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FanDuel NBA DFS Picks for Today (Tuesday 4/8/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Jaren Jackson Jr. - Fantasy Basketball Rankings, DFS Picks, NBA Injury News

CeeGee's favorite FanDuel NBA DFS picks for today, Tuesday 4/8/25. His top daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for FanDuel DFS contests.

Happy Tuesday, RotoBallers! We’ve got a massive 10-game slate on tap, and it’s shaping up to be a wild one. With a ton of injury news swirling, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James all questionable, plus big names like Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard already out, this slate is a goldmine for opportunity if you can navigate the chaos.

Let’s dive into the top picks and break them down!

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 4/8/25. 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 FanDuel. 

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FanDuel NBA DFS Core Picks

These are your foundational pieces, guys you can trust to anchor your FanDuel lineups with strong floors and solid ceilings.

Jaren Jackson Jr. - MEM - PF/C ($8.2K)

The Grizzlies are 14-point favorites against a shorthanded Charlotte squad, and JJJ is in a prime position to feast. With an implied total of 122, Memphis should control this game, and Jackson’s usage (28%) stays juicy even with Ja Morant back. Charlotte ranks 25th in points allowed per game, and their rebounding struggles mean JJJ could dominate the glass, too. He’s averaging 1.31 FD points per minute over his last three, and with 34+ minutes likely, he’s a cash game staple with 40+ upside.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - OKC - PG ($11.4K)

Yes, he’s pricey, but SGA is matchup-proof and facing a Lakers team that’s a 14-point underdog with LeBron and Luka both questionable. OKC’s 119.8 implied total screams blowout potential, and Shai’s 34% usage rate keeps him in the driver’s seat. He’s been a steady 50+ FD point producer, and if LA’s stars sit, this could turn into a 60-point ceiling night against a defense ranked 11th in points allowed. Lock him in for cash and GPPs.

Darius Garland - CLE - PG ($7.5K)

Donovan Mitchell is out (ankle), and Garland gets a dream matchup against a Bulls team missing Coby White and possibly Josh Giddey (questionable). Chicago’s second-ranked pace and 28th-ranked defense against points mean Garland could see 30+ minutes and a usage bump from his usual 27%. He’s been solid lately (1.17 FD points/min), and this situation screams blowup potential. I'm thinking 40-50 FD points tonight with Mitchell out.

Franz Wagner - ORL - SF/PF ($8.5K)

Wagner’s been a beast lately, and with Paolo Banchero eating up attention, he’s still flying under the radar at this salary. Atlanta’s defense is a sieve, third in pace, and 27th in points allowed, and Wagner’s 31% usage over his last three games (24.2 PPG) gives him a sky-high ceiling. He’s averaging 1.20 FD points per minute, and with Orlando favored by 4.5, he’s a safe bet for 35-40 FD points with GPP-winning potential if he pops off.

 

FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

These are your GPP differentiators, higher-risk, potentially lower-owned players with massive upside to separate you from the pack.

James Harden - LAC - PG ($9.6K)

With Kawhi Leonard questionable (knee), Harden’s usage could spike against a Spurs team that’s 12.5-point underdogs. San Antonio ranks 22nd in points allowed and 13th in pace, setting up a juicy spot for The Beard. He’s been at 1.28 FD points per minute recently, and if Leonard sits, expect 35+ minutes and a usage bump past 30%. Even if Kawhi plays, Harden’s assist upside (8.6 APG) keeps him in the 40-50 FD point range.

Dyson Daniels - ATL - SG/PG ($8.2K)

Trae Young will grab ownership, but Daniels has been sneaky-good, averaging 1.09 FD points per minute over his last three with 18% usage. Orlando’s defense is tough (third in D-Rating), and their 30th-ranked pace slows things down, but Daniels excels in chaos with his defensive stats (steals, blocks). At mid-tier ownership, he’s a GPP pivot with a unique ceiling off the chalkier plays today.

Evan Mobley - CLE - PF/C ($8.7K)

With Mitchell sidelined and Cleveland favored by 11.5, Mobley’s a sneaky GPP play against a depleted Bulls frontcourt (Vucevic questionable). He’s been at 1.31 FD points per minute, and Chicago’s 19th-ranked rebounding rate leaves the door open for a double-double with blocks. If this game stays close, he’s a lock for 35-40 FD points, but a ceiling of 50+ isn’t out of reach at lower ownership than Garland.

Anthony Edwards - MIN - SG/SF ($9.3K)

Edwards is a boom-or-bust GPP darling, and facing a Bucks team without Lillard could unlock his full potential. Minnesota’s favored by four, and Milwaukee’s sixth-ranked defense in points allowed takes a hit without its stars. Edwards’ 31% usage and 1.19 FD points per minute over his last three make him a prime candidate for 50+ FD points if he gets hot from deep.

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FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks

These sub-$6,000 gems help you fit the studs while still delivering upside based on minutes, usage, or injury news.

Zach Edey - MEM - C ($5.8K)

Edey’s been a force as Memphis’s starting center, and with the Grizzlies favored by 14 against Charlotte, he’s set for 25+ minutes. At 1.18 FD points per minute over his last three (13+ PPG, 8+ RPG), he’s a steal at $5,800. The Hornets’ banged-up frontcourt can’t handle his paint presence, making 25-30 FD points likely at low ownership.

Trendon Watford - BKN - PF/C ($5K)

Cameron Johnson’s out (back), and Watford’s been soaking up minutes (24+ recently) with solid production (0.92 FD points/min). Facing a Pelicans team with Kelly Olynyk questionable and a 26th-ranked rebounding rate, he’s got double-double potential. At sub-$5K, he’s a cash game lock with 25+ FD points upside for GPPs.

Jose Alvarado - NOP - PG ($5,900)

Alvarado’s questionable (calf), but if he plays, he’s a steal against Brooklyn. With a 19% usage rate and 1.11 FD points per minute recently, he’s thriving in an expanded role. The Nets’ 29th-ranked pace and 26th-ranked defense against points give him a shot at 30 FD points if he gets 28-30 minutes, which is perfect for cash or GPP value.

 

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

  • Top Overall Play: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11,400)
  • Best Value: Zach Edey ($5,800)
  • Best Cash Play: Jaren Jackson Jr. ($8,200)
  • Top GPP Target: Darius Garland ($7,500)


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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Josh Giddey

Sidelined "at Least a Few Weeks"
Desmond Bane

Might Miss Wednesday's Game in Indiana
Jalen Suggs

on the Injury Report Again for Wednesday Night
Trae Young

Questionable Against Timberwolves
Kristaps Porzingis

Returning Versus Minnesota
Jalen Johnson

Not Listed on the Injury Report for Wednesday
Josh Giddey

Sidelined Wednesday
Coby White

Won't Play on Wednesday
Jock Landale

Set to Suit Up on Tuesday
Joel Embiid

Available on Tuesday
Keyonte George

Active Tuesday
Connor Dewar

Available Tuesday
TOR

Chris Tanev to Miss Time With Lower-Body Injury
Dakota Joshua

Out With Kidney Problem
MON

Samuel Montembeault Returns to Canadiens Crease
Erik Karlsson

Good to Go Tuesday
William Nylander

Misses Second Consecutive Game
Auston Matthews

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Corey Kispert

Will Not Return Wednesday
Kyshawn George

Will Not Play Wednesday Against the Bucks
Vince Williams Jr.

Remains Out Tuesday
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Ruled Out on Tuesday Against the Lakers
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Will Be Available on Tuesday
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Nikola Jokic Out for At Least Four Weeks
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Kewan Lacy Expected to Be Full-Go Against Georgia
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Sits Out Meeting With Celtics
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Out for Second Straight Game
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Questionable Tuesday
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Chip Kelly Named Northwestern Offensive Coordinator
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Nikola Jokic May Have Avoided Major Injury
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Bags Another Victory Monday
Riley Leonard

Will Start Against the Texans
Marcus Johansson

Matches Career High With Four-Point Effort
Steven Stamkos

Shines Monday Night With Three Points
Dylan Strome

Extends Point Streak in Loss
Sam Reinhart

Leads Charge Against Capitals With Three Points
Troy Terry

Enjoys Three-Point Night Against Sharks
Macklin Celebrini

Remains Hot Against Ducks
Bijan Robinson

Explodes for 229 Total Yards, Two Touchdowns on Monday Night
Davante Adams

Officially Out on Monday Night
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Active Against Rams
Jake DeBrusk

to Miss Monday's Game as Healthy Scratch
Shane Pinto

Available Monday
Pius Suter

to Miss at Least Four Weeks
Pyotr Kochetkov

Likely Done for the Season
Josh Morrissey

Expected to Play Monday
Karel Vejmelka

Moved to Injured Reserve
Rasmus Dahlin

Expected to Rejoin Sabres Lineup Monday
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Won't Face Broncos in Week 18
Marcus Mariota

Considered "a Stretch" to Play in Week 18
Geno Smith

Dealing With Significant Ankle Injury
Dak Prescott

Will Play in Week 18
Lamar Jackson

Week 18 Status "to be Determined"
Joe Mixon

Won't Return This Season
T.J. Watt

a Long Shot to Play in Week 18?
CFB

Penn State Working to Hire D'Anton Lynn as Next Defensive Coordinator
Joe Burrow

Will Play in Week 18 Against the Browns
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Omar Cooper Expected to be Full-Go for Rose Bowl
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Marcus Freeman Staying with Notre Dame for 2026 Season
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Star Wideout Cam Coleman Entering Transfer Portal
Luther Burden III

Set to Undergo Additional Testing on Quad Injury
D'Andre Swift

Finds End Zone Twice in Sunday Night Loss
Luther Burden III

Posts Season-High 138 Yards, Touchdown in Loss
Christian McCaffrey

Racks Up 181 Total Yards, Touchdown in Win Over Bears
Brock Purdy

Delivers Second Straight Five-Touchdown Performance
Parker Washington

Leads Jaguars in Targets, Receptions, and Receiving Yards
Wan'Dale Robinson

Posts Season-High 11 Receptions in Week 17
Josh Allen

Seen Limping From X-Ray Room, Says Foot Injury Didn't Affect Him
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Jay Hill Expected to be Next Michigan Defensive Coordinator
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Michigan Targeting Kyle Whittingham as Next Head Coach
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Texas Leading Rusher Quintrevion Wisner Set to Transfer

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