NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (12/12/24)

Welcome to your go-to guide for NBA DFS on DraftKings and FanDuel! Whether building for cash games or shooting for upside in GPPs, this article highlights key plays that can anchor your lineups while delivering value and differentiation. We have a three-game slate to work with tonight, featuring a fast-paced Kings-Pelicans matchup as the marquee game. The Pistons-Celtics game offers potential value plays and a blowout risk, while the Raptors-Heat clash could surprise us with lower-owned gems. Let’s dig into the top plays and value options to help you crush your lineups!

The key to succeeding in NBA DFS is making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available. But it's always essential to have a game plan and zero in on the best players and spots before making those adjustments. 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 12/12/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our excellent NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 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 games and GPP contests. Jaylen Brown stands out as one of the best core options on this slate. If Jayson Tatum sits, Brown’s usage rate will skyrocket, making him a near-lock against a Detroit defense that ranks near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency. Brown has 50+ fantasy point upside in this spot, and his price tag is reasonable for his expected role.

Domantas Sabonis is another elite option tonight. He thrives in high-paced games, and Sacramento’s matchup against the Pelicans features the highest implied total on the slate (231.5). Sabonis’s ability to contribute in every category makes him one of the safest plays with massive upside, particularly against New Orleans, who ranks 18th in rebounding percentage.

Tyler Herro is an excellent mid-tier core option. He has become Miami’s primary scorer and playmaker, and he’s in a good spot against a Raptors defense that struggles to contain guards. With his steady floor and strong ceiling, Herro is a fantastic option for both cash and GPP contests.

Core Picks:

• Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. DET - SF ($8,200 DK; $8,600 FD)
• Domantas Sabonis, SAC @ NOP - C ($9,500 DK; $9,500 FD)
• Tyler Herro, MIA vs. TOR - SG ($7,700 DK; $7,800 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Value Picks

Here’s a look at some of the best value options under $6,000 that can help round out your lineups. Duncan Robinson is a strong value play, especially on DraftKings, where his price is just $4,200. Robinson has seen an increased role due to Miami’s injuries, and his ability to knock down threes against a Raptors defense that allows the most 3-point attempts per game makes him a fantastic salary-saving option.

Haywood Highsmith is another excellent value option on this slate. At just $3,800 on DraftKings and $4,300 on FanDuel, Highsmith is getting consistent minutes and provides solid rebounding and defensive stats. He’s a safe play with upside for cash games and GPPs alike.

Neemias Queta is a GPP punt play worth considering. With the Celtics heavily favored against the Pistons, Queta could see extra minutes in a blowout scenario. Detroit ranks 29th in points allowed to centers, giving him some sneaky upside to smash his low salary.

Value Plays:

• Duncan Robinson, MIA vs. TOR - SG ($4,200 DK; $4,800 FD)
• Haywood Highsmith, MIA vs. TOR - PF ($3,800 DK; $4,300 FD)
• Neemias Queta, BOS vs. DET - C ($3,700 DK; $4,500 FD)

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Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard

De'Aaron Fox stands out as a top PG option on this slate. He’s in a fast-paced matchup against the Pelicans, who rank 17th in defensive efficiency and struggle to contain dynamic guards. Fox has a high usage rate and a strong ceiling, making him a priority in both cash and GPP lineups.

Jrue Holiday offers excellent value against the Pistons. Detroit’s defensive struggles against opposing guards present an opportunity for Holiday to exceed value, especially at his modest salary. He has multi-category upside and should benefit from a favorable game script.

For value, Davion Mitchell could step into a larger role if injury news creates additional opportunities. His low salary makes him a viable punt option in tournaments.

Top PG Options:

• De’Aaron Fox, SAC @ NOP ($9,000 DK; $9,000 FD)
• Jrue Holiday, BOS vs. DET ($5,000 DK; $5,800 FD)
• Tyler Herro, MIA vs. TOR ($7,700 DK; $7,800 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard

Tyler Herro remains a top-tier play at shooting guard. His ability to contribute across the board and handle increased usage makes him a strong option against a Raptors defense that ranks 20th against opposing guards.

CJ McCollum is another strong choice, especially with Brandon Ingram sidelined. McCollum has consistently delivered in these situations, providing both scoring and playmaking. He draws a favorable matchup against the Kings, who rank near the bottom in defensive efficiency.

Duncan Robinson is a great value option, especially on DraftKings. His ability to hit from deep against a Toronto team that allows the most 3-point attempts in the league makes him an appealing budget play.

Top SG Options:

• Tyler Herro, MIA vs. TOR ($7,700 DK; $7,800 FD)
• CJ McCollum, NOP vs. SAC ($7,400 DK; $7,200 FD)
• Duncan Robinson, MIA vs. TOR ($4,200 DK; $4,800 FD)
• Derrick White, BOS vs. DET ($6,700 DK; $7,000 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward

Jaylen Brown is an elite play at small forward, especially if Jayson Tatum is ruled out. Brown’s usage rate skyrockets in those scenarios, and he draws an excellent matchup against a weak Pistons defense.

Jimmy Butler provides a consistent floor with his ability to contribute in multiple categories. He’s a great cash-game option with upside for GPPs, particularly in a competitive matchup against Toronto.

Trey Murphy III is a mid-range option with solid scoring potential. He’s playing increased minutes for the Pelicans and offers value at his salary in a high-total game against Sacramento.

Top SF Options:

• Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. DET ($8,200 DK; $8,600 FD)
• Jimmy Butler, MIA vs. TOR ($7,400 DK; $7,500 FD)
• Trey Murphy III, NOP vs. SAC ($6,500 DK; $6,400 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward

Domantas Sabonis headlines the power forward position in the best game environment of the night. His ability to dominate in all phases of the game makes him an anchor for any lineup.

Keegan Murray provides solid mid-range value with his consistent minutes and ability to contribute on the boards. His price makes him a viable option in both cash and GPP lineups.

Herbert Jones is a value option with defensive upside and sneaky scoring potential. He’s a low-risk play with the potential to exceed value, particularly in tournaments.

Top PF Options:

• Domantas Sabonis, SAC @ NOP ($9,500 DK; $9,500 FD)
• Keegan Murray, SAC @ NOP ($5,700 DK; $5,900 FD)
• Herbert Jones, NOP vs. SAC ($5,000 DK; $5,300 FD)
• Haywood Highsmith, MIA vs. TOR ($3,800 DK; $4,300 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center

Domantas Sabonis is the premier option at center, offering elite rebounding and playmaking potential in the fastest-paced game on the slate. His ceiling makes him a must-have in tournament lineups.

Bam Adebayo is another strong play with consistent production in points and rebounds. He offers a great floor for cash games and enough upside for GPPs.

For value, Neemias Queta is a punt option with GPP appeal. If Boston rests key players in a blowout scenario, Queta could see extended run and easily pay off his salary.

Top C Options:

• Domantas Sabonis, SAC @ NOP ($9,500 DK; $9,500 FD)
• Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. TOR ($8,100 DK; $8,000 FD)
• Neemias Queta, BOS vs. DET ($3,700 DK; $4,500 FD)

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks

1. Kings at Pelicans (231.5 Total)

• Key Players: De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones.
• Why: High pace, weak defense, and tight spread make this the top game to target.

2. Pistons at Celtics (226.5 Total)

• Key Players: Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Cade Cunningham.
• Why: Blowout risk exists, but Boston’s stars are in a great spot.

Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids

Jayson Tatum (BOS - $9,800 DK, $10,100 FD)

• Questionable with a knee injury and could be limited even if he plays.

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: Jaylen Brown
• My favorite CASH play on the slate: Tyler Herro
• My favorite GPP play on the slate: Domantas Sabonis
• My favorite value play: Duncan Robinson

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis