6x value if this game stays close. Look for Fox to approach 45-50 FanDuel points with potential for more.

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FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks

Guerschon Yabusele - PHI - PF ($5,700)

Yabusele steps into an expanded role as Philadelphia’s likely starting power forward. Yabusele’s physicality and hustle on the boards make him an excellent salary-saving option, particularly in a game where his minutes could climb north of 30. OKC’s interior defense is not intimidating, which bodes well for Yabusele to grab rebounds and score on putbacks.

At this salary, he doesn’t need to do much to hit value, and his increased opportunity puts him in a great spot to return 6x value or more. He’s a near must-play in cash games and viable in GPPs if you need a low-cost PF to round out your lineup.

Andrew Nembhard - IND - PG/SG ($5,700)

With Tyrese Haliburton doubtful, Nembhard becomes one of the top value plays on the slate. When Haliburton has been off the court, Nembhard has taken on the primary ball-handling duties and has excelled, often playing upwards of 30 minutes. He’s a capable scorer who also racks up assists, averaging 5.6 assists per game when starting at point guard.

His low price point makes him an ideal plug-and-play option for both cash games and tournaments.

Deni Avdija - POR - SF/PF ($6,900)

Avdija has been thriving in his new role with Portland, and his versatility makes him a fantastic value at small forward or power forward. Over the past three games, Avdija has averaged 29.8 FanDuel points while playing heavy minutes. His rebounding and defensive contributions provide a solid floor, while his ability to score in transition gives him some sneaky upside.

Brooklyn ranks near the bottom in rebounding rate and struggles against versatile forwards, making Avdija a strong mid-range play. He’s a particularly safe option for cash games, but his multi-category production also gives him some tournament appeal.

Clint Capela - ATL - C ($5,500)

Capela offers incredible value at center tonight in what should be a fast-paced game against Phoenix. Despite sharing time with Onyeka Okongwu, Capela continues to deliver solid production, averaging 1.16 FanDuel points per minute. Phoenix’s lack of size in the frontcourt provides Capela with a clear path to dominate on the glass and rack up blocks.

His minutes may be limited to around 25, but his per-minute efficiency ensures he can easily return value at this salary. If he pushes closer to 30 minutes, Capela could exceed expectations and post 30+ FanDuel points, making him an excellent GPP dart throw.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

• Favorite Overall Play: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,800)
• Favorite Value Play: Guerschon Yabusele ($5,700)
• Favorite Cash Play: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11,400)
• Favorite GPP Play: Nikola Jokic ($12,900)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis