NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (12/21/24)

Happy Saturday RotoBallers! Saturday's massive 11-game NBA slate brings tons of high-upside opportunities for your DFS lineups. With stars like Luka Doncic and Devin Booker sidelined and key players like Joel Embiid and Damian Lillard questionable, injury news will play a significant role in shaping today’s slate.

This article breaks down core picks, GPP tournament targets, value plays, and game stacks to help you dominate on DraftKings and FanDuel tonight. I hope to provide value whether you're building for cash games or tournaments, the recommendations below balance floor, ceiling, and value.

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and Fanduel on 12/21/24. 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. 

NBA DFS Core Picks

Jayson Tatum - SF/PF (BOS @ CHI)

DK: $10,300 | FD: $10,200

Tatum is the centerpiece of a Celtics offense with an implied total of 125.8 points, the highest on the slate. His 30% usage rate solidifies his role as the go-to scorer, and Chicago's defense, which allows 115.3 points per game, is unlikely to slow him down tonight. The Bulls also rank poorly in defensive rebounding, which gives Tatum opportunities to pad his fantasy stats with second-chance points and boards.

Tatum’s scoring consistency makes him a strong play for both cash games and GPPs. His floor is solid, but his upside is immense, especially if he adds a few defensive stats to his typical points and rebounds production.

Giannis Antetokounmpo - PF/C (MIL vs. WAS)

DK: $11,400 | FD: $12,000

Giannis has been an unstoppable force recently, averaging a slate-high 60.7 FPPG over his last three games. The Wizards rank 29th in defensive efficiency and allow the 12th-most points per game (107.3), making this an ideal matchup for Giannis to dominate. Milwaukee is projected for 119.3 points, one of the highest team totals on the slate, which further enhances his upside.

The fast-paced nature of this game (101.4 projected pace) plays right into Giannis's strengths, allowing him to rack up points in transition and on the boards. His ability to contribute across all categories—points, rebounds, assists, and defensive stats makes him a near cash-game lock but also an elite tournament play with massive ceiling potential.

Tyrese Maxey - PG (PHI @ CLE)

DK: $8,700 | FD: $9,000

Maxey’s value hinges on Joel Embiid’s availability. If Embiid is out, Maxey's usage will spike to elite levels, as evidenced by his recent 42.7 FPPG average over the last three games. Cleveland's defense is usually strong, but they’re dealing with injuries in the frontcourt, which could weaken their overall efficiency.

Maxey's ability to create his own shot and facilitate makes him a dual-threat guard who can contribute points and assists in bunches. At his price point, he offers both a high floor and ceiling, especially in a game where Philadelphia is projected to lean heavily on his scoring and playmaking.

Victor Wembanyama - PF/C (SAS vs. POR)

DK: $10,900 | FD: $11,600

Wembanyama’s unique skill set makes him one of the most exciting DFS options on this slate. Facing a Portland defense that struggles to contain versatile bigs, Wemby has a clear path to dominate. Portland ranks poorly in rebounding rate and defensive efficiency, which sets the stage for Wembanyama to exploit mismatches in the paint and stretch the floor with his perimeter game.

Wemby has the ability to contribute blocks, steals, and assists on top of his scoring makes him an elite tournament play with massive upside. This is a perfect GPP spot for Wembanyama to showcase his ceiling potential, as San Antonio is expected to score 117.0 points, giving him ample opportunities to rack up stats in all categories.

NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Karl-Anthony Towns - C (NYK @ NOP)

DK: $10,400 | FD: $9,800

Towns is in a prime spot against the Pelicans, who have struggled to defend versatile big men. The Knicks boast an implied team total of 117.5 points, a testament to the fast pace expected in this matchup. KAT thrives in games with increased possessions, and his recent form backs up his ceiling potential averaging an impressive 52.2 FPPG in his last three.

The Pelicans rank 19th in defensive efficiency and are vulnerable on the glass, giving Towns opportunities to rack up rebounds and second-chance points. At his price, he’s an excellent pivot from higher-priced stars like Giannis or Wembanyama, especially in GPPs where his scoring, rebounding, and occasional assists can lead to a monster performance.

Anthony Edwards - SG/SF (MIN vs. GSW)

DK: $8,900 | FD: $8,700

Edwards continues to solidify himself as the primary offensive engine for the Timberwolves, and his 31% usage rate underscores his ability to dominate the ball. This matchup against the Warriors is a perfect GPP target, with Golden State’s pace ranking 8th in the league. Edwards thrives in transition and high-paced games, which allows him to maximize his scoring and peripheral stats.

With a reliable floor of 43 FPPG, Edwards offers a rare blend of safety and ceiling, especially in a game that should be competitive. He’s an elite play for tournaments, with the potential for 50+ fantasy points if his shot falls and he contributes defensively.

Jaren Jackson Jr. - PF (MEM @ ATL)

DK: $7,400 | FD: $8,000

JJJ is a high-upside tournament play thanks to his elite shot-blocking and ability to fill the stat sheet in favorable matchups. Atlanta ranks poorly in interior defense, and their up-tempo style (3rd in pace) creates opportunities for Jackson to thrive in transition and on the boards. Jackson’s nearly two blocks per game add an elite ceiling to his fantasy potential, making him a game-changer in DFS tournaments.

His scoring ability in the post, combined with Atlanta’s struggles against versatile bigs, sets the stage for a breakout performance. At his price, he offers strong value with a legitimate chance to surpass 40+ fantasy points, particularly in GPPs.

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DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks

Goga Bitadze - C (ORL vs. MIA)

DK: $5,900 | FD: $6,400

Bitadze has quietly become a reliable DFS option, consistently outproducing his salary. Averaging 26 FPPG over his last three games, his role in Orlando’s rotation has solidified, especially with Wendell Carter Jr. limited in recent games. He’s one of the better sub-$6k options on the slate for salary relief.

Zach Edey - C (MEM @ ATL)

DK: $4,700 | FD: $5,200

Edey’s expanded role in the Memphis rotation makes him a standout value pick at this price point. Averaging 24.9 FPPG over his last three games, he’s delivering consistent production and offering a high return on investment. Atlanta’s fast-paced style (3rd in the league) adds to his appeal. Priced under $5k on DraftKings, Edey is a great tournament play with a solid floor and upside for 30+ fantasy points if his minutes remain steady.

Andrew Wiggins - SF/PF (GSW @ MIN)

DK: $6,400 | FD: $6,000

Wiggins is peaking at the right time, averaging 30.7 FPPG in his last three outings. This production makes him a strong mid-range value in a close matchup against the Timberwolves. Minnesota’s defense, while solid overall, allows scoring opportunities for versatile wings like Wiggins, especially in transition. At his price, he’s a low-risk, high-reward option, particularly in tournaments. He has a sneaky ceiling at an affordable salary on tonight's slate.

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks

Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls (241 Total)

Key Players: Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic

The game features the highest total on the slate and two fast-paced teams. Target core plays and complementary shooters like LaVine and White for ceiling potential.

Memphis Grizzlies at Atlanta Hawks (241.5 Total)

Key Players: Trae Young, Jaren Jackson Jr., Clint Capela, Desmond Bane

The Hawks’ poor interior defense and both teams’ top-three pace create upside for a full stack tonight.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

• Favorite Overall Play: Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Favorite Cash Play: Jayson Tatum
• Favorite GPP Play: Anthony Edwards
• Favorite Value Play: Goga Bitadze

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis