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Zach's top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Wednesday, 1/08/25. His favorite daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS.
On Wednesday night, DraftKings had a great eight-game slate on tap with some fun matchups, headlined by the top seeds in each conference meeting in Cleveland, where the Cavs host the Thunder. The two teams have an impressive combined record of 61-9 this season. In other action, the Wizards, the Pelicans, and the Nuggets are each playing for the second day in a row. The Cavs, Pistons, Raptors, and Trail Blazers are on the front half of their back-to-back sets that conclude on Thursday.
Friday's main slate features some strong fantasy options to consider, so let's look at the best of these matchups from a DFS perspective on DraftKings. If you're looking for FanDuel-specific advantage, check out Thunder Dan's FanDuel picks!
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 1/08/25. 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.
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DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks
Tyrese Maxey, PHI - PG ($8,900)
The 76ers will be without Joel Embiid (foot), Paul George (groin), and Kyle Lowry (hip) leaving plenty of heavy lifting for Maxey in an extremely favorable matchup. Maxey has been excellent all season, averaging 43.8 DraftKings points per game and 1.18 DraftKings points per minute with a 30.3% usage rate. Without Embiid and George on the floor, his usage rate has increased to 32.1%. Maxey has made eight starts this season without George and Embiid, and Maxey has averaged 43.8 DraftKings points in those contests.
The fifth-year guard is also coming off a huge game on Sunday when he had a game-high 31 points to go with 10 assists and two steals in 44 minutes against Phoenix.
🇺🇸 Tyrese Maxey today highlights vs. Suns:
🏀 31 POINTS
🏀 10 ASSISTS
🏀 2 STEALS76ers lost to Suns 99-109 ❌ pic.twitter.com/UMdFL4mp9D
— DV highlights (@DVhighlights) January 7, 2025
On Wednesday, Maxey gets a great matchup against the Wizards, who allow more points per game than any other team in the NBA and have allowed more DraftKings points to point guards specifically than any other team in the NBA.
It's an obvious smash spot for Maxey, and the only real drawback is that he'll likely be a chalky play. With eight games, though, there are plenty of other spots to differentiate your lineup, and there is no need to pass on Maxey as a "free space" play with plenty of work coming his way.
Josh Hart, NYK – SF/PF ($7,900)
Hart continues to stuff the stat sheet on a nightly basis for the Knicks and has been extremely consistent while still bringing great upside. Hart has at least 39 DraftKings points in seven of his last eight games dating back to Christmas Day. In those eight games, Hart has averaged 41 minutes a game and produced 46.3 DraftKings points on 15.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
On Monday, he helped fill in for Karl-Anthony Towns' (knee) absence with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 43 DraftKings points against the Magic.
🇺🇸 Josh Hart today highlights vs. Magic:
🏀 15 POINTS
🏀 14 REBOUNDS
🏀 2 STEALSKnicks lost to Magic 94-103 ❌ pic.twitter.com/klg0Un5h3Z
— DV highlights (@DVhighlights) January 7, 2025
KAT is questionable for Wednesday's game and could miss a favorable matchup against the Raptors, leaving even more work for Hart once again.
Getting more work with Towns out would raise Hart's ceiling, but he's a strong enough play against the struggling Raptors to be a strong play under $8,000 regardless of his teammates' status.
Deandre Ayton, POR – C ($6,200)
Ayton does not have an injury status coming into Wednesday's matchup against the Pelicans and is in a great matchup against New Orleans, who has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to centers this season.
The former No. 1 overall pick has been limited to 26 games this season but has averaged 14.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 33.0 DraftKings points per game when available. He has over 30 DraftKings points in five of his last seven games, highlighted by a 21-point, 16-rebound double-double against the Mavericks, totaling 52 DraftKings points.
Deandre Ayton spinning and winning 🌀pic.twitter.com/r8edGpcTm3
— Blazers Nation (@BlazersNationCP) January 7, 2025
Ayton is a great core option at just over $6,000. He can reach elite production without the elite salary. He fills in nicely next to Maxey or other pay-up plays and delivers consistent double-double numbers.
Others Under Consideration: Victor Wembanyama - C ($11,500), Cade Cunningham - PG ($9,800), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - PG ($10,500), Ivica Zubac - C ($7,700)
DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots
Tyrese Haliburton, IND - PG ($8,500)
Haliburton has been very inconsistent this season but always brings a high ceiling. He is listed as questionable, but if he plays through the ankle injury, he'll get a juicy matchup agianst the Bulls. He had 45.5 DraftKings points on 23 points and eight assists in their first meeting this season, but Chicago has been a great matchup for point guards over the last few weeks.
In his three games in 2025, Haliburton has posted 72.25, 53.75, and 42.0 DraftKings points while helping the Pacers go 3-0.
Tyrese Haliburton highlights vs. the Brooklyn Nets, 1/6/25
23 PTS, 8 AST, 4 3PM 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/thzwLO9yWq
— HaliMuse (@hali_muse) January 7, 2025
If he plays and is at full strength, he should be poised to produce another big game to continue his fast start. He's less certain than Maxey given the circumstances, but he can definitely work in tournament lineups as a pivot or partner for the Sixers' guard.
Evan Mobley, CLE - PF/C ($7,900)
The Cavs' impressive season so far has been fueled by a breakout season from fourth-year big man Evan Mobley. Mobley is averaging a career-high 18.8 points per game and adding 8.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 steals per contest.
Mobley is producing 1.30 DraftKings points per minute on the season and has been even hotter lately, producing 1.40 DraftKings points per minute over his last seven games, which include three performances with over 50 DraftKings points.
Evan Mobley is moving different this season. Check out his drive game: pic.twitter.com/iysRv94ZJg
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) January 4, 2025
In a showcase game at home against the Thunder, the 23-year-old brings a high ceiling from his salary of under $8,000.
Immanuel Quickley, TOR - PG ($6,800)
Quickley will be back at Madison Square Garden for the second time since the Knicks traded him to Toronto. He had a double-double in his return last January and could get a little extra juice from the revenge game narrative.
The former Kentucky Wildcat has only played six games this season due to a partial UCL tear in his elbow. His shot has looked a little rusty since his return, but he has still posted 51, 33, and 20.25 DraftKings points in his three games and taken at least 10 shots in each contest.
Having Immanuel Quickley back is what this Raptors team has needed. We've missed this scoring and playmaking from him for so long this season. He could help turn things around this Season. Not a Playoff spot but he can bring a spark to the team pic.twitter.com/NeSpmlzNbX
— RaptorsMuse (8-28) (@RaptorsMuse2) January 3, 2025
He is definitely high-risk after his disappointing game against Milwaukee, but he also brings a very high ceiling, which is perfect for tournament lineups.
Keon Johnson, BKN - PG/SG ($5,800)
The Nets are dealing with all kinds of injuries and have already ruled out Cam Thomas (hamstring), Cameron Johnson (ankle), and D'Angelo Russell (shin). Ben Simmons ($6,000; calf/back) is also questionable, and that should open up plenty of value opportunities for the rest of the Nets as they pick up the offense.
Keon Johnson has been one of the most consistent members of the rotation to step up and deliver. He had 39 and 31 DraftKings points in his last two games and has averaged 28.8 DraftKings points per game over his last eight contests.
Johnson has shown near triple-double potential during that span and also dropped up to 25 points. Without many other options at home in a favorable matchup against the Pistons, Johnson brings great upside from under $6,000.
Others Under Consideration: Nikola Jokic - C ($12,700), Giannis Antetokounmpo - PF/C ($11,400) James Harden - PG ($8,600), Zach LaVine - SG/SF ($8,100), Jamal Murray - PG/SG ($7,600), Donovan Mitchell - PG/SG ($8,400), Russell Westbrook - PG ($6,700)
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DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHI – SG ($5,100)
Maxey can't carry all the load for the Sixers, and Oubre has been able to step up when George and Embiid have been out. In his nine starts without both George and Embiid available, Oubre has a 21.3% usage rate and has averaged 29.0 DraftKings points per game. With the two stars off the floor, his production has climbed to 0.87 DraftKings points per minute, which should be enough to allow him to easily return value in this favorable matchup with the Wizards.
Oubre had a massive game with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 42.75 DraftKings points on Monday, and that was his second straight game with over 40 DraftKings points.
Kelly Oubre Jr. fakes out Kevin Durant at the perimeter and finishes at the cup 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ubKlL6CPr3
— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) January 7, 2025
Stephon Castle, SA – PG/SG ($3,400)
After missing last Friday's game, Jeremy Sochan (back) was able to play in the Spurs' last two games, but he was ruled out for Wednesday's matchup against the Bucks. That opens some great opportunities on the wing, and Castle has shown the ability to put up good numbers when given expanded playing time.
Castle had eight points, four assists, three rebounds, and 17.75 DraftKings points in the last game Sochan missed and has scored double-digit points in three of his last four games, earning 29.5 DraftKings points against the Clippers and 21.75 DraftKings points against the Bulls during that span.
The 20-year-old rookie has been a little inconsistent in his fluctuating role, but if he starts in place of Sochan as he did last Friday, he'll bring a very high ceiling and very low risk at this bargain basement salary.
Guerschon Yabusele, PHI – PF/C ($5,000)
With Embiid out and Andre Drummond ($5,100; toe) questionable, Yabusele may have to step in and play big minutes at center against the Wizards in a great matchup. Yabusele had a double-double and 33 DraftKings points against the Suns while playing 36 minutes on Monday and has at least 24 DraftKings points in four of his last six games.
Especially if Drummond is out, he's a great fit at $5,000.
Peyton Watson, DEN – PF ($3,400)
Aaron Gordon (calf) has missed seven straight games and Nikola Jokic (illness) was also sidelined on Tuesday. As a result, Watson played 34 minutes in the Nuggets' loss to the Celtics and turned in a solid stat line of 14 points, four blocks, four rebounds, and 29.5 DraftKings points.
Peyton Watson in the first half vs Celtics
Points: 10
Steals: 1
Blocks: 4
75% FG 3/4
100% 3PT 2/2
+4
Been huge defensively for the nuggets keeping them in the game with the defending champs. pic.twitter.com/MyLCdRy4ah— PwatMuse (@PwatMuse) January 8, 2025
The Nuggets finish their back-to-back at home against the Clippers, and if both big men are out for a second straight game, Watson will be a steal at this salary. If Jokic returns and Gordon is out, Watson still brings good value, but his role could be squeezed when Gordon returns as well.
Others Under Consideration: Cason Wallace - PG/SG ($3,700), Lonzo Ball - PG ($4,100), Caleb Martin - SF/PF ($4,900), Keldon Johnson - SF/PF ($4,200), Tim Hardaway Jr. - SG/SF ($4,000), Day'Ron Sharpe - C ($4,400)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks
Bulls at Pacers (241 total)
This matchup has by far the highest point total on the board since both teams play fast and don't limit their opponents' scoring much. Coby White ($6,700) has been very strong for the Bulls lately and can be the core of a Chicago stack alongside Zach LaVine ($8,100) and Nikola Vucevic ($8,700). Lonzo Ball ($4,100) and Patrick Williams ($4,500) are value alternatives to mix in and Jalen Smith ($3,400) also continues to be a good bargain play in his limited role as Vucevic's backup.
The Pacers are favored in this game after their strong start to the season and it could be a Haliburton takeover game. Myles Turner ($6,400) and Pascal Siakam ($6,900) are strong options to stack alongside him in the midrange while Obi Toppin ($3,700) and T.J. McConnell ($3,800) are both very cheap plays to mix in. Andrew Nembhard ($4,900) hasn't scored double-digit points in any of his last three games, but his non-scoring production has been excellent, which gives him a high ceiling if his scoring comes around.
Raptors at Knicks (231.5 total)
The Raptors are mostly healthy so Scottie Barnes ($9,300) will lead the way as Quickley and RJ Barrett ($9,000) face their former team. The presence of the three stars allows Gradey Dick ($5,100) and Ochai Agbaji ($3,900) to slide into their more complementary roles, but both still bring good potential value at their salaries.
For the Knicks, Towns' status will be a huge storyline to watch. He'll be a good play if he returns while Jalen Brunson ($9,100), Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges ($6,500) will have to carry the load if he's out again. Jericho Sims ($3,800) started in his spot on Monday and had 20.5 DraftKings points with 10 rebounds in 29 minutes against the Magic. He'll be a great bargain if he gets the start again but has played a very minimal role when KAT is available.
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: Tyrese Maxey
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Tyrese Maxey
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Tyrese Haliburton
- My favorite VALUE play: Peyton Watson (if Jokic is out, Kelly Oubre Jr. if not)
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