FanDuel NBA DFS Picks for Today (Tuesday 3/18/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

These are your lineup anchors, players with strong floors and matchup-driven upside. Let’s lock them in and build around them.

Trae Young - ATL - PG ($9,600)

Alright, let’s start with Trae Young, this guy’s about to put on a show. The Hawks-Hornets clash is the slate’s crown jewel with a 236.0 total, and the projected pace of 101.1 is pure music to Trae’s ears. He’s been an absolute usage hog lately, jacking up his rate to 33% over his last three games (a 4% bump from his season average), and the results are filthy: 29.3 points and 9.0 assists per game.

Charlotte’s defense is a DFS dream, 22nd in pace, 19th in defensive rating, and now missing Miles Bridges (rest), who’s one of their few perimeter stoppers. That leaves Trae free to carve up the Hornets with his floaters, lobs, and pull-up threes. At $9,600, he’s not cheap, but his floor is rock-solid for cash games, and if this game turns into the back-and-forth barnburner Vegas expects, he’s got 60-point GPP upside in his bag. You’re not fading this matchup.

Derrick White - BOS - SG/PG ($7,100)

Derrick White’s stepping into the spotlight tonight, and the timing couldn’t be better. Jaylen Brown’s out with a knee issue, Jayson Tatum’s questionable with one too, and White’s licking his chops against a Nets squad that’s hemorrhaging points (23rd in defensive rating). Over his last three games, he’s been on fire, 19.3 points, 6.3 assists, and a 24% usage rate, with his minutes ticking up to 36.7 per night. That’s a guy who’s thriving with extra responsibility.

Boston’s a hefty 14-point favorite, but don’t sleep on this game, Brooklyn’s league-worst 30th-ranked pace keeps it sloppy enough for White to rack up stats on both ends. We’re talking steals (he’s averaging 1.7 lately), blocks (1.0+ is in play), and plenty of open looks if Tatum’s hobbled or sits. At $7,100, he’s a steal for cash games with a floor in the 30s, and if Tatum’s ruled out, he’s a no-brainer for 40+ upside in GPPs. Either way, he’s a core piece you can trust.

Giannis Antetokounmpo - MIL - PF ($11,700)

Giannis is the slate’s alpha, and this Warriors matchup feels tailor-made for him to remind everyone why he’s a two-time MVP. Golden State’s defense is legit (8th in D-rating), but they don’t have the size to handle a 6’11” bulldozer who’s running at a 35% usage rate. Bobby Portis’ suspension is the cherry on top, Milwaukee’s frontcourt is thin without him, meaning Giannis gets even more touches and trips to the line.

His recent form’s been a touch quieter (26.8 points over his last three), but don’t be fooled, the 117.8 team total and Draymond Green’s in-your-face style could light a fire under him. Green’s a pest, but he’s not stopping Giannis from bullying his way to 30 points and 10+ rebounds. At $11,700, he’s the spend-up you build around, his 60+ point ceiling is real, and even in a “down” game, he’s dropping 45. Cash or GPP, he’s your anchor on this slate.

Mark Williams - CHA - C ($8,000)

Mark Williams is ready to feast, and Bridges’ absence is the key that unlocks this smash spot. Atlanta’s frontcourt isn’t exactly Fort Knox, 14th in rebounding rate and 19th in points allowed in the paint, and the Hawks’ breakneck pace (2nd in the league) plays right into Williams’ hands. He’s been a per-minute beast all season (1.41 FD points per minute), and over his last three, he’s cashed in with 17.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.

With Bridges out, Charlotte’s wings thin out, leaving more space for Williams to dominate the glass and finish lobs from LaMelo Ball. The 114.8 team total suggests the Hornets hang around in this 6.5-point underdog spot, and Williams’ $8,000 salary is a sweet spot, cheaper than the elite centers but with a legit 40-point ceiling. He’s your mid-tier glue guy for cash lineups and a sneaky GPP pivot if the chalk chases elsewhere.

These guys might fly under the radar but have the juice to separate your GPP lineups from the pack.

LaMelo Ball - CHA - PG ($9,500)

While Trae Young’s soaking up the spotlight in this Hawks-Hornets showdown, LaMelo Ball’s lurking as a sneaky tournament dagger. With Miles Bridges sidelined (rest), Ball’s usage spikes to around 38% in similar situations, he’s the engine that keeps Charlotte humming. Atlanta’s 2nd-ranked pace is a runway for his flashy, transition-heavy game, and even though he’s dipped to 22.3 points over his last three, the underlying metrics scream bounce-back.

The 114.8 team total and tight 6.5-point spread hint at a competitive affair, and the Hawks’ 16th-ranked defensive rating isn’t scaring anyone. At $9,500, he’s priced right next to Trae but will likely draw half the ownership. If those rainbow threes start dropping (he’s due after a cold stretch), Ball could hit 50+ FanDuel points and steal the show. GPP gold right here.

Onyeka Okongwu - ATL - C/PF ($7,800)

Want a pivot off Mark Williams in that same tasty Hawks-Hornets tilt? Onyeka Okongwu’s your guy. His minutes have crept up to 31.0 per game over his last three, and he’s cashing in with 14.0 points and 10.3 rebounds in that span, quietly efficient at 1.18 FD points per minute. Charlotte’s rebounding rate (12th) is decent but not dominant, and Bridges’ absence leaves their frontcourt short on athleticism to match Okongwu’s energy.

The Hawks love to push the pace (2nd in the league), and this 236.0-total game could turn into a rebound-and-run fest. At $7,800, he’s cheaper than Williams and flying under the radar, but his 40-point ceiling is real if Atlanta leans on him in the paint. He shouldn't draw much ownership but brings upside - a perfect GPP recipe.

Cameron Johnson - BKN - SF/PF ($7,000)

The Nets are staring down a 14-point spread against Boston, but don’t sleep on Cameron Johnson, he’s been a silver lining with Cam Thomas out (hamstring). Over his last three, he’s averaging 18.5 points and 5.0 rebounds with a 23% usage rate, stepping up as Brooklyn’s go-to wing. Boston’s defense is elite (5th in D-rating), no question, but their rim protection focus often leaves shooters like Johnson (a career 39% from deep) with clean looks on the perimeter.

The Nets’ 30th-ranked pace keeps this game messy, and if Johnson gets hot from three or sneaks in some steals (Boston’s 10th in three-point attempts allowed), he’s got a 35-point ceiling at $7,000. Ownership will be microscopic with the blowout risk, making him a GPP dart worth chucking into your lineup.

James Harden - LAC - PG ($9,700)

James Harden versus Cleveland’s stingy defense (2nd in D-rating) might not jump off the page, but hear me out, this dude’s still got it. He’s rocking a 29% usage rate and stuffing stat sheets with 25.8 points and 11.5 assists over his last three games, thriving as the Clippers’ orchestrator. The Cavs play at a decent clip (9th in pace), and Evan Mobley’s questionable status (foot) could soften their frontcourt just enough for Harden to exploit switches or rack up dimes to Ivica Zubac.

The 229.5 game total is the slate’s 2nd lowest, but Harden’s multi-category production, points, assists, rebounds, and even a steal or two, gives him a path to 50+ FanDuel points. At $9,700, he’s pricier than some studs, but his lower ownership compared to Trae or Giannis makes him a GPP differentiator. If Mobley sits, this pick looks even spicier.