X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (5/9/25)

Free daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for today's slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. Use Thunder Dan's NBA DFS expert picks to building winning DFS lineups on May 9, 2025.

Both games tonight are the third game in their respective series, with the Pacers holding a surprising 2-0 lead over the Cavs, and the Thunder-Nuggets series being tied 1-1.

Cleveland is in must-win territory, but could get one or more of DeAndre Hunter, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland back tonight. All of them are currently questionable, but you'd have to think they'll make every attempt to play with the Cavs having their backs up against the wall. There are no real injury concerns in the other game, which has a slightly higher total of 232.5 and a similar spread with OKC installed as five-point road favorites.

But it's always essential to have a game plan and zero in on the best players and spots before making those adjustments. This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel and DraftKings on 5/9/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our excellent NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:30 p.m.

 

Today's NBA DFS Core Picks

Nikola Jokic, DEN -  C ($11K DK, $11.6K FD)

You could try to fade Jokic tonight and hope for another OKC beatdown like we saw in game two, but I don't think we'll see that happen. In any kind of close game, it's much more likely that we see something closer to Jokic's game one output (42-22-6 and 79 FD points).

OKC can throw Hartenstein and Holmgren at Jokic, but he remains the most skilled big man in the game (and perhaps ever?), and he's not likely to be slowed down by the Thunder for a second straight game.

He costs a pretty penny, but the salaries of a lot of other players have been depressed by the sites so that we can fit him into lineups without having to punt too much, and I plan to do just that.

Jamal Murray, DEN – PG/SG ($6.8K DK, $7.6K FD)

Murray is just far too cheap for how much of the Denver offense he represents. For years now in Denver, it's been the Jokic and Murray show, and if the Nuggets are able to keep this game close or win it, then we are probably going to see a solid game from Murray, similar to what he did in game one of this series (21-6-6).

Murray and Jokic stack well together, and I'd run it back with an OKC piece.

Andrew Nembhard, IND - PG/SG ($5.6K, $5.8K)

Nembhard's play through the first two games has been key to the Pacers getting two wins in Cleveland. His defense doesn't always show up in the box score, but he's been making key plays on both ends of the floor.

In game 1, he dropped 23 points and gave Indiana some much-needed scoring, while it was his passing (13 assists) that was on display in game 2. He's going to log heavy minutes, and he's going to end up getting there in terms of achieving 5 to 6x value on his price by the time the game is over.

Others To Consider: Donovan Mitchell (if Garland and/or Mobley sit) - PG/SG

 

Today's NBA DFS Pivots

Chet Holmgren, OKC – PF/C ($7K DK, $7.3K FD)

The most popular players on OKC tonight will be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. And I get it, both guys are the top scorers and passers on the team and will probably play significantly more minutes than the third amigo, Chet.

However, Holmgren is a lot cheaper and falls firmly into my GPP-pivot price range, where he should also carry the lowest rostership of the OKC big three.

Chet had 43 FD points in Game 2 and now has six blocks through the first two games of this series. His defensive stats give him a ceiling that not many other players have.

If we see Chet up his scoring or rebounding tonight in addition to maintaining those elite blocks numbers, he could be a guy who goes for 7x on his price tag and win you a tournament. He has fared well against Denver in his career. Let's hope for a close game so Chet can get the minutes he needs to hit his ceiling.

Jarrett Allen, CLE – PF/C ($6.8K DK, $7.5K FD)

Allen won't be a "pivot" if Evan Mobley sits out again tonight. But I am going to do everything I can to get him into some lineups along with Nikola Jokic. You can do so by playing two centers on DraftKings and utilizing Allen's PF eligibility on FanDuel.

Allen had a mediocre showing in Game 1, but was dominant with a 22-12-3 line and three blocks against Indiana in Game 2. He can handle Myles Turner on the interior and is a plus defender. If Mobley does play, then Allen's rostership will be very suppressed, and he will make for a very lightly-rostered large field tourney play. And if Mobley plays, just get as much exposure to Allen as you can.

Others To Consider: Tyrese Haliburton - PG/SG

 

Want more NBA DFS tools and exclusive content? Check out our premium daily content from proven winner Jamie Calandro! Grab an NBA season pass and get access to our daily projections, optimizer, Jamie's personal picks, props, advice, and VIP chat rooms. Use promo code THUNDERDAN at checkout to save 10 percent.

 

Today's NBA DFS Value Picks

Max Strus, CLE - SG/SF ($5K DK, $5K FD)

Strus stepped up in a big way for the Cavs in Game 2, dropping 23 points with eight boards and four assists. He played 39 minutes with the Cavs missing two starters and their sixth man, DeAndre Hunter.

Some of those players might be back tonight, but Strus will still have a big part in this rotation. He played 31 minutes in Game 1, and the Cavs love his combination of three-point shooting, rebounding, and gutsy defense.

Aaron Nesmith, IND – SG/SF ($5.3K DK, $5.5K FD)

Nesmith was solid in Game 1 with 17 points and eight boards, but he was terrific in Game 2 and one of the main catalysts in their comeback win. Nesmith went for 24 points while adding four blocks/steals and finished with 41 FD points.

At his price tag, expect Nesmith to be one of the most popular plays in this price range, but for good reason. He's going to play a lot and is a crucial part of this Indiana rotation.

Others to Consider: Bennedict Mathurin - SG/SF, Russell Westbrook - PG, Sam Merrill - SG

 



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Willson Contreras

Scratched on Friday With Back Spasms
MLB

Game 2 Between Red Sox-Orioles Postponed on Friday
NYI

Islanders Hire Mathieu Darche as General Manager
Sean Walker

Questionable for Saturday
Seth Jarvis

"Fine" for Saturday's Game 3
Ben Lively

to Have Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Jake Oettinger

Looks to Stay Hot Friday
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Back in the Lineup on Friday
Stuart Skinner

Starts Game 2 Friday
Connor Brown

Good to Go Friday
Alex Bregman

Leaves Game 1 of Doubleheader With Quad Tightness
Justin Martinez

Diamondbacks Reinstate Justin Martinez From 15-Day Injured List
Carlos Correa

Officially Activated From Concussion Injured List
Spencer Rattler

Looks Comfortable in OTA Practice
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Having Open Competition at Left Guard
Tommy Mellott

Seeing Action Out of the Slot
Las Vegas Raiders

Maxx Crosby a Full Participant in Practice
Ashton Jeanty

Using a More Prototypical Backfield Stance
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Dealing With Back Tightness
Sergei Bobrovsky

Posts Historic Shutout Thursday
Aaron Ekblad

Logs Two Assists in Game 2 Win
Matthew Tkachuk

Ends 10-Game Goal Drought in Thursday's Win
Carter Verhaeghe

Records Hat Trick of Assists Thursday
Sam Bennett

Leads Panthers to Big Win Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Injured in Game 2 Against Hurricanes
Denzel Clarke

Athletics Promoting Denzel Clarke to Major Leagues
Jose Altuve

Homers Twice, Drives in Four in Win Over Seattle
Christian Yelich

Homers Twice, Drives in Four on Thursday
Logan Gilbert

Slated to Throw Sim Game Friday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Confirm Ronald Acuna Jr. Will Return Friday
Savion Williams

to be a Regular Contributor?
MarShawn Lloyd

Healthy and Without Restrictions
Colston Loveland

Still Sidelined With Shoulder Injury
Caleb Williams

Now Putting his Left Foot Forward
Jalin Hyatt

Favored for WR4 Role
Cam Skattebo

Battling for RB2 Role?
Greg Van Roten

has the Edge at Right Guard
Russell Wilson

Still Expected to be Week 1 Starter
Taysom Hill

Foster Moreau Skipping Offseason Program With Knee Injuries
Taylor Ward

Blasts Another Grand Slam
Gleyber Torres

Leaves Early on Thursday With Leg Discomfort
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Trending Toward Making 2025 Debut on Friday
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Scratched on Thursday
Brett Gabbert

Signed by Dolphins
Arizona Cardinals

Sean Murphy-Bunting to Miss 2025
CHI

Blackhawks Hire Jeff Blashill as Head Coach
Ronel Blanco

Going on Injured List With Elbow Injury
TOR

Brendan Shanahan Leaves Maple Leafs After 11 Years
Bowen Byram

Sabres Gauging Market for Bowen Byram
Nikolaj Ehlers

Jets Want to Lock Up Nikolaj Ehlers Long-Term
Frederik Andersen

Tries to Bounce Back in Game 2 Against Panthers
Mark Jankowski

Available Thursday
Gavin Sheets

Goes Deep Twice In Extra-Inning Loss in Toronto
Kendre Miller

Saints New Staff Giving Kendre Miller a "Blank Slate"
Carlos Correa

Expected to Return on Friday
Elijah Arroyo

Seahawks Impressed with Elijah Arroyo's Versatility
Rome Odunze

Ben Johnson "Extremely Impressed" with Rome Odunze
Spencer Rattler

Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler Sharing First-Team Reps at OTAs
Corey Seager

Won't Return for Another 7-10 Days
Chris Olave

Rashid Shaheed Look "Fully Recovered"
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Ends Goal Drought During Two-Point Night
Connor McDavid

Delivers Two Assists in Game 1 Loss
Leon Draisaitl

Opens Conference Finals with Three-Point Effort
OG Anunoby

Impactful at Both Ends Wednesday
Karl-Anthony Towns

Produces Big Double-Double in Losing Effort
Jalen Brunson

Racks Up 43 Points in Game 1 Loss Against Pacers
Pascal Siakam

Struggles From the Field in Game 1 Against Knicks
Aaron Nesmith

Puts Up 30 Points with Eight Triples Wednesday
Tyrese Haliburton

Leads Pacers to Comeback Victory in Game 1 Against Knicks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Named NBA MVP
Max Greyserman

Needs to Make More Birdies at Charles Schwab
Lucas Glover

Wants to Put PGA Championship Behind Him
Jhonattan Vegas

on a Roll Heading To Texas
Erik Van Rooyen

Erik van Rooyen a Coin Flip at Charles Schwab
Andrew Novak

Poised to Rebound from PGA Championship
Mac Meissner

Could Struggle Again at Charles Schwab
PGA

J.T. Poston is a Fine Play at Charles Schwab Challenge
Michael Kim

Slide Continues Heading Into Colonial
J.J. Spaun

a Boom-or-Bust Candidate at Colonial
Jordan Spieth

to Bounce Back at Charles Schwab Challenge
Aaron Rai

Offers High Upside at Colonial
Maverick McNealy

Has One Major Drawback at Charles Schwab Challenge
Keith Mitchell

Looking to Rebound at Colonial
Harry Hall

Bounces Back from Tough Time in Mexico
Scottie Scheffler

Takes Home First PGA Championship Title
Davis Riley

Finishes Tied for Second at PGA Championship
Hideki Matsuyama

Misses Cut at PGA Championship
Jake Knapp

Misses Cut at PGA Championship
Tom Kim

Finishes 71st at PGA Championship
Tom Hoge

Misses Cut at PGA Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Finishes Tied for 41st at PGA Championship
Rudy Gobert

Anonymous in West Finals Opener
Anthony Edwards

Quiet in Game 1 Against Thunder
Julius Randle

Leads Timberwolves with 28 Points in Game 1 Loss
Chet Holmgren

Helps Out in All Areas Tuesday
Jalen Williams

Fills Stat Sheet in Tuesday's Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores Game-High 31 Points in Game 1 Win
Andrew Wiggins

' Future Uncertain in Miami
Jrue Holiday

Wants to Remain in Boston
Ty Jerome

Cavaliers Want to Keep Ty Jerome
Zion Williamson

Pelicans Want to "Make Things Work" with Zion Williamson
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks "Hopeful" Giannis Antetokounmpo Won't Request Trade
Paul George

Potentially On The Move?
Gilbert Burns

Loses Fourth Fight in a Row
Michael Morales

Gets TKO Win At UFC Vegas 106
Sodiq Yusuff

Loses Third Consecutive Fight
Mairon Santos

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Dustin Stoltzfus

Suffers Seventh Career Loss At UFC Vegas 106
Nursulton Ruziboev

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Julian Erosa

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 106
Melquizael Costa

Extends His Win Streak
Aaron Gordon

Finishes With Eight Points In Game 7
Jamal Murray

Has A Rough Afternoon On Sunday
Kyle Larson

Skipping All-Star Heat Race Should Be Good for DFS Place Differential Points
William Byron

Lack of Winning Speed and Good Starting Position Make Him a Poor DFS Option
Chase Briscoe

Joe Gibbs Racing Speed Should Carry Chase Briscoe in All-Star Race
Alex Bowman

Consistent Loss of Positions Makes Him a Poor DFS Choice
Ross Chastain

Despite Mediocre Short Track Record, Ross Chastain Surprisingly Finished Second in Heat Race
Austin Cindric

Consistent Lack of Short Track Speed Means He'll Likely Struggle in All-Star Race
Daniel Suarez

Unexpected Trackhouse Speed May Make Daniel Suarez a Valid Option
Harrison Burton

For Harrison Burton, Making the All-Star Likely As Good As It Gets
Ryan Blaney

Is Worth Rostering For All-Star Tournament Lineups At North Wilkesboro
Joey Logano

What Should Fantasy Players Do With Joey Logano For The All-Star Race?
Tyler Reddick

Should Fantasy Players Roster Tyler Reddick For The All-Star Race?
Brad Keselowski

May Dominate The All-Star Race At North Wilkesboro
Chris Buescher

Could Pay Off For All-Star Race Tournament Lineups
Josh Berry

Is Josh Berry A Sneaky DFS Option For The All-Star Race?
Austin Dillon

Is An Intriguing DFS Option For The All-Star Race
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Could Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Be A Top DFS Bargain Value For The All-Star Race?