Welcome back, Rotoballers! Tonight, we have a seven-game main slate, headlined by a nightcap of Celtics at Nuggets. These articles focus on the best plays, typically more suited for cash games. However, some exceptions may apply, depending on the size of the slate.
The key to succeeding in NBA DFS is making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available. But it's always essential to have a game plan and zero in on the best players and spots before making those adjustments. To keep up with all the latest developments and get access to updated projections, grab an NBA season pass and access our RotoBaller Premium Discord, where @chiefjustice6 is talking about the slate up until lineups lock!
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 1/7/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our excellent NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EST on DraftKings. Good luck, RotoBallers!
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DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks
Anthony Davis, LAL - C ($10,500)
Davis has been on a tear lately, averaging more than 62 fantasy PPG in his last four games averaging 28/15/4.5 and 2+ blocks during that stretch. Tonight he gets an awesome matchup against the undersized Mavs, who allow the third most points to centers.
Interestingly, Davis' price has been this exact number in four of his last five games, yet he continues to produce past his salary expectations. He once again profiles as a high floor/ceiling option making him an easy choice for cash games.
Trae Young, ATL - PG ($9,700)
Young leads the NBA in assists by a healthy margin, averaging 12 per game. His playmaking abilities give him a high floor, even if he isn't scoring in bunches like we're used to.
In a league of his own 🧊
Send Trae to All Star: https://t.co/Qvv24vMNJa pic.twitter.com/Z3G62kdSbn
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 6, 2025
Tonight he gets what I would consider the best positional matchup of the night against the Jazz, who are ranked second-worst against PGs entering tonight, and their depleted backcourt. Young has also recorded 1+ steals in six straight games and is likely to extend that streak considering the Jazz turn the ball over more than any other team (17.7 per game).
Others Under Consideration: LaMelo Ball, CHA - PG ($9,500), CJ McCollum, NO - PG/SG ($7,800)
DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots
Jayson Tatum, BOS - SF/PF ($10,000)
Celtics at Nuggets is the best game on paper from both a basketball and fantasy perspective; as it boasts the highest implied total of the night (235). The Celtics shot a putrid 9-46 from 3 during Sunday's loss in Oklahoma City, and I would anticipate positive regression there. I think this game is very interesting for tournaments as a whole, and Tatum headlines a handful of interesting options.
Anthony Edwards, MIN - SG ($8,400)
Since the Timberwolves played last night, DraftKings didn't have time to account for Edwards' performance while pricing him. It just so happens that performance resulted in a 37/7/8 line leading to his second straight game with 60+ fantasy points.
There's something special about Anthony Edwards in the clutch. Look how pumped up he is and what it does to the Minnesota crowd. They were down 19 at one point.pic.twitter.com/gxcbonNqUE
— Hot Hand Theory (@HotHandTheory) January 7, 2025
Edwards has one of the highest usage ceilings in the NBA (30% overall, up to 37.6% in his last two games, which would be the highest percentage in the NBA), and that always makes him a threat to explode and help you take down something major.
Others Under Consideration: Nikola Jokic, DEN - C ($12,500), Stephen Curry, GS - PG ($8,700)
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DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks
Dereck Lively, DAL - C ($5,100)
Lively had been playing well, posting 25+ fantasy points in seven of his last eight full games. What elevates him from a good play to a potentially great play is the fact Daniel Gafford left Monday's game early and never returned. Lively ended up playing 33 minutes compared to his season average of 24 and scored 11 fantasy points higher than his season average.
With the Mavericks wrapping up a back-to-back tonight, I'd be pretty surprised if Gafford plays, clearing the way for Lively to have a significant increase in minutes yet again.
Vit Krejci, ATL - PG/SG ($3,200)
Krejci was mega chalk on Saturday after being named the starter in place of Jalen Johnson and is priced at $3,300. Although he "only" posted 16 fantasy points, his price has lowered by $100 making him another prime candidate for salary saving. Assuming he starts, he'll project well, but his ownership could stay relatively in check due to Saturday's middling performance.
Others Under Consideration: Brice Sensabaugh, UTA - SF/PF ($4,200), Ryan Dunn, PHX - SF/PF ($4,400)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks
Hawks at Jazz (236 O/U)
This is one of the easiest games to stack tonight, regardless of the total. Both teams are missing multiple regular rotation players, and the Jazz stand to have their most expensive player priced at only $6,400.
Rockets at Wizards (225.5 O/U)
This game has multiple midrange options on both teams that look good but could look great depending on injury reports. The key names to watch are Jalen Green for Houston and Jordan Poole for Washington; their absences would open up significant offensive opportunities for their respective teams.
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: Trae Young
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Dereck Lively
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Jayson Tatum / Celtics as a whole
- My favorite VALUE play: Vit Krejci
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