FanDuel NBA DFS Picks for Today (Tuesday, 12/31/24): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Happy New Year’s Eve, RotoBallers! We have an exciting main slate tonight with four games tipping off at 7:00 p.m. EST. As always, FanDuel scoring and pricing will be our primary focus, with a blend of cash-game safety and GPP upside to help you dominate the last slate of 2024.

Injuries and last-minute updates often reshape the DFS landscape, so staying informed as lineup lock approaches is key. With that in mind, let’s break down today’s standout core plays, high-upside tournament picks, and best-value options for FanDuel!

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 12/31/24. 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

LeBron James - LAL - SF/PF ($9,700)

LeBron James is set up to be the focal point of the Lakers offense, especially with Anthony Davis nursing an ankle injury. Historically, when Davis is limited or absent, James' usage rate jumps significantly, often exceeding 30%, making him a high-floor, high-ceiling option. Over the last three games, James has averaged 35+ minutes, contributing across multiple categories with 50.4 FanDuel points per game.

The Cavaliers are vulnerable against dynamic forwards, ranking near the bottom in defensive efficiency versus the position. James works for both cash games, where his floor is invaluable, and GPPs, where his ability to post a massive triple-double makes him a tournament-winning anchor on this slate.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - OKC - PG ($11,300)

SGA remains the centerpiece of Oklahoma City's offense, boasting a 32% usage rate. He has averaged 31 points, six assists, and five rebounds over his last three games, accumulating over 53 FanDuel points per game in that span. His ability to rack up steals (1.7 per game) and blocks gives him additional upside on FanDuel, where defensive stats are weighted heavily.

SGA is cash-game viable for his floor but shines brightest in GPPs, where his ceiling could eclipse 60+ FanDuel points in a competitive game.

Kevin Durant - PHO - PF/SF ($9,800)

Durant’s ability to handle high usage when Devin Booker (Q) is sidelined makes him a must-consider option. In games without Booker this season, KD’s usage rate climbs above 35%, while his efficiency remains elite. He has one of the highest floors in DFS due to his scoring and rebounding consistency.

Durant has averaged 45 FanDuel points per game over his last three contests, with notable contributions in scoring (27.7 PPG) and rebounding (6.4 RPG). Against a Grizzlies team that ranks near the bottom in defensive efficiency, Durant has a strong chance to exceed value.

KD’s versatility makes him viable in all formats, but he’s especially valuable in cash games, where his floor is safest. For GPPs, pairing Durant with a Memphis player like Jaren Jackson Jr. could maximize correlation upside.

Victor Wembanyama - SAS - PF/C ($11,700) 

Wembanyama’s unique skill set allows him to dominate both ends of the court. At 11,700, he carries a high price tag, but his ability to block shots, score at all three levels, and facilitate makes him worth the investment. The Clippers rank near the bottom in defending opposing centers, giving Wembanyama a clear path to exploit.

Over his last three games, Wemby has averaged 54.4 FanDuel points, driven by 25.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His defensive impact (2.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per game) creates an unmatched upside on FanDuel.

Wemby is a top-tier option for tournaments, where his ceiling could reach 70+ FanDuel points. While his price might limit exposure in cash games, pairing him with value plays makes him rosterable in all formats.

FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Desmond Bane - MEM - SG/SF ($7,300)

Desmond Bane is in a perfect spot to deliver big for GPPs, as the absence of Ja Morant has thrust him into a leadership role offensively. His ability to create his shot and capitalize on Phoenix’s faster pace offers immense potential.

Bane has delivered 33.6 FanDuel points per game this season, but with Morant sidelined, his usage rate spikes. In this spot, he's capable of putting up 25+ real points while adding contributions in rebounds and assists. Bane fits perfectly into GPP lineups as a mid-tier salary option who can anchor your tournament strategy, especially when paired with a Suns star like Kevin Durant for correlation.

Anthony Edwards - MIN - SG/SF ($8,800)

Edwards thrives in high-paced environments where his shot creation and athleticism shine. Oklahoma City’s up-tempo style opens the door for Edwards to maximize his fantasy output. While his salary reflects his consistent production, his ceiling remains appealing for tournaments. Over his last three games, Edwards has averaged 24.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, translating to 42.2 FanDuel points per game.

His ability to rack up steals and blocks adds to his tournament value, as these defensive stats can create massive point swings on FanDuel. I'll be using Edwards as a primary piece in tournament lineups tonight as a pivot away from more popular and high-priced Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Norman Powell - LAC - SF/SG ($7,300)

Powell has been on fire, and his recent hot streak makes him a sneaky GPP target with a mid-range salary. His scoring upside, particularly in isolation situations, makes him an excellent pivot for tournaments, especially with lower projected ownership compared to similar-priced players. Powell has averaged 35.8 FanDuel points per game over his last three contests, with a scoring average north of 24 points during that span.

The Spurs rank near the bottom of the league in defending wings, allowing high shooting percentages and plenty of scoring opportunities.

Jarrett Allen - CLE - C/PF ($7,000)

Allen’s steady production makes him a safe pick, but his ceiling comes into play against a Lakers team that has struggled to defend opposing centers. His ability to dominate the glass and block shots gives him a strong upside, particularly if the game stays competitive.

Allen is an excellent tournament pivot, particularly for those avoiding higher-priced centers like Victor Wembanyama. His salary allows for flexibility in lineup construction while maintaining a strong upside.

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FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks

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

Matchup: at Oklahoma City Thunder

McDaniels is a classic “glue guy” whose contributions go beyond scoring. His ability to defend multiple positions and generate steals and blocks gives him a safe floor, especially on FanDuel, where defensive stats are rewarded.

At $5,000, he provides consistent minutes and a low-risk option to round out lineups. McDaniels is an excellent plug-and-play option for cash games, where his minutes and defensive contributions provide stability. He also offers upside in GPPs if he can convert those turnovers into transition buckets.

Mason Plumlee - PHO - C ($4,800) 

Matchup: vs. Memphis Grizzlies

With Jusuf Nurkic out, Plumlee has been thrust into a larger role, and his skill set makes him an intriguing salary saver. Plumlee excels in non-scoring categories, particularly rebounding and playmaking, which are crucial for hitting value at his price.

Plumlee has averaged 15.9 FanDuel points per game, but his increased role has seen him grab 10+ rebounds and notch several assists in recent outings. He’s also capable of contributing steals and blocks, which add a sneaky upside on FanDuel.

Plumlee’s low price tag makes him ideal for lineups that prioritize paying up for stars like Victor Wembanyama or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s suitable for both cash games and GPPs, particularly as a low-ownership pivot from more popular value centers.

Kris Dunn - LAC - PG/SG ($4,900)

Matchup: at San Antonio Spurs

Dunn has been a key bench contributor for the Clippers, offering steady production in points, assists, and defensive stats. His ability to impact multiple categories ensures that he can hit or exceed value even in limited minutes. At $4,900, he’s one of the more reliable low-cost guards on the slate. Over his last few games, Dunn has averaged 19.5 FanDuel points while playing 23.5 minutes per game.

Dunn is a versatile value pick who fits well into both cash lineups, where his defensive contributions provide stability, and GPP lineups, where his ceiling could exceed 30 FanDuel points if he racks up enough assists and a few steals.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

• Favorite Overall Play: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11,300)
• Best Value Play: Jaden McDaniels ($5,000)
• Cash Game Lock: LeBron James ($9,700)
• Top GPP Play: Kevin Durant ($9,800)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis