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Free daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for today's slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. Use CeeGee's NBA DFS expert picks to building winning DFS lineups on May 5, 2025.
Welcome back, RotoBallers! We’re diving into a compact two-game slate for the second round of the NBA playoffs, featuring Game 1 matchups between the Knicks and Celtics and the Nuggets and Thunder. With only four teams in action, every roster spot counts, and we’ll need to nail our core plays while finding the right value to unlock tournament upside.
Injury news will be critical, so keep an eye on the RotoBaller Premium Discord and our NBA injuries report tool as lineups lock at 7:00 PM EST. Let’s break down the slate and find the best plays to help you cash in both GPPs and cash games!
This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 5/5/25. 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. EDT.
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Today's NBA DFS Core Picks
These are the foundation pieces you’ll want to build around, offering a mix of safety and ceiling to anchor your lineups.
Nikola Jokic - DEN - C ($11K DK / $11.6K FD)
Jokic is the undisputed king of this slate, and his price tag reflects it, but don’t let that scare you off. Facing a Thunder defense that ranks 1st in defensive rating and third in points allowed per game, Jokic remains nearly matchup-proof thanks to his all-around game. His playoff averages are staggering: 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, and 10.2 APG, with a 29% usage rate and an insane 1.84 DK points per minute.
OKC’s rebounding is a weakness (18th in Reb%) that Jokic, one of the league’s best on the glass, is poised to exploit. Their fast pace (fifth) also plays into his hands, creating more possessions for him to rack up assists and transition buckets. Denver’s 107.8 implied total isn’t sky-high, but Jokic’s ability to stuff the stat sheet, —often flirting with triple-doubles, gives him a 60+ point floor and a 80+ ceiling. Whether you’re chasing safety or upside, Jokic is the cornerstone of any winning lineup.
Jayson Tatum - BOS - SF/PF ($9K DK / $9.8K FD)
Tatum thrives in the postseason, and his matchup against the Knicks makes him a core play across all formats. He’s averaging 50.9 fantasy points per game with a 30% usage rate and 1.40 DK points per minute, showcasing his ability to dominate in multiple ways. The Knicks present a tough defensive challenge (ninth in PAPG, 13th in D-Rating). Tatum has been a stat-sheet stuffer, averaging 26.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 6 APG in the playoffs, and Boston’s 110.8 implied total suggests a high-scoring game.
Tatum’s ability to score from all three levels, especially from deep, makes him a threat to exploit New York’s perimeter defense. His 39 MPG in the playoffs ensures a high floor, and his 55-60 point ceiling makes him a GPP monster. He’s a must-have in most lineups, especially if this game stays closer than the nine-point spread.
Jalen Brunson - NYK - PG ($8.5K DK / $9.1K FD)
Brunson has been the Knicks’ engine in the playoffs, and despite a tough matchup, he’s too good to fade as a core piece. He’s averaging 42.8 FP/G with a 29% usage rate and 1.21 DK points per minute, playing a whopping 40 minutes per game. His playoff production includes 26 PPG and 7.3 APG, showcasing his ability to score and facilitate at a high level. Boston’s defense is elite (second in PAPG, fourth in D-Rating), but Brunson should see plenty of opportunities to hit from mid-range or beyond, where he’s deadly.
The Knicks’ low implied total of 101.8 is a concern, mainly as nine-point underdogs, but Brunson’s high usage and ability to generate potential assists (12.5 PAPG) keep his floor intact. He’s also shown a knack for stepping up in big moments, which could lead to a hot shooting night and GPP-winning upside. At $8,500 on DraftKings and $9,100 on FanDuel, Brunson is a cash game staple for his consistent output and a solid GPP play if you believe he can overcome Boston’s defense.
Today's NBA DFS Pivots
These players may fly under the radar but have the ceiling to rival the chalk, perfect for differentiating in GPPs.
Chet Holmgren - OKC - PF/C ($6.7K DK / $7.5K FD)
Holmgren is a high-upside GPP pivot who could go overlooked due to the presence of bigger names like Jokic and Tatum on this slate. Facing Denver’s elite rebounding defense (second in Reb%) is no easy task, but OKC’s slate-high 117.3 implied total and fast pace (5th) create a fantasy-friendly environment that plays to Holmgren’s versatile skill set. He’s averaging 15 PPG, 8 RPG, and 2 BPG in the playoffs, with a 21% usage rate and an impressive 1.25 DK points per minute.
His ability to stretch the floor as a 7-footer is a key weapon. Denver allows the 21st-most 3-point attempts, and Holmgren’s knack for hitting from deep could lead to a few extra buckets. His shot-blocking prowess adds sneaky upside, especially in a fast-paced game where transition opportunities abound. At $6,700 on DraftKings and $7,500 on FanDuel, Holmgren’s 40-45 point ceiling is tantalizing, particularly at lower ownership compared to chalkier options.
Jamal Murray - DEN - PG/SG ($7.5K DK / $7.5K FD)
Murray is the quintessential boom-or-bust GPP option, capable of single-handedly winning you a tournament if he catches fire. His playoff numbers, 21.4 PPG, 6 APG, and 39.3 FP/G with a 24% usage rate, show his potential, but his efficiency (1.09 DK points per minute) depends heavily on his shooting touch. OKC’s defense is ferocious, ranking first in defensive rating and third in points allowed per game, which makes this a tough matchup on paper.
He’s been known to go off in big playoff moments, and with 42.1 MPG in the postseason, he’s got the run to pile up stats if his shot is falling. Denver’s 107.8 implied total isn’t elite, but the game’s 100.8 projected pace could lead to extra possessions. At $7,500 on DraftKings and $7,500 on FanDuel, Murray’s likely to be less owned than Jokic or SGA, yet his 50-point ceiling makes him a high-leverage GPP play.
Josh Hart - NYK - SF/PF ($6.8K DK / $7.3K FD)
Hart is a GPP darling for his relentless hustle and ability to stuff the stat sheet, making him a fantastic tournament pivot at potentially lower ownership than Brunson or Tatum. He’s averaging 13.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG, and 5.9 APG in the playoffs, playing a robust 37.7 MPG with a 1.04 DK points per minute rate. Boston’s defense is tough, with an 11th-ranked rebounding percentage and a slow 29th-ranked pace, which could limit the Knicks’ possessions. However, Hart’s knack for crashing the glass and generating hustle stats, like steals, putbacks, and transition buckets, gives him a 40+ point ceiling even in a challenging matchup.
Hart isn’t a volume shooter from deep; he’s capable of hitting one or two to boost his score. His multi-category contributions, especially in rebounds and assists, make him a unique play at $6,800 on DraftKings and $7,300 on FanDuel. With the Knicks as nine-point underdogs, Hart’s motor and ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities could lead to a big night, especially if the game stays close.
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Today's NBA DFS Value Picks
These sub-$6,000 plays help you fit the studs while maintaining upside.
Al Horford - BOS - PF/C ($5K DK / $5.4K FD)
Al Horford is a veteran value gem who’s been a reliable contributor off the bench for Boston, averaging 32.3 MPG in the playoffs. His stat line of 8.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 2.2 APG may not jump off the page, but his 0.85 DK points per minute rate and multi-category production make him a safe bet at $5,000 on DraftKings and $5,400 on FanDuel.
He’s knocked down threes consistently, and his ability to chip in with rebounds, blocks, and the occasional assist gives him a 25-30 point ceiling. Horford’s minutes are secure, especially with Boston managing Kristaps Porzingis’ workload, and he could see extra run if foul trouble or a blowout occurs in this 9-point spread game. His price makes him a cash game staple, particularly on DraftKings, where his steady output helps you afford the likes of Jokic or Tatum. In GPPs, Horford’s sneaky upside makes him a clever play for balanced builds.
Russell Westbrook - DEN - PG ($4.8K DK / $5.2K FD)
Westbrook is a high-variance value pick who brings electrifying upside to the table, albeit with some risk due to his inconsistent playoff role. Coming off the bench, he’s averaging 13.2 PPG, 5 RPG, and 6.1 APG with a 23% usage rate, but his minutes have dipped to 25.6 MPG in the postseason. OKC’s fast pace (fifth) and weaker rebounding (18th in Reb%) create an ideal environment for Westbrook to rack up transition stats, whether it’s pushing the ball for assists, crashing the glass, or finishing at the rim.
His 1.14 DK points per minute rate highlights his efficiency when he’s on, and Denver’s 100.8 projected game pace boosts his chances for a big night. The Thunder’s elite defense (first in D-Rating, third in PAPG) is a hurdle, but Westbrook’s relentless energy could lead to steals and fast-break points. At $4,800 on DraftKings and $5,200 on FanDuel, his 30-35 point ceiling is enticing for GPPs, especially if Denver keeps this game close as 9.5-point underdogs. He’s a riskier cash game play due to his volatility, but in tournaments, Westbrook’s potential to explode makes him a high-reward dart throw.
Mitchell Robinson - NYK - C ($3.7K DK / $4.1K FD)
Mitchell Robinson is the ultimate punt play, offering a dirt-cheap way to get exposure to the Knicks with legitimate upside if his minutes cooperate. He’s averaging just 16.1 MPG off the bench, but his 4.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 1.07 DK points per minute rate show he can produce in a limited run. Boston’s rebounding (11th in Reb%) isn’t dominant, giving Robinson a chance to snag offensive boards and putbacks with his elite athleticism.
The Celtics’ slower pace (29th) could lead to a grind-it-out game where his rim protection and rebounding shine. His blocks and steals add sneaky upside, and if he sees 16-18 minutes, potentially more if Karl-Anthony Towns gets into foul trouble, Robinson could flirt with 20-25 DK points. At $3,700 on DraftKings and $4,100 on FanDuel, he’s a GPP flier who allows you to stack multiple studs while still offering a path to value. He’s too risky for cash games due to his limited role, but in tournaments, Robinson’s low price and high per-minute impact make him a compelling option for differentiation.
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: Nikola Jokic
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Jayson Tatum
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Chet Holmgren
- My favorite value play: Al Horford
As the NBA playoffs heat up, so do the opportunities to win more in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) on DraftKings and FanDuel. Staying informed on late-breaking NBA injury news is critical for success, so be sure to leverage RotoBaller’s expert insights and tools throughout the day to gain an edge on the field.
Whether you're grinding out GPPs or locking in safe cash game picks, smart NBA DFS strategy can make all the difference. Good luck tonight, and may your lineups crush!
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