FanDuel NBA DFS Picks for Today (Tuesday 1/7/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Welcome back Rotoballers! A seven-game NBA slate awaits us tonight on FanDuel. As always the slate is loaded with injury news that will shape both cash game and GPP strategies. With notable stars like Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis anchoring the top salary tier and plenty of mid-range options with upside, there's something for everyone.

Let’s dive into my favorite core plays, tournament options, and value picks for FanDuel tonight.

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/7/25. 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, $12,900)

When you're building a lineup tonight, it's hard to overlook Nikola Jokic, even at his sky-high salary. The reigning MVP is essentially a walking triple-double machine, averaging an incredible 69 FanDuel points per game over his last three contests. His 30% usage rate highlights how involved he is in Denver's offense, and against Boston, he’ll need to carry the load in what Vegas projects as a high-scoring showdown (235-point total).

The Celtics present a tough matchup on paper, but Jokic has proven time and again that he's matchup-proof. His ability to rack up points, rebounds, and assists while avoiding mistakes makes him a rock-solid anchor for both cash and GPP lineups.

Anthony Davis (LAL - PF/C, $11,600)

Anthony Davis has been an absolute force lately, putting up 53.3 FanDuel points per game across his last three outings. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving sidelined, Dallas will lean on a weaker supporting cast, leaving them vulnerable to a player like AD. Davis thrives in matchups where he can dominate inside, and the Mavericks' thin frontcourt is no match for his rebounding and shot-blocking.

Davis has a ceiling that rivals Jokic’s on a night when his salary is a touch lower. He’s a top-tier play in all formats, especially considering the Lakers' implied total of 114 points.

Kevin Durant (PHO - PF/SF, $9,400)

Durant finds himself in an ideal situation against the Charlotte Hornets, a team ranked 24th in defensive rating and allowing opponents to score at will. His 31% usage rate reflects how heavily Phoenix leans on him, and at just $9,400, he offers a safe floor with a clear 60-point upside.

Charlotte’s pace of play further enhances Durant’s appeal, as the extra possessions create more scoring opportunities for one of the league’s most efficient scorers. Whether he’s knocking down mid-range jumpers or filling the stat sheet with rebounds and assists, Durant has the tools to dominate in this matchup while still leaving you with room to fit in other studs.

Trae Young (ATL - PG, $9,200)

Utah has struggled defensively all season, and with tonight’s slate featuring the highest game total (234.5), Trae Young is primed to exploit this matchup. Over his last three games, Young has averaged 48.2 FanDuel points, and his 27% usage rate underscores his role as Atlanta’s primary playmaker and scorer.

Utah's defense is particularly vulnerable to skilled guards, and Trae’s ability to get hot from deep and distribute the ball makes him a lethal option. At $9,200, he offers a strong combination of floor and ceiling, making him a fantastic piece for GPPs or cash games. His salary also creates a path to stack him with Jokic or Davis without sacrificing too much elsewhere.

FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Stephen Curry (GSW - PG, $8,300)

Stephen Curry at $8,300 feels like a gift, especially for tournaments where his scoring bursts can separate you from the field. The Warriors host Miami tonight, a team known for their defensive grit, but Curry thrives in high-pressure matchups where the offense runs entirely through him.

With a projected usage bump thanks to Golden State's injury woes, Curry has the opportunity to post a ceiling performance, especially with his ability to rack up three-pointers, assists, and the occasional steal. His salary is low enough to allow flexibility elsewhere in your lineup, making him a great pivot off higher-owned studs like Trae Young.

CJ McCollum (NOP - SG, $7,800)

McCollum is a sneaky tournament play with Zion Williamson listed as questionable. Over the last three games, he’s averaged 37.3 FanDuel points while shouldering a 27% usage rate, and that number could rise significantly if Zion sits. Even with Zion active, McCollum has the skill set to thrive in this competitive matchup against Minnesota.

His ability to knock down shots from deep, create off the dribble, and contribute in other categories makes him a strong upside play. At $7,800, he offers tournament-winning potential at a salary that may deter others.

Jayson Tatum (BOS - PF/SF, $10,100)

While his salary may scare off casual players, Tatum is a fantastic GPP option with the upside to drop 60-plus FanDuel points in tonight’s marquee game against Denver. The Celtics' offense flows through Tatum, who boasts a 30% usage rate and the ability to contribute in every category.

Denver’s defense, while solid, isn’t infallible, and this game’s high Vegas total (235 points) suggests plenty of opportunities for Tatum to shine. He’s the kind of high-upside play that can differentiate your lineup in large-field tournaments, especially if others flock to cheaper stars like Durant or Young.

Amen Thompson (HOU - SG/SF, $7,100)

Thompson has been thriving in Houston’s injury-impacted rotation, and tonight’s matchup against Washington offers an ideal opportunity for him to showcase his potential. With an increased usage rate and extended minutes, Thompson has flashed a 40-point upside in recent games.

Washington's defense is among the worst in the league, ranking 30th in defensive rating, making this a blowout-friendly matchup where Thompson could rack up stats in multiple categories. His volatility makes him less appealing for cash games, but in tournaments, he’s a perfect low-owned, high-ceiling option who could help you take down a GPP.

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FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks

Rui Hachimura (LAL - SF/PF, $5,200)

Rui Hachimura has quietly become a reliable contributor for the Lakers, consistently logging significant minutes and delivering steady production across multiple categories. With Dallas missing Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, their defense takes a major hit, leaving Hachimura in an advantageous spot.

His ability to chip in with scoring, rebounds, and defensive stats makes him an appealing option at just $5,200. Hachimura’s versatility also allows him to remain on the court in various lineups, giving him a solid floor with upside for more if the game script favors his role. He’s one of the safest value plays on the slate.

Walker Kessler (UTA - C, $6,200)

Although priced just above $6K, Walker Kessler still feels like a bargain considering his recent form. Over his last three games, Kessler has averaged 33 FanDuel points, primarily through his ability to rack up rebounds and blocks. Tonight’s pace-up matchup against Atlanta only boosts his value, as the Hawks play at one of the fastest tempos in the league.

With his double-double potential and defensive prowess, Kessler is a strong mid-tier option who can provide the production of a higher-priced center while leaving you room to spend up at other positions.

Jaden McDaniels (MIN - SF/PF, $5,000)

Jaden McDaniels is a low-cost forward with significant upside, especially in tonight’s matchup against a New Orleans defense that struggles to contain versatile wings. McDaniels has shown the ability to produce across the board, and his combination of scoring and defensive stats gives him 30-point potential at a very affordable salary.

His recent minutes have been stable, and he’s in a game where Minnesota’s implied total of 114 points suggests plenty of scoring opportunities. McDaniels is an ideal play for those looking to save salary without sacrificing ceiling.

Isaiah Collier (UTA - PG, $4,000)

Isaiah Collier might be one of the most intriguing value plays on the slate. With Utah dealing with multiple injuries in their backcourt, Collier is stepping into an expanded role, and his $4,000 salary makes him an easy plug-and-play option for star-heavy lineups.

Facing Atlanta in a game with the highest total on the slate (234.5), Collier has a great opportunity to exceed value through his scoring and playmaking. While his minutes might not be massive, his ability to produce in a fast-paced environment makes him a fantastic low-cost option with significant 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, $12,900)
• Favorite Value Play: Walker Kessler (UTA - C, $6,200)
• Favorite Cash Play: Anthony Davis (LAL - PF/C, $11,600)
• Favorite GPP Play: Stephen Curry (GSW - PG, $8,300)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis