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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (3/22/25)

Josh Giddey - Fantasy Basketball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Free daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for today's slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. Use Kyle Ringstad's NBA DFS expert picks to building winning DFS lineups on March 22nd, 2025.

We continue with "Silly Season" in the NBA, where we see a lot of instances of teams resting starters to tank for a better draft pick or preserve health for the playoffs. In these articles, I focus on the top plays, traditionally geared toward cash games. However, with over a decade of NBA DFS experience under my belt—and as someone who rarely dives into cash formats—I'm selecting picks that also typically come with high upside. That means they offer the steady floor needed for cash games while packing the high ceiling we need for tournaments.

We have a tiny four-game NBA slate on this fine Saturday in late March. The Bulls-Lakers game has the highest implied total and the most intrigue, but the Warriors-Hawks matchup is a better target for daily fantasy as it has the highest implied total, the fastest projected pace, and a bottom-five defense (Atlanta). We will need to get the news on LeBron James's status before finalizing our lineups for tonight, but we can mine through the rest of the slate for plays in the meantime.

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 3/22/25. 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. EST on DraftKings and FanDuel. Good luck, RotoBallers!

 

Today's NBA DFS Core Picks

Here is a look at some of the higher-priced players we can use as building blocks for cash and GPP contests.

Whether or not LeBron James returns to action tonight is one of the biggest keys on this slate. Getting to Luka Doncic and/or Austin Reaves is a little dicier if he's playing, but both are excellent plays against a putrid Bulls defense if he sits out another game. I recommend building around Doncic regardless, but I'd feel better if James and his 33.3% usage rate were ruled out.

The Lakers hold the highest implied total on the slate, and the Bulls play fast (#3 in pace) while ranking poorly on defense (24th in defensive rating; fourth-most fantasy points per game allowed). They particularly struggle against point guards, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position this season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a core piece to consider, but his recent form and lingering knee injury give me pause for concern at his lofty $12,000 price tag. The Bucks hold the lowest implied total on the slate and get a pace-down matchup against the Kings, so I'm not sold on him hitting 60+ DK points in this spot.

I prefer to sprinkle in some Karl-Anthony Towns, who sees a massive 5.3% usage rate increase (27.4% to 32.7%) with Jalen Brunson off the floor this season. He hasn't been lighting the world on fire recently, but a matchup with the Wizards is precisely what the doctor ordered. Washington plays at the fourth-fastest pace, allowing opponents the most fantasy points per game this season. They also allow the most fantasy points per game to Cs, and the fourth-most three-point makes (14.3) per game, which plays right into Towns' strong suit.

Top Core Plays:

  1. Luka Doncic, LAL vs. CHI - PG ($12,600 DK; $12,000 FD)
  2. Karl-Anthony Towns, NYK vs. WAS - C ($10,000 DK; $9,800 FD)
  3. Trae Young, ATL vs. GSW - PG ($9,900 DK; $9,700 FD)
  4. Josh Giddey, CHI @ LAL - PG/SF ($8,600 DK; $8,800 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Value Picks

This is where we talk about saving salary. Whether it's a severely underpriced backup or even as simple as a guy playing like someone who should be priced higher, this is where you'll find guys who make lineups work.

Sorting the best value picks of the day by fantasy points per dollar:

Damian Lillard has already been ruled out, so we can enjoy another game of a dirt-cheap Ryan Rollins. He started the last game and put up 30.75 DK points in 29 minutes of action, and we should expect a similar output tonight. Despite his impressive finish, he shot just 3-for-11 from the field, so there's room for even more upside here. He averages a solid 0.92 FPTS/min with the future Hall of Famer off the floor this season and shouldn't have issues navigating the Kings, who have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game over their last 15 games.

Tristan Vukcevic isn't playing heavy minutes, but that hasn't stopped him from crushing value at his cheap salary lately. He's averaging 33.5 DK points per game over his last four games, including a 39 DK point output against the Magic in his previous game. The Knicks are elite at limiting fantasy production from opposing bigs, but the second-round pick in the 2023 draft is too cheap to ignore tonight.

Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski are back for the Warriors. I like them both in a favorable matchup against the weak Hawks defense, but I prefer to play Podziemski, as the coaching staff seems more comfortable with him playing heavy minutes while they ease Kuminga back in. Quinten Post is also viable, but I wouldn't go too crazy with him due to his limited minutes projection.

