FanDuel NBA DFS Picks for Today (Tuesday 1/28/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/28/25. 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

Anthony Davis – LAL – PF/C ($11,400)

Anthony Davis is a must-have on tonight’s slate. With Joel Embiid out for the Sixers, the Lakers’ star big man will have the opportunity to dominate a weak Philadelphia frontcourt anchored by Guerschon Yabusele and Adem Bona. Davis has been a force lately, fresh off a 77.25 fantasy point game last night and a 65.25 fantasy point game on Saturday. His ability to contribute across all categories makes him an elite play in both cash and GPP formats on this small slate.

The Sixers rank just 24th in rebounding rate, and without Embiid’s presence in the paint, they’ll struggle to keep Davis off the boards. Expect him to feast on second-chance opportunities and rack up points in the post. Add in his defensive upside with blocks and steals and Davis has one of the highest ceilings on this slate. His salary is high, but he’s worth every dollar. If you’re locking in a stud, Davis should be at the top of your list.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – MIL – PF ($11,900)

Giannis is the epitome of slate-breaking potential, and tonight’s matchup against Portland offers the perfect environment for him to thrive. The Blazers rank 26th in points allowed in the paint, making it a dream spot for Giannis, who consistently leads the league in points scored at the rim. Last night Giannis put up 7.5 fantasy points against the Jazz and over his last three games he has averaged 59.3 FanDuel points with a massive 36% usage rate.

Portland’s struggles defending athletic forwards should allow Giannis to dominate on drives, post-ups, and in transition. If Portland can keep this game competitive, Giannis has the upside to drop 70+ FanDuel points. Giannis along with Davis are the clear top two pay up options on tonight's slate.

Stephen Curry – GSW – PG ($8,900)

Steph Curry’s price feels like a gift at $8,900, especially considering the matchup against the Utah Jazz. Utah comes into this game as the league’s worst team at defending the three-point line, ranking 30th in opponent three-point attempts per game. With Walker Kessler and John Collins sidelined, the Jazz will also lack rim protection, giving Curry even more room to operate offensively.

Though Curry’s recent numbers have been slightly down, this matchup is tailor-made for a bounce-back performance. The pace of the game should be solid, and Utah’s defensive scheme leaves the perimeter wide open for high-volume shooters. Curry thrives in these scenarios, with his ability to hit threes in bunches making him a GPP-winning play. If the Warriors control the tempo as expected, Curry could easily push for 50+ FanDuel points. At this price, he’s an outstanding option with both cash game safety and tournament-winning upside.

FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Tyrese Maxey – PHI – PG ($10,000)

With both Joel Embiid and Paul George out for the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey becomes the centerpiece of their offense. This elevated role gives him massive upside in tournaments, as he’s primed for increased usage and shot volume against the Lakers. Maxey’s ability to create his own shot, combined with his knack for setting up teammates, makes him a dual-threat player who can pile up both points and assists in a hurry. Over his last three games, Maxey has averaged an impressive 45.6 FanDuel points with a 30% usage rate.

The matchup with the Lakers presents additional opportunities, as Los Angeles plays at a league-average pace but struggles defensively against primary ball handlers. This game has a competitive spread and a reasonable total, giving Maxey plenty of time to rack up stats. His elevated price may scare off casual players, making him a lower-owned option in tournaments with legitimate 50+ FanDuel point potential.

Onyeka Okongwu – ATL – C ($7,400)

Onyeka Okongwu has been quietly thriving in expanded minutes for the Hawks and is an excellent GPP pivot at the center position. The Rockets present an exploitable matchup for Okongwu, as their frontcourt struggles to defend athletic bigs who can finish around the rim and crash the boards. Over his last three games, Okongwu has averaged 28 FanDuel points while posting a 12.4% increase in rebounding rate, making him a consistent threat to secure a double-double.

What makes Okongwu especially appealing for tournaments is his shot-blocking upside. Houston plays at a faster pace, creating more opportunities for defensive stats, which are heavily rewarded on FanDuel. While players like Anthony Davis and Giannis will dominate ownership at the forward/center spots, Okongwu offers a high-ceiling alternative at a much lower salary and likely lower ownership.

Amen Thompson – HOU – SF ($8,800)

Amen Thompson is a true GPP gem on this slate, thanks to his versatile skill set and triple-double potential. He has been stuffing the stat sheet recently, averaging 32.1 FanDuel points per game over his last three contests. Thompson’s ability to contribute across all categories, points, rebounds, assists, and defensive stats, makes him a high-floor, high-ceiling tournament play.

The matchup against Atlanta is particularly enticing, as the Hawks play at the second-fastest pace in the league. This is an uptempo environment where Thompson’s athleticism can shine. With the Rockets heavily relying on their young core, Thompson’s minutes and usage are secure, and his all-around game gives him multiple paths to hit value. If the game remains competitive, Thompson has the potential to exceed 40+ FanDuel points, making him an excellent pivot off more popular plays like Tyrese Maxey or Stephen Curry.

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FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks

Toumani Camara – POR – SG/SF ($5,300)

Toumani Camara has been a revelation for Portland, stepping into a larger role with Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant dealing with injuries. His hustle, rebounding, and defensive versatility make him a great value play on this slate. Over his last three games, Camara has averaged 23.9 FanDuel points, and his usage rate has increased by 2% in that span.

What makes Camara particularly appealing tonight is his matchup against Milwaukee. The Bucks are a strong team, but their pace and transition game can create opportunities for a high-energy player like Camara to rack up defensive stats, boards, and easy buckets. With Portland likely trailing for most of this game, expect Camara to stay active on both ends of the floor. His salary makes him an excellent way to balance out lineups featuring high-priced studs like Giannis or Anthony Davis.

Guerschon Yabusele – PHI – PF ($6,000)

Guerschon Yabusele is another strong value option, stepping into the starting lineup for the Sixers with Joel Embiid sidelined. Yabusele is no stranger to filling the stat sheet, offering a solid mix of scoring and rebounding. He’s been averaging 22.8 FanDuel points in extended minutes recently and is priced just right to provide salary relief without sacrificing too much upside.

Tonight’s matchup against the Lakers puts Yabusele in an excellent spot to perform. The Lakers struggle to defend opposing bigs, and Yabusele has the size and strength to take advantage of this weakness. He has legitimate double-double potential, and his ability to contribute defensively makes him an appealing play in all formats. At just $6,000, Yabusele is a key target for those looking to free up salary for top-tier players.

Trayce Jackson-Davis – GSW – C ($5,700)

Trayce Jackson-Davis is a sneaky value option on this slate. With the Utah Jazz missing key frontcourt players like Walker Kessler and John Collins, Jackson-Davis has a chance to thrive in limited minutes at an affordable salary. Over his last three games, he’s averaged 21.8 FanDuel points in just 20 minutes per game, showcasing his ability to produce efficiently when given the opportunity.

Golden State’s pace and spacing often create easy scoring opportunities for their big men, and Jackson-Davis has the skill set to capitalize. He’s active on the boards and provides defensive stats, which are crucial for value plays on FanDuel. If Utah struggles to contain the Warriors’ offense, Jackson-Davis could see extended run in garbage time, further increasing his upside. At $5,700, he’s a solid punt play with the potential to outperform his salary by a significant margin.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

• Favorite Overall Play: Anthony Davis ($11,400)
• Favorite Value: Toumani Camara ($5,300)
• Favorite Cash Play: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,900)
• Favorite GPP Play: Tyrese Maxey ($10,000)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis