X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (1/12/25)

LaMelo Ball - Charlotte Hornets

Free daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for today's slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. Use Kyle Ringstad's NBA DFS expert picks to building winning DFS lineups on January 12th, 2025.

It’s great to be back in the swing of things in the NBA, RotoBallers. In these articles, I focus on the top plays, traditionally geared toward cash games. However, with over a decade of NBA DFS experience under my belt—and as someone who rarely dives into cash formats—I'm selecting picks that also typically come with high upside. That means they offer the steady floor needed for cash games while packing the high ceiling we need for tournaments.

The Pacers-Cavaliers matchup stands out as one to target on tonight's six-game slate. It features a high implied total, a fast projected pace, and perhaps most importantly, a less than ten-point spread. Boston and OKC are on this slate, but they're facing two of the worst teams in the league and are favored to win by 14.5 and 16 points, respectively. We'll want to be careful with those, and we may see star players rest up in these cake matchups.

NBA DFS success hinges on in-day adjustments to injury news, but having a game plan and top targets early is essential. To keep up with all the latest developments and get access to updated projections, grab an NBA season pass and access our RotoBaller Premium Discord, where @chiefjustice6 is talking about the slate up until lineups lock!

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 1/12/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our excellent NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 6 p.m. EST on DraftKings and FanDuel. Good luck, RotoBallers!

 

Today's NBA DFS Core Picks

Here is a look at some of the higher-priced players we can use as building blocks for cash and GPP contests.

LaMelo Ball isn't in one of the premier game environments on this slate, but he's the guy I want to prioritize in lineups tonight. Ball had a rough first game back from his injury absence, but he put up a monster 66.5 DK point performance on Tuesday against the squad he'll be squaring off with tonight. The Suns allow the 12th-most fantasy points per game to PGs this season, and they've allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to PGs over their last seven games. He also possesses one of the highest ceilings on the slate, which is always a point of interest for GPPs.

It's risky, but I'm willing to gamble on Paolo Banchero at his sub-$10,000 price tag. He put up 54.25 DK points over 27 minutes in his return to action on Friday, and it's safe to assume the star forward will see his minutes continue to increase as he works his way back. Orlando is still without Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Mo Wagner, meaning Banchero receives all the usage he can handle against the 76ers tonight. Philadelphia allows the 10th-most fantasy points per game to PFs this season, though I'd like Banchero more if Joel Embiid were to sit out another game.

Finally, Jarrett Allen is far too cheap. The big man is averaging 45.2 DK PPG over his last five games, and he only needs 33 DK points to hit 5x value at his current DraftKings salary. He has spiked for at least 55 DK points in two of his last five games, and he'll be enjoying the best game environment on the slate tonight in a matchup against the Pacers at home. Indiana ranks well against centers, but it's worth noting that they allow the 10th-most rebounds per game to the position. Allen has been a rebound machine lately, bringing down 15, 11, 11, 9, and 14 boards in his most recent stretch of games.

  1. LaMelo Ball, CHA @ PHX - PG ($9,700 DK; $9,900 FD)
  2. Paolo Banchero, ORL vs. PHX - PF ($9,500 DK; $9,800 FD)
  3. Jarrett Allen, CLE vs. IND - C ($6,600 DK; $7,600 FD)

 

Today's NBA DFS Value Picks

This is where we talk about saving salary. Whether it's a severely underpriced backup or even as simple as a guy playing like someone who should be priced higher, this is where you'll find guys who make lineups work.

Sorting the best value picks of the day by fantasy points per dollar:

Oklahoma City will be our place to look for value on tonight's slate. Cason Wallace is the most intriguing since he plays around 30 minutes per game, but his median projection and potential ceiling are limited due to his 0.8 FPTS/min rate. We could see some extra minutes in garbage time action out of him, which is also why guys like Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Kenrich Williams are popping out in the optimizers.

As long as John Collins remains out, I will take some shots on the cheap Kyle Filipowski from the Jazz. He hasn't done much of anything lately, but if he's going to see 28 minutes against a vulnerable Brooklyn frontcourt, I'm down to roll the dice. The Nets allow the ninth-most fantasy points per game to Cs overall and the fifth-most fantasy points to Cs over their last seven games.

Cole Anthony feels like a safe bet to continue his success. The third-string PG has been thrust into the starting role with all the injuries in Orlando, and he has done well with games of 31.5, 41.25, and 36.25 DK points over his last five games. Given his current role with the depleted team, he's still in the mid-range price tier, which makes him an appealing target.

Top Value Plays:

  1. Cason Wallace, OKC @ WAS - PG/SG ($3,700 DK; $4,800 FD)
  2. Kyle Filopowski, UTA vs. BKN - PF/C ($3,700 DK; $4,200 FD)
  3. Cole Anthony, ORL vs. PHI - PG/SG ($5,700 DK; $6,700 FD) Prefer on DraftKings

 

Want more NBA DFS tools and exclusive content? Check out our premium daily content from proven winner Will Priester! Grab an NBA season pass and get access to our daily projections, optimizer, Will's personal picks, props, advice, and VIP chat rooms. Use promo code BALLER at checkout to save 10%

 

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard

Ball, Wallace, and Anthony stand out as the top options at PG, but a few others can be safely mixed in. Isaiah Collier, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell are the value options to consider, though Collier would be my preference of the three as long as we get the key guys ruled out in Utah (John Collins, Keyonte Goerge, Brice Sensabaugh). Collier isn't flashy, but he'll almost certainly provide 5x value at his current salary if he plays around 30 minutes.

Darius Garland is the other player to highlight here. He scored 60.5 DK points last game, though Donovan Mitchell sitting out significantly impacted his explosive performance. He's only $7,500 and in the top game environment, and while the Pacers defend PGs well, they rank 21st in defensive rating and seventh in pace. Garland is a sneaky pick that could break the slate if all goes right.

Top PG Options:

  1. LaMelo Ball, CHA @ PHX ($9,700 DK; $9,900 FD)
  2. Cole Anthony, ORL vs. PHI ($5,700 DK; $6,700 FD) Prefer on DraftKings
  3. Cason Wallace, OKC @ WAS ($3,700 DK; $4,800 FD)
  4. Darius Garland, CLE vs. IND ($7,500 DK; $7,700 FD)

 

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard

We can get to Wallace, Joe, Anthony, Collier, and Nembhard at SG, but there are other options in play, too. Tyrese Martin and Keon Johnson are both intriguing guards on the Nets, who get the privilege of facing a Jazz team that allows the third-most fantasy points per game on the season. They're also allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to SGs, and they rank 29th in defensive rating.

Martin is cheaper and will be more popular, and I'm okay with getting to him as he is playing at least 30 minutes per game and has scored 30 and 34 DK points over his last two games. I'd instead get to Johnson, though, as he takes more shots and has shown a higher ceiling with games of 38 and 39 DK points over his last four outings.

Lastly, Grayson Allen is too cheap for his recent production levels. He has scored at least 28 DK points in three of his last five games, and he only needs 23 DK points to hit 5x value tonight.

Top SG Options:

  1. Cole Anthony, ORL vs. PHI ($5,700 DK; $6,700 FD) Prefer on DraftKings
  2. Keon Johnson, BKN @ UTA ($5,600 DK; $5,900 FD) Prefer on DraftKings
  3. Tyrese Martin, BKN @ UTA ($5,000 DK; $5,200 FD)
  4. Grayson Allen, PHX vs. CHA ($4,600 DK; $4,400 FD)

 

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward

We can get to a smattering of OKC value at small forward, with Aaron Wiggins, Joe, and Luguentz Dort being the top options in the optimizer. I'll swerve away from the low-ceiling Dort, but Wiggins and Joe are appealing because they'd see extra run in garbage time. Martin can (and should) also be played at SF, as he has multi-positional eligibility. Dean Wade and Max Strus are low-cost options, with Strus being the priority as he has been beating value lately and has an upside if he sees a few extra minutes in a key matchup.

Top SF Options:

  1. Tyrese Martin, BKN @ UTA ($5,000 DK; $5,200 FD)
  2. Aaron Wiggins, OKC @ WAS ($3,200 DK) DraftKings Only
  3. Max Strus, CLE vs. IND ($3,900 DK) DraftKings Only
  4. Grayson Allen, PHX vs. CHA ($4,400 FD)

 

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward

Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, and Filipowski will be my targets here. Wiggins and Williams are a bet on blowout run, but Filipowski should see heavy minutes regardless of the situation (as long as Collins remains out). Brice Sensabaugh would be a top play for me if he suits up, but that's still a significant question mark. As things stand, there's not much to love at this position, so I plan on punting and paying up at other positions.

Top PF Options:

  1. Aaron Wiggins, OKC @ WAS ($3,200 DK) DraftKings Only
  2. Kyle Filopowski, UTA vs. BKN ($3,700 DK; $4,200 FD)
  3. Brice Sensabaugh, UTA vs. BKN ($4,100 DK; $4,700 FD) Prefer on DraftKings

 

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center

Williams and Filipowski qualify at center, but my eyes are on Jarrett Allen and his too-cheap mid-range salary. As stated in the "Core Plays" section, Allen has been demolishing value lately and pulling down rebounds with the best of them, both of which line up well in a pace-up spot against a defense with some vulnerabilities. He's more likely to produce another 45-55 DK point game than the fail to hit 5x value in this spot, so he's my favorite center on the slate tonight.

Top C Options:

  1. Jarrett Allen, CLE vs. IND ($6,600 DK; $7,600 FD)
  2. Kyle Filopowski, UTA vs. BKN ($3,700 DK; $4,200 FD)

 

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks

  1. Pacers @ Cavaliers (o/u 240; 103.2 projected pace)

 

Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, and Joel Embiid. SGA hit a ceiling game in a competitive contest against Boston on 1/5, but he has otherwise been at (or below) 5x value in his recent stretch of games. You could argue that if tonight's game against the Wizards will be uncompetitive, SGA is a primary reason for that occurring. I'm not willing to take that bet, though, and I'm not getting to SGA with the other options on the board.

It's a similar story with Tatum. His price is way up despite exceeding 50 DK points once in his last seven games. He also risks seeing less playing time in a blowout situation, as the Celtics are massive 14.5-point favorites at home against one of the league's worst teams.

Embiid is too much of an enigma for my tastes. He has put up at least 5x value over his last four starts, but he's questionable to play tonight, and the Magic allow the fewest fantasy points per game to Cs this season. Save your salary and get a similar upside by getting to Jarrett Allen instead.

 

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

  • My favorite overall play on the slate: Jarrett Allen
  • My favorite CASH play on the slate: Cole Anthony
  • My favorite GPP play on the slate: Brice Sensabaugh
  • My favorite value play: Cason Wallace


Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Trea Turner

Blasts Two Homers, Steals Base
MLB

Ron Washington to Remain on Medical Leave for Rest of the Season
Jeremy Peña

Imaging Negative on Jeremy Pena's Ribs on Friday
Spencer Steer

Slugs Three Home Runs in Win
Ace Bailey

to Report to Utah on Saturday
Sonny Gray

Tosses Complete-Game Shutout
Justin Edwards

Sixers Agree on a New Contract
Naz Reid

Agrees to a New Contract with Minnesota
Hunter Goodman

Dealing With Hamstring Soreness
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Josh Simmons

on Schedule to Open the Year as a Starter
Micah Parsons

Contract Length an Issue for Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Denver Broncos

Broncos Unsure How Their Running Back Room Will Look
Russell Wilson

Not the Only Leader in Giants Clubhouse
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Returns Against Marlins
Wyatt Langford

Rangers to Place Wyatt Langford on Injured List
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Now in Friday's Lineup
Wyatt Langford

Out With Strained Oblique
Luis Robert Jr.

Out on Friday
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Not in Friday's Lineup
Xander Bogaerts

Back in Lineup on Friday
Griffin Canning

Done for the Year With Ruptured Achilles
Jae'Sean Tate

Rockets Want to Bring Back Jae'Sean Tate
Andre Drummond

Accepts Player Option
Cal Raleigh

Added to Home Run Derby Field
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez Won't Start on Friday
Jihaad Campbell

to Begin at Inside Linebacker
Josh Conerly Jr.

to Play Right Tackle for Now
Tyleik Williams

Expected to Fill Big Role Right Away
Malaki Starks

Should Make an Immediate Impact
James Pearce Jr.

Impressing the Falcons
Jaxson Dart

has "Excellent" Spring
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Should Play Vs. BoSox
Donovan Jackson

has Inside Track on Starting Job
Spencer Jones

Promoted to Triple-A
Matthew Golden

Appears Set for Significant Role
Derrick Harmon

in Line to Start
Jahdae Barron

Primarily Working at Cornerback
Nathan Eovaldi

Returning on Friday
Shohei Ohtani

Starting on Saturday
Cleveland Cavaliers

Tyrese Proctor Selected by Cavaliers With the No. 49 Pick
Portland Trail Blazers

Caleb Love Lands with Trail Blazers
Dallas Mavericks

Ryan Nembhard Signs a Two-Way Deal with Mavericks
Orlando Magic

Noah Penda Drafted and Traded to the Magic
Phoenix Suns

Rasheer Fleming Taken With the First Pick of the Second Round
Jordan Lawlar

on Injured List at Triple-A
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Josh Giddey

Receives Qualifying Offer from Chicago
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Andre Szmyt

Browns Sign Andre Szmyt to One-Year Deal
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Wilfried Pene

Patriots Waive Wilfried Pene
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
Aaron Rodgers

Lauds DK Metcalf as "Big Reason" Behind Move to Pittsburgh
Emeka Egbuka

to Have Big Role in the Offense
Daniil Tarasov

Panthers Bring in Daniil Tarasov
Grey Zabel

in Line to Start at Left Guard
Frederick Gaudreau

Kraken Pick Up Frederick Gaudreau From Wild
Shemar Stewart

Bengals Still High on Shemar Stewart
SJ

Sharks Buying Out Marc-Edouard Vlasic
Jamie Benn

Stays in Dallas on One-Year Deal
Reilly Smith

Signs New One-Year Deal with Vegas
Michael Kesselring

Traded to Sabres
Josh Doan

Moves to Buffalo
JJ Peterka

Mammoth Acquire JJ Peterka
Evander Kane

Traded to Canucks
Miami Heat

Miami Selects Guard Kasparas Jakucionis
Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Takes Nolan Traore in the First Round
Utah Jazz

Walter Clayton Jr. Heading to Utah
Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Drafts Joan Beringer
Portland Trail Blazers

Yang Hansen Drafted by Portland
Oklahoma City Thunder

Thomas Sorber Selected by Thunder
San Antonio Spurs

Carter Bryant Lands in San Antonio
New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Acquires No. 13 Overall Pick Derik Queen From Atlanta
Chicago Bulls

Noa Essengue Drafted by Chicago
Memphis Grizzlies

Cedric Coward Drafted by Portland, Traded to Memphis
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
Eric Cole

Hoping for Better Times at Rocket Classic
Beau Hossler

Searching for Form at Rocket Classic
PGA

Byeong Hun An in Good Form Heading into Rocket Classic
Cameron Young

Looking For Redemption and Possible First Career Victory in Detroit
Collin Morikawa

is The Headliner This Week in Detroit For Good Reason
Si Woo Kim

Back in Competition After Last Week's Withdrawal
PGA

Alex Noren Finishes Tied For 30th at Travelers Championship
Kurt Kitayama

Misses The Cut at RBC Canadian Open
Ryan Poehling

Becomes a Duck
Trevor Zegras

Moves to Philadelphia
Andre Burakovsky

Traded to Blackhawks
Fabian Zetterlund

Remains in Ottawa on Three-Year Deal
Matt Duchene

Signs Four-Year Extension
Jonathan Toews

to Sign with Jets
Ryan Blaney

Drives Through the Field Twice Despite Failing Cool Suit to Finish Third
William Byron

Poor Strategy Ruins William Byron's Strong Run
Kyle Larson

Decent Pocono Run Allows Him to Make Up Some of his Points Deficit
John Hunter Nemechek

Earns Another Sixth-Place Finish in One of His Best Career Races
Jamahal Hill

Gets Dominated At UFC Azerbaijan
Khalil Rountree Jr.

Dominates At UFC Azerbaijan
Rafael Fiziev

Gets Back In The Win Column
Ignacio Bahamondes

Drops Decision At UFC Azerbaijan
Curtis Blaydes

Gets Split-Decision Win at UFC Azerbaijan
Curtis Blaydes

Rizvan Kuniev Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Victory At Pocono
Chase Elliott

Continues his 2025 Consistency with A Top-Five Run at Pocono
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace's Difficult Weekend Ends with A Tire Failure at Pocono
Chris Buescher

Finishes Well at Pocono with A Solid Top-Five Finish
Tofiq Musayev

Submitted In His UFC Debut
Myktybek Orolbai

Scores First-Round Submission
Nikolas Motta

Gets Finished After Back-And-Forth Fight
Nazim Sadykhov

Scores Second-Round TKO
Bogdan Grad

Drops Decision
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Notch Yet Another Pocono Win
Ryan Blaney

Qualifies 20th but Should Contend at Pocono
William Byron

the Chalk DFS Play at Pocono After Wrecking in Qualifying
Joey Logano

Is Better Than Recent Pocono Record Suggests
Chris Buescher

Looking for Legitimate Pocono Win This Time
Brad Keselowski

Should Be Strong at Pocono This Weekend
Josh Berry

a Safe DFS Option at Pocono After Diffuser Issue
Erik Jones

Is Good at Pocono
Noah Gragson

is a DFS Pivot Option at Pocono
Austin Dillon

is Respectable at Pocono
John Hunter Nemechek

Should Be Avoided in DFS
Christopher Bell

Probably Not Dominant Enough Recently for DFS Play
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace's Lack of Pocono Qualifying Time Makes Him a DFS Must-Have