Keep an eye on Miles McBride's status. He projects well if he's in, but we could see Cameron Payne pop as a value if he's ruled out.

Top Value Plays:

  1. Ryan Rollins, MIL @ SAC - PG ($3,800 DK; $4,800 FD)
  2. Tristan Vukcevic, WAS @ NYK - C ($4,400 DK; $5,100 FD)
  3. Brandin Podziemski, GSW @ ATL - PG/SG ($6,000 DK; $6,100 FD)
  4. Jonathan Kuminga, GSW @ ATL - PF ($5,300 DK; $5,500 FD)

 

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

 

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard

I will try to make Trae Young a core piece in lineups tonight. He's in excellent form, exceeding what he needs for 5x value tonight in six of his last seven contests while popping for a 62.75 DK point game on 3/12 against the Hornets. Tonight's matchup won't be as forgiving against the stifling Warriors defense, but the elite game environment and fast projected pace have me wanting to get to the heavy shot volume from Young.

Rollins will be a key piece in everyone's lineup tonight, but we can get a little different by getting to Luka, Young, and players like Podziemski, McBride, and Dyson Daniels. Daniels is on a mini-heater, posting at least 41 DK points in three of his last five games (including two straight coming into tonight). He won't be popular, so taking some shots on him as a mid-range piece makes a ton of sense on this slate.

Top PG Options:

  1. Ryan Rollins, MIL @ SAC ($3,800 DK; $4,800 FD)
  2. Luka Doncic, LAL vs. CHI ($12,600 DK; $12,000 FD)
  3. Brandin Podziemski, GSW @ ATL ($6,000 DK; $6,100 FD)
  4. Trae Young, ATL vs. GSW ($9,900 DK; $9,700 FD)
  5. Josh Giddey, CHI @ LAL ($8,600 DK; $8,800 FD)
  6. Dyson Daniels, ATL vs. GSW ($7,000 DK) DraftKings Only

 

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard

The shooting guard position is bleak tonight; there's no way around it. Mikal Bridges and B-Pod are my favorite mid-range picks, as both should play heavy minutes in very favorable matches against the Wizards and Hawks, respectively. Bridges sees modest jumps in usage rate and FPTS/min with Brunson off the floor, but this recommendation is all about the Thibs-centric minute projection and the matchup against a team that allows the most fantasy points per game.

Top SG Options:

  1. Brandin Podziemski, GSW @ ATL ($6,000 DK; $6,100 FD)
  2. Mikal Bridges, NYK vs. WAS ($6,200 DK; $6,600 FD)
  3. Miles McBride, NYK vs. WAS ($5,500 DK; $5,900 FD)
  4. Cameron Payne, NYK vs. WAS ($3,100 DK) DraftKings Only
  5. Dyson Daniels, ATL vs. GSW ($7,000 DK) DraftKings Only

 

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward

Bridges is also a top pick at SF tonight, but there are a few other options. Kyle Kuzma sees a massive jump in usage rate (19.8% to 24.9%) and FPTS/min (0.79 to 0.99) with Lillard off the floor. He hasn't been too impressive lately but has exceeded 5x value with 29.5 and 33.75 DK points over his previous two games.

Josh Giddey's price tag might make you think twice, but he has exceeded 5x value at his current salary in nine of his last ten games. He's averaging an elite 1.52 FPTS/min over that stretch, and while the Lakers hold solid defensive numbers this season, they're not good enough to shy away from the type of production Giddey has produced. He's not going to be a popular high-priced player to build around, and I love the all-around production he brings to the table (season averages: 13.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG).

Top SF Options:

  1. Mikal Bridges, NYK vs. WAS ($6,200 DK; $6,600 FD)
  2. Josh Giddey, CHI @ LAL ($8,600 DK; $8,800 FD)
  3. Kyle Kuzma, MIL @ SAC ($5,400 DK) DraftKings Only

 

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward

Top PF Options:

If you have the salary to afford him, Jimmy Butler is in incredible form and gets a glorious matchup against the Hawks tonight. He has produced 47.5, 48.5, and 59.75 DK points coming into tonight's action, and Atlanta allows the second-most fantasy points per game to SFs this season (third-most to PFs).

As stated in the "Values" section, Kuminga is also worth taking shots at his mid-range salary. OG Anunoby looks excellent for the same reason all the Knicks do - he should play all the minutes he can handle against the worst defense in the NBA.

Lastly, unpopular plays like Georges Niang, Draymond Green, and Trey Lyles are worth gambling on since this is a small four-game slate. Someone will outperform their expectations, so I like taking shots on players who either have upside at their salary or would see blowout run in uncompetitive situations.

Green, in particular, has been rejuvenated by the Warriors' recent success. He averages 35.4 DK points per game over his last five games, including a 45.75 DK point output his last time out.

  1. Jonathan Kuminga, GSW @ ATL ($5,300 DK; $5,500 FD)
  2. Kyle Kuzma, MIL @ SAC ($5,400 DK) DraftKings Only
  3. Jimmy Butler, GSW @ ATL ($8,500 DK; $8,400 FD)
  4. Draymond Green, GSW @ ATL ($6,700 DK; $7,000 FD)
  5. Georges Niang, ATL vs. GSW ($4,200 DK; $4,000 FD)

 

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center

Towns and Vukcevic were covered earlier, so let's show some love to a few other options for the position. Post doesn't play heavy minutes, but he needs just 18 DK points for 5x value and has games with 26 and 27.5 DK points coming into tonight. He would also be a benefactor if this game turns into a blowout, but that doesn't seem too likely, as the spread is just 2.5 points in favor of Golden State.

Top C Options:

  1. Karl-Anthony Towns, NYK vs. WAS ($10,000 DK; $9,800 FD)
  2. Tristan Vukcevic, WAS @ NYK ($4,400 DK; $5,100 FD)
  3. Draymond Green, GSW @ ATL ($6,700 DK; $7,000 FD)
  4. Quinten Post, GSW @ ATL ($3,600 DK; $4,300 FD)

 

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks

  1. Hawks @ Warriors (231.5 o/u; 104.7 projected pace)
  2. Bulls @ Lakers (234 o/u; 103.9 projected pace)

 

Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids

The Kings. Zach LaVine has been playing like the season is over, averaging 25.8 DK points per game over his last four games. DeMar DeRozan hasn't been as awful, but he rarely pops for ceiling games, and he is priced up with Domantas Sabonis out of the lineup. Malik Monk has stepped up lately, but that has resulted in his salary rising to a spot where we can't be comfortable rolling him out in our lineups. Jonas Valanciunas posts games with less than 20 DK points more often than not, and the coaching staff doesn't trust him as he has averaged 16.3 minutes per game over his last five games.

No one looks good on Sacramento aside from Lyles, who is cheap enough to take shots on and has games with 37.5 and 31.25 DK points over his previous two contests.

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: Luka Doncic
  • My favorite CASH play on the slate: Ryan Rollins
  • My favorite GPP play on the slate: Josh Giddey
  • My favorite value play: Ryan Rollins


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!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tyler Glasnow

Fans 11 in Seven No-Hit Innings Monday
Slade Cecconi

Takes No-Hitter Into Eighth Inning Monday
Max Muncy

Batting Cleanup in Return to Dodgers
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
Younghoe Koo

Falcons Auditioning Kickers, Could Replace Younghoe Koo
Denver Broncos

Sean Payton Says Broncos Need to be Better With Run-Pass Balance
Tank Bigsby

Eagles Acquiring Tank Bigsby From Jaguars on Monday
George Kittle

Likely Out 3-5 Weeks, Could Land on Injured Reserve
Chase Burns

to be Activated on Friday
Brock Purdy

Dealing With Multiple Injuries, Could Miss Week 2
Tyler Glasnow

Cleared to Start on Monday
Logan O'Hoppe

Placed on Concussion Injured List
Christian Yelich

Returning on Monday
Elias Pettersson

Feeling "Good" Ahead of Season
NHL

Alex Formenton Rejoins Swiss Team
NHL

Grigori Denisenko Heads Back Home
CAR

Kevin Labanc Joins Hurricanes for Tryout
Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Daniel Palencia

Cubs Place Daniel Palencia on Injured List With Shoulder Strain
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Returning on Monday
Sean Murphy

Done for the Year With Hip Labral Tear
Alec Bohm

Lands on Injured List With Cyst in his Shoulder
Trea Turner

Going on Injured List, Phillies Hope to Have him Back for Playoffs
Brock Bowers

Considered Day-to-Day With Knee Injury
Jonathan Taylor

is "Good" After Taking a Hit to his Neck in Week 1
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Kyle Stowers

Suffers Setback on Rehab Assignment?
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Michael King

Expected to Return on Tuesday
Russell Wilson

Remains the Giants Starter
Trea Turner

Undergoing MRI Exam on Monday
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Xavier Worthy

Week-to-Week with Dislocated Shoulder
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Rhys McKee

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Axel Sola

Successful In His UFC Debut
Robert Ruchała

Robert Ruchala Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
William Gomis

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Derrick Henry

Scores Twice but has Costly Fumble on Sunday
Lamar Jackson

Shines With Three Total Touchdowns in Loss to Bills
Keon Coleman

Leads the Team With 11 Targets on Sunday
Josh Allen

Totals Four Touchdowns in Win Over Ravens
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Dominates Targets in Seattle, Records 124 Receiving Yards in Week 1
Puka Nacua

Leads Rams in Targets, Catches, and Receiving Yards in Week 1
Logan O'Hoppe

Exits After Concussion Scare, Status Remains Unclear
Christian McCaffrey

Logs 31 Touches in Season Opener
Travis Etienne Jr.

Dominates Backfield Touches in Jacksonville, Posts Monster Day
Jayson Tatum

"Moving Around Way Better"
Russell Wilson

Giants Won't Commit to Russell Wilson as Week 2 Starter
Drake London

Day-to-Day with Shoulder Sprain
George Kittle

and Jauan Jennings to Undergo MRIs
Jake Moody

49ers to Evaluate Kicker Position After Jake Moody Struggles
Daniel Palencia

to Miss Time With Shoulder Injury
Byron Buxton

Exits Early With Knee Contusion
Trea Turner

Suffers Hamstring Strain
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway
AJ Allmendinger

Could Be a Sleeper Again at Gateway
Tyler Reddick

Southern 500 Near-Miss Makes Tyler Reddick a Stronger Option for Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Likely Gateway Contender
Alex Bowman

a Long Shot to Advance in Playoffs
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing Looks Slower at Gateway, Which Will Hurt Austin Dillon
Shane Van Gisbergen

Starts 18th in Gateway Debut
Bubba Chandler

to Make First Start on Sunday
Samuel Basallo

Exits Early with Hand Injury
Jeremy Swayman

Ready to Get Back on Track
Connor McDavid

Aiming for More Goals
NJ

Luke Glendening Signs Tryout Deal With Devils
Dylan Harper

Hoping to be Ready for the Opener Versus Dallas
EDM

Derek Ryan Retires From Hockey
Connor Zary

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Flames
Carey Price

Canadiens Trade Carey Price to Sharks
Rasmus Hojgaard

Finishes Tied For Second at Omega European Masters
Tyrrell Hatton

Finishes Tied for 32nd at LIV Indianapolis
Matt Fitzpatrick

Finishes Fifth at Omega European Masters
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied For Second in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Xander Schauffele

Finishes 42nd in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Caio Borralho

Set For A Title Eliminator Bout
Nassourdine Imavov

Looks To Earn A Title Shot
Mauricio Ruffy

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Set For UFC Paris Co-Main Event
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Paul Craig

In Dire Need Of Victory
Mason Jones

Set for Main-Card Bout
Bolaji Oki

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Rhys McKee

Set To Open Up UFC Paris Main Card
Jon Rahm

Looks to Prove His Importance on European Ryder Cup Team
Tommy Fleetwood

Among Leaders of European Ryder Cup Team
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Close to Triple-Double Versus Serbia
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Fills Box Score Against Turkey
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Shakes Off Minor Injury
E.J. Liddell

Inks Two-Way Deal With Nets
NBA

Ben Simmons Reportedly Considering Retirement
P.J. Washington

Agrees to Four-Year, $90 Million Extension
Sepp Straka

Gets Captain's Pick to Join Team Europe
PGA

Victor Hovland to Make Third Ryder Cup Appearance for Team Europe
J.J. Spaun

Set to Represent Team USA for First Time at Bethpage
Russell Henley

Makes First Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Harris English

Named to Ryder Cup Team for Second Time
Justin Thomas

Making Fourth Ryder Cup Team Appearance at Bethpage
Ben Griffin

Making First Career Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Bryson DeChambeau

Set to be Part of Team USA at Bethpage
Santi Aldama

Bags Double-Double in Losing Effort
Guerschon Yabusele

Erupts for 36 Points Against Poland
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Leads Slovenia Into Next Round at EuroBasket
San Antonio Spurs

Stanley Umude Signs Training Camp Deal With Spurs
Reece Beekman

Joins Magic for Training Camp
Justin Minaya

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Magic