X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


DraftKings NBA DFS Picks for Today (Thursday, 3/6/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Paolo Banchero - NBA DFS Lineup Picks, Daily Fantasy Basketball

Dan's top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Thursday, 3/6/25. His favorite daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS.

After a wild slate last night with some high-scoring lineups due to all the value that emerged late in the day, we are back for a six-game slate on Thursday night that should be (fingers crossed) less eventful in terms of the number of players sitting out.

Let's dive in and find some good options to build around from a DFS perspective on DraftKings. If you're looking for FanDuel-specific advantage, check out Koby Hanson's FanDuel picks!

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 3/6/25. 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. 

Featured Promo: New Novig users get a $25 purchase match (50% discount up to $25) on your first Novig deposit, and 6 free months of RotoBaller's "Big-4" Premium Pass (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) which includes exclusive tools for Betting, Props, DFS and more! CLAIM IT NOW

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks

Caris LeVert, ATL – SG/SF ($5.3K)

I like to mix things up, and I doubt you see LeVert's name as a core play in too many other articles today. But the goal here is to give you insights that others may not, and frankly, just writing up the most expensive or obvious plays isn't always that helpful.

Let's talk about what LeVert is doing in Atlanta since being jettisoned by the Cavs at the deadline for De'Andre Hunter. He could have sulked about being traded away from the best team in the NBA onto a fringe playoff team, but he has done the total opposite.

If anything, he has helped energize an Atlanta team that looked dead in the water after losing Jalen Johnson for the season. In 10 games for the Hawks, LeVert is averaging nearly 17 points per game while adding four boards and 2.6 assists in 28 minutes off the bench.

That's been good for 29.5 DK points per game. He's been even better lately, going for 35, 45, and 34 DK points in his last three. This game between Indiana and Atlanta is the most attractive one for DFS tonight, with a big total and tight spread. And LeVert is easily my favorite piece on a point-per-dollar basis.

Draymond Green, GSW– C ($6.0K)

We usually get a lot of attractive high-priced options at the center position, but today's group falls off pretty quickly after Alperen Sengun and Karl-Anthony Towns. So, why not lock in five times the value or better with Green, who has been incredibly consistent over the last month and is playing some of his best basketball in years?

Green has gone for 30 or more DK points now in nine straight games and 11 of his last 12. He's the ultimate glue guy who keeps this GSW offense moving, and he's managed to adapt to Jimmy Butler III's presence in the lineup seamlessly. If anything, having Butler as another option on offense has had a positive impact on all the other starters, including Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, and Dray.

These two cheap pieces give us a lot of flexibility to stack studs around them once we have a better idea of which Celtics are playing and what Chicago is doing.

Others Under Consideration: Luka Doncic - PG ($11.2K), Paolo Banchero - PF ($8.9K)

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Quentin Grimes, PHI - SG/SF ($6.1K)

Here's what we know about the Sixers going into tonight's game against Boston. They won't have Joel Embiid (done for the season), Tyrese Maxey (already ruled out, tired of carrying the team and still losing), and Paul George is officially questionable (and was a regrettable addition to the team this year based on his performance).

Sorry for dumping on the Sixers and editorializing a bit there, but if there is one bright spot for Philly, it's been the emergence of Quentin Grimes, who it fleeced Dallas for at the deadline.

Grimes had 44 points against the Warriors in Philly's only win in weeks and then added 30 points in its most recent loss to Minnesota. I have a hunch PG13 won't play tonight and a shutdown is looming as this team is toast. If we get Grimes taking 20 shots again tonight, I'm interested at this price, even if it's a matchup with Boston.

The Celtics rested Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday last night and could choose to sit some other regulars tonight as they know they don't need their full lineup to handle this pathetic Philly team.

Alperen Sengun, HOU - C ($9.4K)

Centers vs. the Pelicans -- rinse and repeat. Sengun is in a great spot here, as we have been targeting New Orleans with centers all season with great success. He's not cheap, but he has flashed enough 50+ DK points games this year that I'm interested in his ceiling here for tourneys.

It helps that Fred VanVleet will be out for this one. In his absence, we usually see Amen Thompson and Sengun pick up the slack in terms of facilitating on offense and creating for their teammates.

Sengun is one of the most talented passers out of the high and low posts. He's averaged 6.5 assists in two games against New Orleans already this season. And the Pels look like they will have Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum in the lineup, so they could keep this game close enough for us to target it in DFS.

Others Under Consideration: LeBron James - SF/PF ($10.5K), Stephen Curry - PG ($9.3K)

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks

Andrew Nembhard, IND – PG/SG ($5.0K), Aaron Nesmith, IND - SG/SF ($4.8K)

Two cheap Pacers who will help us fit in the stars we want are Nembhard and Nesmith. I will like them both more if we see Bennedict Mathurin sit out again. He's currently questionable, so keep an eye on that situation. But both players should start, regardless, in an up-tempo game that has a ton of DFS appeal.

Jalen Smith, CHI – C ($4.2K), Talen Horton-Tucker, CHI – SG/SF ($4.1K)

Nikola Vucevic is doubtful, so we should see Zach Collins and Jalen Smith split the minutes at the center position for Chicago tonight. Smith is an uber-efficient player who only needs 15-20 minutes to put up 20+ DK points.

Meanwhile, THT could be in line for another big allotment of minutes if Josh Giddey doesn't play (currently questionable). He played 30 minutes on Tuesday and posted an impressive 22-4-6, which was good for 36 DK points and nine times value on this price.

Wendell Carter Jr., ORL - C ($5.3K)

WCJ is coming off a dud but is still relatively cheap and has a great matchup here against Chicago. As I mentioned earlier, I don't mind paying down at the center position today; other than Sengun, I don't see any other high-priced big men worth using on this slate.

Others Under Consideration: Clint Capela - C ($4.5K), Tre Jones - PG  ($4.8K), Moses Moody - SG/SF ($4.6K)

 

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: Caris LeVert
  • My favorite CASH play on the slate: Draymond Green
  • My favorite GPP play on the slate: Alperen Sengun
  • My favorite VALUE play: Andrew Nembhard


Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Odell Beckham Jr.

Giants Not Looking to Sign Odell Beckham Jr. Right Now
Bo Nix

Will be Full Speed Before Training Camp
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Joey Logano

Needs a Good Run at Watkins Glen
Duncan Robinson

Shines on Both Ends Saturday
Cade Cunningham

Records Second Career Postseason Triple-Double
Donovan Mitchell

Logs 35-Point Double-Double
James Harden

Plays Late Hero Saturday
OG Anunoby

Could Miss Another Game Sunday
Joel Embiid

Considered Probable for Sunday's Elimination Game
Jarred Vanderbilt

Active on Saturday Night
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
CHI

Blackhawks Bring in Roman Kantserov for Next Season
Mason McTavish

Set to Rejoin Ducks Lineup Sunday
Lukas Dostal

to Remain in Ducks Crease Sunday
Zach Bogosian

Back for Wild Saturday
Jesper Wallstedt

Starting Game 3 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

Not Ready to Return Saturday
Owen Tippett

Won't Play Saturday
Cooper Kupp

a Dynasty Hold into the Start of 2026 Season
Jaylen Warren

a Safe Dynasty Depth Piece with Insurance Upside
Christian McCaffrey

a Risky Dynasty Hold Who Still Exceeds His Trade Value
Brian Thomas Jr.

A Risky Buy-Low with Immense Upside
Tre' Harris

a Dynasty Hold That Could Require Patience
Braelon Allen

Dynasty Stock Takes a Hit After Teammate's Extension
Josh Allen

Still the Top Dynasty QB in his Prime
Kyler Murray

Suddenly a Rising Dynasty Target in Minnesota
Logan Webb

on Track to Start Against Dodgers on Monday
Mike Matheson

Leads by Example in Game 2 Win
Jakub Dobes

Rebounds After Loss Yet Again for Montreal
Rachaad White

Undervalued in Dynasty Leagues Despite a Path to Upside
Alex Newhook

Sets Tone in Big Montreal Victory
Stephon Castle

Overcomes Shooting Struggles Friday
Jake Tonges

Should by Now Be Rostered by Every Kittle Dynasty Manager
Anthony Edwards

Carries Heavy Usage in Defeat
Chig Okonkwo

a Clear Breakout Candidate in Washington
Lukas Dostal

Gets Pulled in Game 3 Loss on Friday
Victor Wembanyama

Joins Historic Playoff Company
Mikal Bridges

Continues Postseason Surge with 23-Point Game
Aaron Jones Sr.

Still a Low-Cost, Short-Term Dynasty Target
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Keeps Scoring Role Alive
Romeo Doubs

' Buy Window Could Soon Be Wide Open
Joel Embiid

Held to 18 Points in 76ers Game 3 Loss
Brett Howden

Notches Sixth Goal of the Postseason
Jalen Brunson

Tallies 33 Points to Take 3-0 Series Lead
VEG

Mitch Marner Hat Trick Helps Vegas Take Series Lead
Pat Bryant

Working With Training Staff This Offseason
Jacoby Brissett

in Communication With Cardinals Despite Skipping Workouts
Daniel Jones

Could Take Part in 7-on-7 Drills at OTAs
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Sam Merrill

Iffy for Game 3 on Saturday
Anthony Edwards

Rejoins Starting Lineup Friday
Kevin Huerter

Likely to Remain Out Saturday
Jarred Vanderbilt

Considered Questionable for Saturday
Jalen Williams

Ruled Out for Game 3 Against Lakers
Ayo Dosunmu

Cleared to Play Friday
Anthony Edwards

Available Friday Night
Mats Zuccarello

Expected to Play Saturday
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Be a Game-Time Decision Saturday
Jonas Brodin

Still Out Saturday
Josh Manson

Could Return Saturday
Kaedan Korczak

Scratched for Game 3 Against Ducks
Radko Gudas

Likely to Remain Out Friday
Sam Carrick

Won't Play Friday
Isiah Pacheco

Can Isiah Pacheco Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in Detroit?
Rico Dowdle

Dynasty Ceiling Limited By Backfield Committee in Pittsburgh
Rashid Shaheed

a High-Risk, High-Reward Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
Dan Vladar

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Thursday
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
Joe Ryan

Listed as Scheduled Starter for Saturday Against Cleveland
Tyler Glasnow

Not Expected to Land on the Injured List
Framber Valdez

Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Framber Valdez

Suspended Six Games
Tyler Glasnow

Exits Early on Wednesday With Back Pain
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Brandon Woodruff

has Fluid Drained From his Right Shoulder
Brandon Woodruff

to Resume Throwing on Saturday, Return Imminent?
Carlos Correa

to Have Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Jacob Misiorowski

Listed as Friday's Probable Starter
Logan Webb

Dealing With Knee Discomfort
Carlos Correa

Expected to Miss Significant Time With Ankle Injury
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy

Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
CFB

Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
CFB

LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
CFB

Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Chase Elliott

Earns his Second Texas Motor Speedway Victory
Denny Hamlin

Misses Out on Winning at Texas
Alex Bowman

Finishes Third for the Second Week in a Row at Texas
Tyler Reddick

Earns Seventh Top-Five Finish of the Season at Texas
Chris Buescher

Scores his First Career Texas Finish in the Top Five
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF