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CeeGee's favorite FanDuel NBA DFS picks for today, Tuesday 4/8/25. His top daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for FanDuel DFS contests.
This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 4/8/25. 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 FanDuel.
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FanDuel NBA DFS Core Picks
These are your foundational pieces, guys you can trust to anchor your FanDuel lineups with strong floors and solid ceilings.
Jaren Jackson Jr. - MEM - PF/C ($8.2K)
The Grizzlies are 14-point favorites against a shorthanded Charlotte squad, and JJJ is in a prime position to feast. With an implied total of 122, Memphis should control this game, and Jackson’s usage (28%) stays juicy even with Ja Morant back. Charlotte ranks 25th in points allowed per game, and their rebounding struggles mean JJJ could dominate the glass, too. He’s averaging 1.31 FD points per minute over his last three, and with 34+ minutes likely, he’s a cash game staple with 40+ upside.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - OKC - PG ($11.4K)
Yes, he’s pricey, but SGA is matchup-proof and facing a Lakers team that’s a 14-point underdog with LeBron and Luka both questionable. OKC’s 119.8 implied total screams blowout potential, and Shai’s 34% usage rate keeps him in the driver’s seat. He’s been a steady 50+ FD point producer, and if LA’s stars sit, this could turn into a 60-point ceiling night against a defense ranked 11th in points allowed. Lock him in for cash and GPPs.
Darius Garland - CLE - PG ($7.5K)
Donovan Mitchell is out (ankle), and Garland gets a dream matchup against a Bulls team missing Coby White and possibly Josh Giddey (questionable). Chicago’s second-ranked pace and 28th-ranked defense against points mean Garland could see 30+ minutes and a usage bump from his usual 27%. He’s been solid lately (1.17 FD points/min), and this situation screams blowup potential. I'm thinking 40-50 FD points tonight with Mitchell out.
Franz Wagner - ORL - SF/PF ($8.5K)
Wagner’s been a beast lately, and with Paolo Banchero eating up attention, he’s still flying under the radar at this salary. Atlanta’s defense is a sieve, third in pace, and 27th in points allowed, and Wagner’s 31% usage over his last three games (24.2 PPG) gives him a sky-high ceiling. He’s averaging 1.20 FD points per minute, and with Orlando favored by 4.5, he’s a safe bet for 35-40 FD points with GPP-winning potential if he pops off.
FanDuel NBA DFS Tournament Pivots
These are your GPP differentiators, higher-risk, potentially lower-owned players with massive upside to separate you from the pack.
James Harden - LAC - PG ($9.6K)
With Kawhi Leonard questionable (knee), Harden’s usage could spike against a Spurs team that’s 12.5-point underdogs. San Antonio ranks 22nd in points allowed and 13th in pace, setting up a juicy spot for The Beard. He’s been at 1.28 FD points per minute recently, and if Leonard sits, expect 35+ minutes and a usage bump past 30%. Even if Kawhi plays, Harden’s assist upside (8.6 APG) keeps him in the 40-50 FD point range.
Dyson Daniels - ATL - SG/PG ($8.2K)
Trae Young will grab ownership, but Daniels has been sneaky-good, averaging 1.09 FD points per minute over his last three with 18% usage. Orlando’s defense is tough (third in D-Rating), and their 30th-ranked pace slows things down, but Daniels excels in chaos with his defensive stats (steals, blocks). At mid-tier ownership, he’s a GPP pivot with a unique ceiling off the chalkier plays today.
Evan Mobley - CLE - PF/C ($8.7K)
With Mitchell sidelined and Cleveland favored by 11.5, Mobley’s a sneaky GPP play against a depleted Bulls frontcourt (Vucevic questionable). He’s been at 1.31 FD points per minute, and Chicago’s 19th-ranked rebounding rate leaves the door open for a double-double with blocks. If this game stays close, he’s a lock for 35-40 FD points, but a ceiling of 50+ isn’t out of reach at lower ownership than Garland.
Anthony Edwards - MIN - SG/SF ($9.3K)
Edwards is a boom-or-bust GPP darling, and facing a Bucks team without Lillard could unlock his full potential. Minnesota’s favored by four, and Milwaukee’s sixth-ranked defense in points allowed takes a hit without its stars. Edwards’ 31% usage and 1.19 FD points per minute over his last three make him a prime candidate for 50+ FD points if he gets hot from deep.
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FanDuel NBA DFS Value Picks
These sub-$6,000 gems help you fit the studs while still delivering upside based on minutes, usage, or injury news.
Zach Edey - MEM - C ($5.8K)
Edey’s been a force as Memphis’s starting center, and with the Grizzlies favored by 14 against Charlotte, he’s set for 25+ minutes. At 1.18 FD points per minute over his last three (13+ PPG, 8+ RPG), he’s a steal at $5,800. The Hornets’ banged-up frontcourt can’t handle his paint presence, making 25-30 FD points likely at low ownership.
Trendon Watford - BKN - PF/C ($5K)
Cameron Johnson’s out (back), and Watford’s been soaking up minutes (24+ recently) with solid production (0.92 FD points/min). Facing a Pelicans team with Kelly Olynyk questionable and a 26th-ranked rebounding rate, he’s got double-double potential. At sub-$5K, he’s a cash game lock with 25+ FD points upside for GPPs.
Jose Alvarado - NOP - PG ($5,900)
Alvarado’s questionable (calf), but if he plays, he’s a steal against Brooklyn. With a 19% usage rate and 1.11 FD points per minute recently, he’s thriving in an expanded role. The Nets’ 29th-ranked pace and 26th-ranked defense against points give him a shot at 30 FD points if he gets 28-30 minutes, which is perfect for cash or GPP value.
My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today
Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.
- Top Overall Play: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11,400)
- Best Value: Zach Edey ($5,800)
- Best Cash Play: Jaren Jackson Jr. ($8,200)
- Top GPP Target: Darius Garland ($7,500)
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