NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (5/12/25)

May 12, 2025

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

Welcome back, RotoBallers! We’re diving into tonight's two-game slate tonight as the NBA conference semifinals heat up, with Minnesota up 2-1 on Golden State and New York leading Boston 2-1.

With Stephen Curry ruled out and Sam Hauser questionable, lineup construction decisions will be critical. This compact slate demands a mix of cash game anchors and GPP differentiators to maximize your edge.

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 5/13/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our excellent NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Good luck, RotoBallers!

Today's NBA DFS Core Picks

These are the studs you’re building around, guys with the minutes, usage, and matchups to anchor your lineups.

Anthony Edwards – MIN – PG/SG ($9,500 DK, $9,600 FD)

Edwards is the engine of Minnesota’s offense, and with a 31% usage rate and 40.6 minutes per game in the playoffs, he’s a lock for massive production. He’s averaging 45.7 DK points per game, jumping to 50.6 in the postseason, thanks to a slight uptick in assists (4.5 APG) and rebounds (8.6 RPG). Golden State’s defense ranks 7th in points allowed but 18th in 3-point percentage allowed, giving Edwards ample room to feast from deep.

Their 17th-ranked pace and 8th-ranked 3-point attempts allowed play right into Edwards’ hands as a volume shooter who thrives in transition against a depleted Warriors backcourt. With Minnesota favored by 5.5 points, Edwards is a cash game staple and a GPP cornerstone with 60-point upside tonight.

Jayson Tatum – GSW – SF/PF ($9,700 DK, $10,000 FD)

Tatum’s been a beast in the playoffs, averaging 50.9 DK points over 40.3 minutes with a 30% usage rate. His all-around stat-stuffing (26.8 PPG, 6.0 APG, 8.7 RPG) makes him a safe bet, even against New York’s tough defense. Despite their tough defense, the Knicks rank 26th in 3-point percentage allowed and struggle to defend the arc, which boosts Tatum’s ceiling from deep. Their 8th-ranked rebounding rate still leaves room for him to clean up on the glass.

Boston’s 108.0 implied total is the highest on the slate, and with Hauser questionable, Tatum could see even more shots. New York’s 26th-ranked pace suggests a slower game, but Tatum’s ability to generate points in the half-court and capitalize on second-chance opportunities keeps his floor high. He’s a must-play in all formats.

Karl-Anthony Towns – MIN – C ($7,500 DK, $7,700 FD)

Towns is underpriced for his role, averaging 49.4 DK points over 36.5 minutes in the playoffs with a 27% usage rate. His 24.4 PPG and 12.8 RPG make him a double-double machine, and Golden State’s 7th-ranked rebounding rate is middling enough for him to dominate the paint. The Warriors rank 6th in points allowed, but their lack of size without Curry’s gravity opens up the interior for Towns.

Golden State’s 17th-ranked pace and 10th-ranked rebounding rate give Towns plenty of opportunities to rack up stats, especially in a game where Minnesota is favored to control the boards. At this salary, he’s a steal for cash games and a great GPP pivot off pricier centers.

Today's NBA DFS Pivots

These players might fly under the radar but have ceilings to rival the chalk, perfect for differentiating your GPP lineups.

Julius Randle - BOS - PF/C ($7,700 DK, $7,400 FD)

With Minnesota up 2-1 in their series against Golden State, Randle’s been a double-double machine, poised to capitalize on a favorable matchup as the Timberwolves aim to take a commanding lead. His 25% usage rate is up slightly in the playoffs, and he’s averaging 36.2 FPs (+5.2), with a (24 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds) in Game 3.

Golden State’s 7th-ranked rebounding rate is middling, giving Randle a prime opportunity to dominate the boards. The Warriors rank 8th in points allowed per game, but their 17th-ranked pace and lack of size openings for Randle to rack up multi-category stats. At low ownership, his 40+ FP ceiling makes him a solid GPP differentiator.

Draymond Green - NYK - PF/C ($5,500 DK, $6,000 FD)

With Golden State trailing 1-2 in their series against Minnesota, Green is a risky but rewarding GPP dart, stepping up in a must-win Game 4 without Stephen Curry. His 16% usage rate spikes without Curry’s playmaking, and despite a -4.1 FP dip in the playoffs, he’s averaging 29.4 FPs. He’s averaging around 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, with +2.9 minutes per game in the playoffs boosting his floor.

Minnesota’s 8th-ranked defensive rating is tough, but their 10th-ranked rebounding rate leaves openings for Green’s hustle plays. At under 15% ownership, his potential for a 35-40 FP multi-category explosion makes him a savvy GPP pivot.

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Today's NBA DFS Value Picks

These budget-friendly plays help you fit in the studs while still delivering solid returns.

Mitchell Robinson - MIN - C ($3,700 DK, $3,800 FD)

With New York holding a 2-1 series lead over Boston, Robinson is a punt play with upside as a key bench big for the Knicks, especially against a Celtics frontcourt struggling with depth. His 11% usage rate isn’t eye-catching, but he’s averaging 17.2 FPs, and Boston’s 11th-ranked rebounding rate is exploitable. Robinson’s +1.8 minutes per game in the playoffs and 5.9 RPG make him a rebounding machine, with a 1.07 DK/M rate suggesting 15-20 FPs at near-minimum salary.

Despite his poor 26.9% free-throw shooting in the postseason, which Boston may exploit, his +29 point differential in this series highlights his impact. The Celtics’ 29th-ranked pace means a slower game with fewer possessions, but Robinson’s efficiency on the glass and defensive activity still give him a shot at 8-10 rebounds and a potential double-double.

Buddy Hield - NYK - SG/SF ($4,700 DK, $5,300 FD)

With Golden State trailing 1-2 and Stephen Curry sidelined, Hield is a value play stepping into a larger role. His 20% usage rate holds steady, and he’s averaging 20.8 FPs (+3.6 in the playoffs) with +3.5 minutes per game. Hield’s recent performances are electric, including 24 points (5-8 3PT) and 8 rebounds in Game 1 (43.0 FPs) and 14 points (4-8 3PT) in Game 3 (32.0 FPs).

Minnesota’s 6th-ranked 3-point percentage allowed and 7th-ranked 3PA allowed make this a tough matchup for Hield’s outside shooting, but his increased role (36+ minutes) and ability to contribute rebounds and assists keep his floor solid. Hield is a steal for 25-30 FPs, with a 40+ FP ceiling if he finds rhythm despite Minnesota’s tough perimeter defense.

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: Anthony Edwards
• My favorite CASH play on the slate: Jimmy Butler
• My favorite GPP play on the slate: Julius Randle
• My favorite value play: Mitchell Robinson

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis