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Zach's top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Friday, 3/14/25. His favorite daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS.
Friday night tips off the weekend with a seven-game NBA DFS slate on DraftKings. Four of the seven games tip off at 8:00 p.m. ET, but the contests lock at 7:00 p.m. ET when the Sixers host the Pacers and the Heat welcome in the Celtics. Of the 14 teams in the player pool, the Magic are the only team playing for the second night in a row although the Celtics, Rockets, Pacers, Grizzlies, Heat, and Spurs all have another game scheduled for Saturday and could adjust their rotation accordingly.
The slate includes some exciting matchups and interesting potential plays to consider from a DFS perspective on DraftKings. For FanDuel advice, check out my colleague Thunder Dan's breakdown of Friday's 10-game slate on FanDuel.
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 3/14/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EST on DraftKings.
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DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks
Darius Garland, CLE – PG ($7.7K)
The Cavs are in a huge pace-up spot against the Grizzlies, who play at the fastest pace in the NBA. Additionally, they'll be without Donovan Mitchell (groin) for a second straight game, leaving plenty of work for Garland and making him an excellent play under $8K.
Garland had 30 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and four steals for a total of 55 DraftKings points in 36 minutes on Tuesday against the Nets with Mitchell out.
There hasn’t been a more Clutch player than Darius Garland this season pic.twitter.com/qOrGqgsEym
— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) March 12, 2025
In his five games this season without Mitchell, Garland averaged 26.6 points, 8.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 46.4 DraftKings points with a team-high 31.0% usage rate. With such a fast-paced and potentially high-scoring matchup, he should be set to thrive again on Friday in what should be a very enjoyable game to watch.
Jarrett Allen, CLE – C ($6.4K)
Allen had a monster game against the Nets as well, posting 23 points, 13 rebounds, three blocked shots, and 47.75 DraftKings points.
Big to Big 🤝
Evan Mobley finds a cutting Jarrett Allen for the slam!pic.twitter.com/8lgsZKGoSp
— Cavs Nation (@CavsNationCP) March 11, 2025
Allen's work with Garland and Evan Mobley ($8.6K) makes the Cavs a strong option o build around even without Mitchell available for Friday's showdown in Memphis. In his five games this season without Mitchell, Allen averaged 45 DraftKings points per game on 16.0 points, 13.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocked shots, and 1.2 steals.
Before his big game on Tuesday, Allen had a few quieter games, but he is still averaging 38.5 DraftKings points per game so far this month. Getting him at barely over $6K is an outstanding deal, especially with the Grizzlies possibly without Jaren Jackson Jr. ($8,400; ankle, questionable) once again.
Stephon Castle, SA – PG ($6.6K)
After a 32-point game on Wednesday to lead the Spurs to a win over the Mavs, news broke on Thursday that De'Aaron Fox (finger) will miss the rest of the season and will undergo finger surgery on his pinkie finger. His absence opens up a lineup spot for Castle, who had been coming off the bench for San Antonio in the last 17 games
His role in the second unit hasn't stopped the rookie from growing, though. Over his last eight games, Castle scored 17+ points in six of those contests and averaged 20.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 35.1 DraftKings points per game. During that stretch, Castle produced 1.23 DraftKings points per minute with a 27.3% usage rate with Fox on the floor, but his usage rate jumped to 31.7% with Fox off the floor.
While he only had 12.5 DraftKings points on Wednesday, he had over 32 DraftKings points in seven straight before that with a high point of 46.5 DraftKings points against the Thunder at the beginning of the month.
Stephon Castle had 32 points, 8 boards, 3 assists on 12/21 FG against the Thunder on Sunday
It was a high-scoring affair. But Castle impressed me with the different types of buckets he had: pic.twitter.com/STKuNuDT4U
— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) March 5, 2025
Without Fox, Castle will get more opportunities, and in a favorable matchup against the Hornets, he's a great play at this price on Friday.
Others Under Consideration: Trae Young - PG ($10.4K), Ja Morant - PG ($9.4K), Paolo Banchero - PF ($9.1K)
DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots
Evan Mobley, CLE - PF/C ($8.6K)
Mobley is another Cavalier who should be able to outperform expectations in his matchup against the up-tempo Grizzlies. Mobley had 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and 41.75 DraftKings points against the Nets without Mitchell. He averaged 44.8 DraftKings points in his five games without Mitchell this season.
If he were a little cheaper, Mobley would have joined his teammates as a core play, but since he does cost more, there's more risk in building around him on Friday. He still brings an extremely high ceiling to this matchup in Memphis, though, and he can definitely be a part of tournament lineups.
jarrett allen and evan mobley together is just unfair… twin towers, elite defense, lobs for days I love watching them work
pic.twitter.com/rIQVG49mMB— kostas (@kostmoney) March 6, 2025
The fact that he brings forward eligibility helps him fit next to Allen if you opt to build around the two big men and look for some strong correlation against the Grizzlies' banged-up frontcourt.
James Harden, LAC - PG ($10.5K)
Harden has been turning in outstanding numbers over his last five games and gets a good matchup on Friday in Atlanta against the up-tempo Hawks. If you have the salary to pay up at point guard, Harden's recent results make him one of the best non-Cav options on the slate.
In his last six games, Harden has posted over 55 DraftKings points five times and has posted three straight double-doubles. He had 60 DraftKings points against the Pelicans on Tuesday and followed that with 56 Draftings points the next night against the Heat.
James Harden over the last six games:
21 PTS - 15 AST - 6 REB
50 PTS - 5 AST - 4 REB
27 PTS - 7 AST - 3 REB
29 PTS - 11 AST - 9 REB
25 PTS - 17 AST - 4 REB
24 PTS - 11 AST - 8 REBHarden is hooping. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/vuLvfYXc8v
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 13, 2025
Miles Bridges, CHA - PF ($9.1K)
Bridges has at least 54 DraftKings points in four straight games and is in a favorable matchup against the Spurs, whose interior defense has suffered without Victor Wembanyama (blood clot).
On Wednesday, Bridges went off for 31 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and 66.75 DraftKings points, continuing his run of very strong play.
Miles Bridges over his last 6 games:
31 PTS - 11 REB - 4 BLK
35 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST
26 PTS - 12 REB - 5 AST
46 PTS - 8 REB - 2 AST
23 PTS - 9 REB - 5 AST
35 PTS - 9 REB - 3 AST(Via @realapp_ ) pic.twitter.com/V4PhBOgNBI
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 13, 2025
Even with LaMelo Ball ($9.8K) available, Bridges has been posting huge numbers, so he'll again bring a high ceiling on Friday in this smash spot.
Payton Pritchard, BOS - PG/SG ($5.5K)
The Celtics are playing in Miami on Friday and Brooklyn on Saturday after losing a tough home game to the Thunder on Wednesday. They listed Jayson Tatum ($11.1K; knee), Jaylen Brown ($8.8K; knee), Kristaps Porzingis ($8.3K; illness), and Derrick White ($7.1K; knee) all as questionable for Friday night's game. If any or all of them end up sitting out the game, Pritchard would step into a bigger role and bring a great ceiling at under $6K.
While he has been quiet for the last few games with most of his teammates healthy, Pritchard had 69.5 DraftKings points against the Blazers in an incredible performance earlier this month and also had 39 DraftKings points the next game against the Sixers.
Only one NBA player all-time has had, over the course of his entire career (same game or not),
a 40-pt game w/ 10+ 3PM
a 40-pt game w/ 0 TO
a 40-pt game on 70% shooting
a 40-pt game off bench
a 40-pt/10-reb/5-ast gameThat one player is Payton Pritchard. He did all of it today. pic.twitter.com/W50m0QZPDf
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) March 6, 2025
While he probably won't match that ceiling game, it is worth keeping a close eye on who is in or out for the Celtics to see how much work Pritchard will get against Miami.
Others Under Consideration: LaMelo Ball - PG ($9.8K), Alperen Sengun - C ($9.9K), Desmond Bane - SG ($8.7K), Tyler Herro - PG/SG ($8.8K), Mark Williams - C ($7.6K), Andrew Wiggins - SF ($6.4K), Brandon Williams - PG ($5.5K)
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DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks
Jared Butler, PHI – PG/SG ($4.6K)
The Sixers won't have Tyrese Maxey (back/finger), Paul George (groin/knee), or Lonnie Walker IV (concussion) for their Friday night matchup with the Pacers. Butler has started the last two games for Philly and looked solid next to Quentin Grimes ($7.9K).
Butler played 29 minutes off the bench against Utah and had 32.5 DraftKings points on 15 points and nine assists last Sunday. He moved into the lineup on Monday and produced 24.75 DraftKings points on 11 points and six assists against the Hawks. On Wednesday, he played a season-high 35 minutes and had 32.5 DraftKings points on nine points, eight assists, two steals, and six rebounds.
He should continue to run the Sixers offense from the point on Friday against the Pacers and be a great value play under $5K.
Adem Bona with the nice finish after a great setup from Jared Butlerpic.twitter.com/TF4AfNdjCj
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) March 10, 2025
Adem Bona, PHI – C ($3.8K)
On the other end of that alley-oop, Bona has also stepped up for the Sixers and is a cheap play at center under $4K. Andre Drummond ($5.4K; toe) is questionable although Guerschon Yabusele ($5.1K) is not on the injury report and is expected to return.
Regardless of who else has been available, Bona has played over 22 minutes and scored at least 12 points in three straight games. He had 14 points, 15 boards, and five blocks against the Jazz last Sunday at the start of that string to earn an impressive 48.25 DraftKings points.
Adem Bona in his last three games:
26.3 Minutes Per Game
13.0 PPG
8.6 RPG
2.6 BPGRookie has been shining 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/bITUFuAOQM
— Ryan Coyle (@ryancoyle35) March 13, 2025
If Drummond is out, he'll be an almost must-start, but even if Drummond plays, look for Bona to keep getting more minutes the rest of the season as the Sixers give the rookie a chance to shine.
Keldon Johnson, SA – SF/PF ($4.7K)
Johnson has stepped up for the Spurs since the team lost Wemby at the All-Star break and could get even more work now that Fox is sidelined as well. He scored at least 11 points in 11 of his 12 games since the All-Star break and had 28.75 DraftKings points on Wednesday even though he only played 17 minutes.
On Monday, he matched his season-high with 28 points against the Mavs and finished with 37.75 DraftKings points. He should help carry the load for the Spurs and has great upside under $5K.
DaQuan Jeffries, CHA – SF/PF ($3.4K)
Jeffries is extremely affordable under $4K, but he has played big minutes in his last two games for the Hornets and showcased a high ceiling. He played 34 minutes against Miami on Monday and had 20.25 DraftKings points but was even better on Wednesday against the Hawks, producing 26.5 DraftKings points on a career-high 20 points in 32 minutes.
DaQuan Jeffries tonight:
20 PTS (career-high)
2 BLK
8/15 FG
4 3PM pic.twitter.com/m9KTEELdn4— HornetsHoops (@hornetshoops_) March 13, 2025
Jeffries has replaced Nick Smith Jr. ($5.1K) in the starting lineup and seems to mesh well with the starting unit. Even though his 20-point performance isn't likely to become the new norm, he does produce enough non-scoring numbers to still be worth a look at this low salary if he is getting such substantial playing time.
Others Under Consideration: Chris Paul - PG ($4.9K), Wendell Carter Jr. - C ($4.8), Harrison Barnes - SF/PF ($4.6K), Scotty Pippen Jr. ($3.9K), Georges Niang - PF ($4.1K), Ricky Council IV ($3.7K), Julian Champagnie - SG/SF ($3.4K)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stack
Cavaliers at Grizzlies (244 total)
The Grizzlies just live in this top NBA DFS game stack spot. Both teams should end up with plenty of points in this matchup. On the season, the Cavs and Grizz rank No. 1 and No. 2 in points scored per game.
Without Mitchell, the Cavs have plenty of value with Darius Garland ($7.7K), Evan Mobley ($8.6K), and Jarrett Allen ($6.4K) already highlighted as great plays to build around. De'Andre Hunter ($5.5K; illness) is probable to return after missing Tuesday's game, which could limit the production of Ty Jerome ($4.8K) and Max Strus ($4.6K), although both those options still have good upside. Isaac Okoro ($3.7K) started Tuesday but only had 15.75 DraftKings points in 33 minutes.
The Grizzlies are a great stack to build around, too, although the uncertainty about JJJ does make things a little murky. Ja Morant ($9.4K) and Desmond Bane ($8.7K) are both good options with high ceilings while Luke Kennard ($4.5K) will look to stay hot after dropping a season-high 30 points on Wednesday. Scotty Pippen Jr. ($3,900) and GG Jackson II ($4.1K) are solid cheap plays to round out the stack, and Jackson could get another start if Jackson misses another game.
Clippers at Hawks (233.5 total)
The Clippers have finally gotten to enjoy James Harden ($10.5K), Kawhi Leonard ($8.7K) and Ivica Zubac ($8.6K) healthy lately, but they are still without Norman Powell (hamstring). This game will also be a potential revenge game for Bogdan Bogdanovic ($5.1K), who had 30 points and 49.5 DraftKings points on Wednesday in Miami. Derrick Jones Jr. ($3.7K) and Kris Dunn ($4.4K) have also been getting plenty of minutes for the Clippers.
The Hawks continue to get great numbers from the backcourt of Trae Young ($10.4K; Achilles, probable) and Dyson Daniels ($7.3K). Young has scored 35 points in each of his last two games and posted over 50 DraftKings points in four straight. Trade deadline acquisitions Caris LeVert ($5.4K), Georges Niang ($4.1K) and Terance Mann ($3.6K) have all had good games recently and Mouhamed Gueye ($3.5K) had played well in an expanded role as well.
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: Stephon Castle
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Darius Garland
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Evan Mobley
- My favorite VALUE play: Jared Butler
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