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Zach's top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Friday, 3/17/25. His favorite daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS.
On Monday night, the NBA gets the new work week underway with 10 games on the main slate. The first game doesn't tip off until 7:30 p.m. ET, with three games at 8:00 p.m. ET, four games at 10:00 p.m. ET, and the final game of the night at 10:30 p.m. ET when the Lakers host the Spurs. Of the 20 teams in the player pool, seven are playing for the second day in a row. The Lakers, Timberwolves, 76ers, Suns, Trail Blazers, Raptors, and Jazz are all finishing their back-to-back set of games while the Warriors are the only team in action Monday who play again on Tuesday.
While there's still plenty of uncertainty with so many back-to-back games, the slate features some strong options to consider from a DFS perspective on DraftKings. For FanDuel advice, check out my colleague CeeGee's breakdown.
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 3/17/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:30 p.m. EST on DraftKings.
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DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks
Desmond Bane, MEM – PG ($9K)
The Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant (hamstring) for a second straight game, which means another showcase opportunity for Bane as the focus of the Grizzlies offense. On Saturday without Morant, Bane had 22 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and 53 DraftKings points while leading the Grizz to a comfortable win over Miami.
DESMOND BANE IN THE GRIZZLIES WIN AGAINST THE HEAT :
- 22 Points
- 10 Rebounds
- 8 Assists
- 2 Steals
- 9/16 FG | 4/5 3PT
- +32 +/-PHENOMENAL EFFORT FROM DES. 😤 pic.twitter.com/sGMZIE99NM
— Grizz Lead (@Grizz_Lead) March 16, 2025
Bane has played 19 games without Morant this season and averaged 42.5 DraftKings points per game in those contests. In his nine games without Morant in 2025, he has been even better, averaging 48.3 DraftKings points in those contests with a 27.3% usage rate that is second on the team behind only Jaren Jackson Jr. ($8.4K).
In addition, Bane gets a favorable matchup against the Kings in an up-tempo matchup in Sacramento. He averaged 43.1 DraftKings points against the Kings in two games this season and had 46.25 DraftKings points against them on January 3, when he faced them on the road without Ja, just like he will once again on Monday.
Coby White, CHI – SG/SF ($7.8K)
The Bulls have a great road matchup against the Jazz who have played at the fastest pace in the NBA over the last 10 games and given up the third-most points per game over that span, allowing 128.2 points per contest. The Bulls listed Josh Giddey ($8.5K; ankle) as doubtful and Lonzo Ball (wrist) as out while White was listed as probable again, as he continues to play through a toe injury while carrying a heavy workload.
White has exactly seven rebounds and exactly four assists in three straight games and has scored 29, 31, and 23 points for 43.75, 47.75, and 37.25 DraftKings points. He averaged 42.75 DraftKings points per game over his last eight contests, highlighted by his 44-point masterpiece against the Magic that earned 58.75 DraftKings points.
A CAREER NIGHT FOR COBY WHITE. pic.twitter.com/EmDF6oMtue
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 7, 2025
In such a favorable matchup with plenty of work coming his way, White is a great core piece to build around under $8K.
Jalen Duren, DET – C ($6.8K)
No team in the NBA has allowed more DraftKings points per game to centers than the Pelicans this season, and New Orleans listed Kelly Olynyk ($5.4K; finger) and Yves Missi ($4.8K; ankle) as questionable for their matchup with Detroit this Monday.
Even if both are healthy, it's a favorable spot for Duren, who has been very consistent while also bringing a high ceiling this season for the much-improved Pistons. Duren had a down game against the Thunder on Saturday but had posted four straight double-doubles before that and had eight double-doubles in his previous 10 games. In those 10 contests, he averaged 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game.
You can argue that there isn’t a better finisher as the roll man in PnR sets than Jalen Duren
There’s 32 players with 100+ possessions as the roll man
NO ONE scores more points per possession (1.30) than Duren
Context:
Jokic - 1.28 PPP
Allen - 1.28 PPPpic.twitter.com/baDdoM7y6r— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) March 16, 2025
Since his last game before the All-Star break, Duren has 35+ DraftKings points in nine of his last 13 games, averaging 35.5 DraftKings points per game over that span. He has a high ceiling against the Pelicans and is a bargain under $7K.
Others Under Consideration: Austin Reaves - PG/SG ($8,900), Karl-Anthony Towns - C ($10K), Deni Avdija - SF/PF ($7.1K)
DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots
Cade Cunningham, DET - PG ($9.8K)
Cunningham should also be in a good spot to smash this Monday as he takes on the Pelicans, who have given up the fifth-most DraftKings points per game in the NBA to point guards this season.
Like Duren, Cunningham had a down game against the Thunder on Saturday but was rolling before that. He was ejected after just 29 minutes in Detroit's loss and had 31.75 DraftKings points in 29 minutes before getting the heave-ho.
He had back-to-back huge games against the Wizards last week with 54.5 and 64.25 DraftKings points and posted at least 48 DraftKings points in five of his previous six contests before Saturday's early exit.
Stacking Cunningham and Duren is a solid way to attack Monday's slate, especially in this soft matchup in the Big Easy.
Cade Cunningham is just too smooth 🤌 pic.twitter.com/VeInczUgzc
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) March 4, 2025
Domantas Sabonis, SAC - C ($9.4K)
Sabonis returned from a two-week absence with a hamstring strain last Friday, and the big man wasted no time posting a triple-double and 55.25 DraftKings points in 30 minutes against the Suns. He aggravated his hamstring injury but is not on the injury report for Monday's game against Memphis.
If he's able to play his usual workload, he's a great value at this salary in what should be a pace-up spot against the Grizzlies. The Kings are trying to hold onto a spot in the Play-In Tournament, so they will likely stay aggressive in getting Sabonis back on the floor.
He has a very high ceiling if he plays and will likely have low ownership, making him a risk worth considering for tournament lineups.
Tyrese Haliburton, IND - PG ($8.6K)
Haliburton has also been playing through some injuries lately and is questionable Monday in Minnesota. However, his production has been outstanding when he has been available, so getting him under $9K in this matchup could be a great option.
He missed three games with a hip strain earlier this month but returned for three big games last week, including a 24-point, 15-assist performance on Saturday that earned him 66.5 DraftKings points.
Tyrese Haliburton set an @NBA record with 9 consecutive games with at least 10 assists and 2 or fewer turnovers & tied a franchise record with 9 straight double-doubles. pic.twitter.com/WV5PE9HN8R
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 16, 2025
Haliburton is averaging 52.5 DraftKings points per game in his 10 contests since the All-Star break with at least 47 DraftKings points in eight of those games. As long as his sore back doesn't slow him down or keep him out of Monday's game, he'll bring a very high ceiling.
Stephon Castle, SA - PG/SG ($6.6K)
Castle has played big minutes for the Spurs in each of the two games since De'Aaron Fox (finger) was lost for the season. He had 26 points in 29 minutes to finish with 34.75 DraftKings points on Friday against the Hornets, and on Saturday he played 36 minutes against the Pelicans. Even though his shot was off in that contest (five-for-15 from the field), he chipped in seven assists to go with his 17 points and finished with 29.25 DraftKings points in the win.
As long as he's starting in Fox's spot, look for Castle to continue to get plenty of usage and opportunities to grow on the job.
Stephon Castle over his last 10 games:
20.5 PPG
4.2 RPG
4.3 APG
1.2 SPG
48.4% FG
29.7 MPGRunning away with ROTY pic.twitter.com/jTwgZCGrEj
— Spurs Era (@EraSpurs) March 16, 2025
He has been excellent over the last 10 games and brings a very high ceiling in Monday's matchup with the Lakers.
Others Under Consideration: Nikola Jokic - C ($13K), Devin Booker - PG/SG ($9.2K), Nikola Vucevic - C ($7.3K), Jaren Jackson Jr. - PF/C ($8.4K), Tyler Herro - PG/SG ($8.3K), Quentin Grimes - PG/SG ($8.1K), Isaiah Collier - PG ($6.1K), Draymond Green - PF/C ($5.9K)
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DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks
Keldon Johnson, SA – SF/PF ($5K)
Johnson has also stepped up lately for the Spurs and is a very solid play at only $5K against the Lakers. The sixth-year forward has scored double-digit points in 13 of his 14 games since the All-Star break, averaging 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 steals in 25.4 minutes per game off the bench.
He has 25+ DraftKings points in four straight games with 35+ DraftKings points in two of those games, including a 19-point, five-rebound performance in Saturday's win over the Pelicans.
Most PTS off the bench since the All-Star break:
232 — Keldon Johnson
200 — Payton Pritchard
190 — Stephon CastleLowkey hilarious. pic.twitter.com/d56mmcOjEq
— SpursMuse (@spurs_muse) March 16, 2025
Kevin Huerter, CHI – SG/SF ($5.2K)
Huerter had nine points on Saturday against the Rockets, falling short of double-digit scoring for the first time in nine games. He started the last two games for the Bulls while Giddey has been out and has played at least 28 minutes in four straight and eight of his last nine contests.
In his last nine games, Huerter averaged 25.9 DraftKings points on 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest.
He faced the Jazz three times this season while he was with the Kings and averaged 34.3 DraftKings points with at least 14 points in each game. He had 26 points and 45.25 DraftKings points in their most recent meeting in early December.
Kevin Huerter in a 141-97 win vs. the Jazz : Season-high 26 points (10-14 shooting & 6-9 from 3), 5 rebounds & 4 assists in 22 minutes off the bench pic.twitter.com/sAEaT0Jfi5
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) December 9, 2024
Luke Kennard, MEM – PG/SG ($4.5K)
Kennard started on Saturday with Morant out and could be in for even more work on Monday with Morant out again and Scotty Pippen Jr. ($4.7K; wrist) also questionable.
In that start, Kennard played 29 minutes and had 11 points, four boards, four assists and 22 DraftKings points. He was even better than that against Utah on Wednesday of last week. He finished that game with a season-high 30 points and hit seven three-pointers on his way to 42.5 DraftKings points.
He isn't a sure thing even if he starts, but if Pippen is out as well, he should get plenty of minutes and have a great chance to return value against the Kings.
Johnny Juzang, UTA – SG/SF ($3.6K)
The Jazz rotation is always a little tricky to figure out as they sit different players, but Juzang has been a consistent contributor lately. Since Utah is playing for the second day in a row, be sure to check the injury report, but if he's lined up for work, Juzang is a very solid bargain play.
On Sunday, he played 29 minutes against Minnesota and had 12 points and 20.25 DraftKings points. He has 20+ DraftKings points in three of his last four games and went off for 42.75 DraftKings points in Washington earlier in March.
Johnny Juzang hits the TOUGH turnaround fade over Alex Sarr 😮💨pic.twitter.com/Ytrvt03m6y
— Jazz Nation (@JazzNationCP) March 6, 2025
Others Under Consideration: Tre Jones - PG ($5.9K), Tyus Jones - PG ($4.3K), Scotty Pippen Jr. - PG ($4.7K), Svi Mykhailiuk - SF ($3.3K), Royce O'Neale - SF/PF ($4.5K), Jordan Goodwin - PG/SG ($4.9K), Jordan Hawkins - PG/SG ($3.3K)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stack
Grizzlies at Kings (240 total)
The Grizzlies continue to regularly appear in this top NBA DFS game stack spot since they play with so much pace. Without Morant, there should be plenty of usage available to make them a strong stack, starting of course with Desmond Bane ($9K) and Jaren Jackson Jr. ($8.4K). Scotty Pippen Jr. ($4.7K) and Luke Kennard ($4.5K) are strong value options in the backcourt while Zach Edey ($4.8K) and Brandon Clarke ($3.9K) are affordable frontcourt options to round out the stack.
The Kings will hope Domantas Sabonis ($9.4K) can continue his strong return while Keegan Murray ($5.9K), Malik Monk ($7.9K), Zach LaVine ($8.7K), and DeMar DeRozan ($8.4K) are all carrying plenty of work in the starting five. Keon Ellis ($4.6K) and Jake LaRavia ($3.4K) have been involved in the rotation as well with LaRavia getting a boost for a potential revenge game against the Grizz.
Bulls at Jazz (239.5 total)
The Bulls are in a great matchup in Utah, and Coby White ($7.8K) should be a great option to build around. Nikola Vucevic ($7.3K), Tre Jones ($5.9K) and Kevin Huerter ($5.2K) are all excellent values with good upside and Julian Phillips ($3.2K) has had a couple of good games while picking up work as Patrick Williams ($3.6K) ramps back up to a full workload.
The Jazz lost in Minnesota Sunday night and could rest multiple regulars in the second game of their back-to-back. Walker Kessler ($7.5K) has been excellent when available, and Kyle Filipowski ($6.3K) has shown a high ceiling when Kessler is out. In the backcourt, rookie Isaiah Collier ($6.1K) has turned in good numbers while Keyonte George ($6.9K; foot) has missed four straight and Jordan Clarkson ($6.2K; illness) missed Sunday's game. See who is in and who is out, but Johnny Juzang ($3.6K), Brice Sensabaugh ($4.5K), and Svi Mykhailiuk ($3.3K) have all shown potential upside if minutes come their way.
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: Coby White
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Jalen Duren
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Cade Cunningham
- My favorite VALUE play: Keldon Johnson
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