FanDuel NBA DFS Picks for Today (Wednesday 1/22/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/22/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:30 p.m. EST on FanDuel. 

FanDuel NBA DFS Core Picks

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC - PG - $11,600)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the epitome of consistency and ceiling in DFS right now, and tonight’s matchup against the Jazz only amplifies his appeal. Utah has been a defensive sieve lately, ranking 29th in defensive rating over the last 10 games. This sets up perfectly for SGA, who operates as Oklahoma City’s offensive engine with a whopping 33% usage rate.

His ability to fill up the stat sheet in every category, points, assists, steals, and rebounds makes him an ideal fit for FanDuel’s scoring system. With an average of 53.5 FanDuel points per game and the game projected at a fast pace, Shai should be a cornerstone building block for your lineups, whether you’re playing cash games or tournaments.

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

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a walking fantasy powerhouse, and tonight’s matchup against the Pelicans has all the ingredients for another monster performance. The Pelicans have struggled to contain high-usage bigs, and Giannis thrives in matchups like this. He’s posting an elite 1.68 FanDuel points per minute, and his ability to dominate in multiple categories makes him nearly matchup-proof.

In a game with a 233-point total, I'm expecting Giannis to showcase his signature dominance in the paint and exploit New Orleans’ weak interior defense. His floor is unmatched on this slate, and his ceiling? Well, it’s as high as any player’s in the league. Giannis is a must-have for cash games and a rock-solid anchor for GPPs.

Anthony Edwards (MIN - SG - $9,200)

Anthony Edwards has been playing inspired basketball lately, and his recent performances validate his role as Minnesota’s offensive leader. Over the last three games, he’s averaged 46.1 FanDuel points, showcasing his ability to score in bunches while contributing across the board. Tonight, he faces a Dallas team that ranks 27th in rebounding percentage, a weakness Edwards is well-equipped to exploit.

His athleticism and aggressiveness in transition make him a nightmare for defenses that struggle to secure boards. Whether it’s through second-chance opportunities, fast-break points, or his reliable scoring touch, Edwards has the tools to excel in this spot. At $9,200, he offers both a high floor for cash games and tournament-winning upside.

Domantas Sabonis (SAC - C - $10,500)

Domantas Sabonis is a dream matchup tonight against a Warriors team that has historically struggled to contain skilled, high-IQ big men. Sabonis is the hub of Sacramento’s offense, and his ability to dominate the glass while facilitating as a playmaker makes him incredibly valuable in DFS. Averaging 14.2 rebounds per game, Sabonis provides a rock-solid floor in one of the slate’s fastest-paced games (projected at 99.7).

His skill set aligns perfectly with this matchup, as the Warriors’ smaller lineups often leave them exposed to versatile centers like Sabonis. Whether he’s crashing the boards, running the offense through the high post, or cleaning up missed shots, Sabonis has an excellent chance to deliver a massive performance tonight.

FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

CJ McCollum (NOP - SG - $7,700)

If Zion Williamson is unable to suit up, CJ McCollum becomes a premier tournament play with immense upside. When Zion is off the floor, McCollum sees a significant spike in usage, which directly translates to more shot attempts and playmaking opportunities.

He’ll face a Milwaukee team that is solid defensively overall but has shown vulnerabilities against dynamic scoring guards. At $7,700, McCollum provides tremendous value for his ceiling, as he’s fully capable of surpassing 50 FanDuel points in this high-total game. The Bucks’ pace and tendency to allow guard production make McCollum a sneaky pivot with potential to break the slate if his shot is falling.

Trae Young (ATL - PG - $9,400)

Trae Young is in a dream spot tonight against the Pistons in a game with the 2nd highest projected total on the slate at 235 points. Detroit’s defense has been a liability all season, particularly against opposing point guards, where they rank 28th in defensive efficiency. Trae’s ability to capitalize on weak defenses is well-documented, and his offensive versatility allows him to contribute in scoring, assists, and three-point shooting.

Young’s ceiling is enormous in a game with a tight spread, and his ownership could come in lower than other high-priced guards. If he heats up from deep or piles on assists, he could easily deliver a tournament-winning performance.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM - PF - $8,500)

Few players offer the kind of GPP upside that Jaren Jackson Jr. does. His elite shot-blocking ability gives him a unique ceiling that can swing DFS contests. Tonight’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets is particularly enticing, as the Hornets rank 27th in points allowed in the paint and struggle against versatile big men.

Jackson’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor through scoring, rebounding, and defensive stats makes him a high-risk, high-reward option. The key with Jackson is always avoiding foul trouble, but if he stays disciplined, he could deliver a massive performance in what is projected to be one of the fastest-paced games on the slate.

De'Aaron Fox (SAC - PG - $9,100)

De’Aaron Fox has been quietly consistent, but tonight’s matchup against the Warriors gives him a real opportunity to shine. The fast pace of this game (99.7 projected pace) suits Fox perfectly, allowing him to exploit Golden State’s transition defense and weaker perimeter containment.

Over the past few games, Fox has averaged 45.5 FanDuel points, and his ability to attack off the dribble creates scoring and assist opportunities that few point guards can match. With Sacramento likely to lean on him in what projects to be a competitive contest, Fox has legitimate 50+ FD point upside and should come in at moderate ownership, making him an excellent tournament pivot.

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FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks

Nick Smith (CHA - SG - $4,100)

Nick Smith is one of the best value plays on the slate, as he continues to start in place of the injured Brandon Miller. At just $4,100, Smith offers a consistent minutes floor, logging 28-30 minutes per game in recent starts. His ability to chip in across multiple categories gives him a steady path to 5-6x value.

Tonight, he faces a Memphis team that plays at a fast pace and is vulnerable to guard scoring, making Smith an ideal salary saver for lineups looking to squeeze in high-priced studs like Giannis or SGA. Don’t be surprised if Smith flirts with 25-30 FanDuel points in this spot.

Jaylin Williams (OKC - C - $5,400)

Jaylin Williams is stepping up with Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined, and his increased role makes him a fantastic value play at $5,400. Williams has been incredibly efficient recently averaging 1.11 FanDuel points per minute. Facing a Utah team that struggles to defend opposing big men, Williams has a great opportunity to rack up rebounds, putbacks, and defensive stats.

This matchup also features one of the higher projected totals on the slate, which should provide plenty of opportunities for Williams to contribute. His ability to deliver at this price point makes him a great option for both cash games and GPPs.

Cason Wallace (OKC - SG - $5,200)

Cason Wallace is another Oklahoma City player who offers tremendous value on this slate. His consistent minutes and ability to produce in multiple categories make him a reliable mid-range option. Wallace has been averaging nearly 30 minutes per game and has shown flashes of 30-point upside, which is exactly what you want from a $5,200 play.

Against a weak Utah defense that ranks near the bottom in efficiency, Wallace is poised to take advantage of the favorable matchup. His scoring and playmaking provide a strong foundation, while his low ownership in tournaments could make him a sneaky contributor to winning lineups.

Jalen Duren (DET - C - $6,300)

Jalen Duren may sit at the higher end of the value spectrum, but his price tag is still a bargain when you consider his upside. Duren is a rebounding machine, averaging 9.7 boards per game, and he gets a favorable matchup against an Atlanta team that has been inconsistent defending the paint.

His ability to dominate on the glass creates second-chance opportunities, and his growing offensive game adds another dimension to his fantasy potential. At $6,300, Duren provides the kind of upside that can elevate your lineup without breaking the bank, especially in a game with the highest projected total on the slate.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

• Favorite Overall Play: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11,600)
• Top Value Play: Nick Smith ($4,100)
• Top Cash Play: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,900)
• Top GPP Play: CJ McCollum ($7,700)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis