FanDuel NBA DFS Picks for Today (Tuesday 1/21/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/21/25. 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 ($12,700)

Jokic is the most expensive player on Fanduel tonight, but, he is as safe as it gets and a near-lock for 65+ fantasy points in this matchup. He's been on a tear recently with 4 triple-doubles in his last 5 games and tonight he gets a matchup against the Sixers without Joel Embiid.

Jokic is in a prime spot to dominate against a Philadelphia frontcourt that simply lacks the size and skill to slow him down. Jokic does it all scoring, rebounding, assisting and he’s averaged 68.5 FD this season. Denver’s implied team total is 121.5 and we know the offense will run through him. If you’re building around one player tonight, Jokic is your guy. His versatility makes him safe for any format.

Anthony Davis - LAL - PF/C ($11,400)

The Wizards are ranked dead last in defensive efficiency and rebounding percentage. This is a dream matchup for Anthony Davis and the Lakers tonight who have a 121.8 implied total. Davis has been in solid form (53.1 FD points per game recently), he’s a strong building block for your lineups tonight.

I expect him to dominate the boards and thrive offensively, especially if the game can remain competitive. Davis’ ability to rack up blocks and steals makes him especially valuable on FanDuel, where defensive stats are key. You can play him with confidence in both cash and GPP formats tonight.

Tyrese Maxey - PHI - PG ($9,700)

With Joel Embiid out again, the Sixers turn to Maxey to lead the charge. His usage rate has skyrocketed to 30% over the last three games, and he’s been delivering 44.5 FD points per contest during that stretch. With Denver’s fast pace, Maxey should have extra opportunities to rack up fantasy points tonight.

The Nuggets defense has struggled to contain dynamic guards this season and Maxey's ability to score and facilitate gives him a solid ceiling and floor on this slate.

Jalen Brunson - NYK - PG ($9,200)

Brunson has been rock solid for the Knicks this season. He's been averaging over 40 FD points per game over his last three games tonight he gets a juicy matchup against the Nets who rank 25th in Defensive Efficiency this season. The Nets play at the 2nd slowest pace in the league, but, the efficient offense of the Knicks who rank 2nd in Offensive Efficiency should allow Brunson to thrive in this matchup

The Knicks have a team total of 116 and we know Brunson is going to be heavily involved as both a scorer and a playmaker. He's always got a solid floor because of his ability to contribute in multiple categories and he should be a safe bet for another 40+ fantasy point game tonight. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a solid choice for cash lineups, and his efficiency gives him a respectable ceiling for tournaments as well.

FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Jordan Poole - WAS - PG/SG ($7,300)

Poole’s volatility always makes him a tournament option for me. He's facing the fast-paced Lakers tonight and Poole has the potential to go nuclear, especially if he gets hot from beyond the arc.

The Lakers struggle to defend opposing guards, and Poole’s high usage (29%) gives him a path to 40+ FD points tonight. While he’s not a safe cash play, his ceiling is massive, and he should carry lower ownership due to inconsistent recent performances.

Christian Braun - DEN - SG/SF ($5,100)

Braun offers sneaky upside at a mid-tier price. He’s been seeing steady minutes and has flashed strong per-minute production, averaging 25.8 FD points per game over his last three.

With a 13.5-point spread Denver is expected to handle Philadelphia comfortably, Braun could see extended run, making him a great pivot for tournament lineups. His ability to rack up rebounds and defensive stats adds to his appeal on Fanduel.

Paolo Banchero - ORL - PF ($8,800)

Banchero recently returned from an injury and he has yet to break the 30-minute mark in any of the 5 games he's played. His recent struggles will likely drive his ownership down, making him an intriguing GPP play. The matchup against Toronto presents an opportunity for a bounce-back performance, as their defense struggles against versatile forwards.

We know Banchero’s ceiling is sky-high when he’s firing on all cylinders, and his usage remains elite at 33%. At his salary, he’s a solid tournament option who could separate your lineup from the pack.

Karl-Anthony Towns - NYK - C ($10,000)

Towns is an interesting contrarian play due to his price tag and potential low ownership. He has a realistic path to 50+ fantasy points tonight, against a Nets team that ranks 24th in rebounding percentage and 25 in defensive efficiency.

The Knicks are favored by 10.5 points so there is some blowout risk, but, we know Tom Thibodeau like's to ride his starters and give them heavy minutes. I'm expecting Towns to dominate on the boards and contribute plenty offensively in this matchup. He’s a high-upside pivot from Nikola Jokic for those looking to differentiate in GPPs.

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FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks

Cole Anthony - ORL - PG/SG ($6,500)

Anthony is a great value option tonight with Jalen Suggs out of the lineup. His ability to score and contribute in multiple categories has been on full display recently. Over the last 9 games, he's played around 30 minutes per night and is scoring consistently around 30 fantasy points per night.

Anthony is poised to outperform his salary tonight in a game where the Magic are projected for 4.6 more points than their season average. He’s viable in both cash and GPP lineups, offering a safe floor with some upside.

Rui Hachimura - LAL - SF/PF ($5,700)

Hachimura is a standout value play against his former team tonight. With Washington ranking last in defensive efficiency, Hachimura should excel in this revenge spot. He's averaging close to 30 minutes per game and 30 fantasy points per game over his last 3 games.

His increased minutes and offensive involvement in recent games make him a strong candidate to exceed value. At his salary, he’s one of the most appealing mid-range options on the slate.

Duncan Robinson - MIA - SG/SF ($4,300)

Robinson’s sharpshooting makes him an intriguing punt play tonight against a porous Portland perimeter defense that ranks 29th in 3-point percentage allowed. He’s averaging 19.5 FD points over his last three games and has shown the ability to get hot from deep.

Robinson could see extended minutes if Miami opts to space the floor and attack Portland's weak 3-point defense. He’s a riskier option but offers excellent salary relief with an upside for GPPs.

Tristan Da Silva - ORL - PF/SF ($4,600)

Da Silva has quietly carved out a consistent role in Orlando’s rotation. Even with Banchero back, he's still playing close to 30 minutes a night. He can stretch the floor and contribute across categories which makes him a sneaky value play.

Against Toronto, a team that struggles to contain stretch forwards, da Silva has a path to 25+ FD points at a bargain price. He’s a solid option to round out your lineup without sacrificing upside.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

• Favorite Overall Play: Nikola Jokic - DEN - C ($12,700)
• Favorite Value: Rui Hachimura - LAL - SF/PF ($5,700)
• Favorite Cash Play: Tyrese Maxey - PHI - PG ($9,700)
• Favorite GPP Play: Anthony Davis - LAL - PF/C ($11,400)

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