NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (4/25/25)

April 25, 2025

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 April 25, 2025.

Welcome Back, RotoBallers! We’re breaking down a three-game NBA slate tonight with some spicy matchups and injury news that’s shaking things up. The Boston Celtics take on the Orlando Magic, the Indiana Pacers face the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Los Angeles Lakers battle the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Jayson Tatum’s out, Jrue Holiday’s questionable, and that Boston game could see some serious usage shifts. Meanwhile, the Indy-Milwaukee clash has a 230.5 total, screaming upside.

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 4/25/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our excellent NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7 p.m. EDT. Good luck, RotoBallers!

Today's NBA DFS Core Picks

These are your lineup cornerstones—players with the best blend of floor, matchup, and ceiling.

Jaylen Brown - BOS - SG/SF ($8.1K DK, $8.5K FD)

With Tatum sidelined due to a wrist injury, Jaylen Brown steps into the spotlight as Boston’s primary offensive weapon against Orlando. His usage rate jumps to 28 percent in games without Tatum, and he’s been a consistent producer, averaging 1.13 DK points per minute in those spots this season. Brown’s recent playoff form shows a +3.8 PPG increase, and his 22.2 PPG average could climb higher with the extra shot attempts.

Orlando’s defense is formidable, ranking second in defensive rating and first in points allowed, while also being the stingiest in the league at allowing 3-point attempts. This means Brown may need to rely on mid-range scoring and drives to the basket, where he’s been effective.

Brown’s 35+ minutes and role as the go-to scorer give him a safe floor of 35-40 fantasy points with a ceiling pushing 50+ if he gets hot. He’s a cash game lock and a strong GPP play.

Giannis Antetokounmpo - MIL - PF/C ($11.5K DK, $11.6K FD)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the slate’s premium play, and for good reason, this matchup against Indiana is an absolute dream. He's scored 57.5 and 68.5 fantasy points in Games 1 and 2, respectively, and I'm expecting more of the same tonight. The Pacers play at the seventh-fastest pace in the league, which aligns perfectly with Giannis’ transition-heavy, rim-attacking style.

Indiana’s rebounding is abysmal, ranking 28th, giving Giannis a clear path to dominate the glass (12 and 18 rebounds in the first two games). His 35 percent usage rate is among the highest on the slate, and his 1.74 DK points per minute reflect his ability to rack up stats in a hurry.

With a game total of 230.5, the highest on the slate, this matchup has all the makings of a Giannis explosion. He’s averaging 39 minutes, 35 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists per game so far in this series, and I expect more of the same tonight with the Bucks' backs against the wall down 0-2 in the series.

Tyrese Haliburton - IND - PG/SG ($8.4K DK, $9K FD)

Tyrese Haliburton is thriving in the playoffs, with his assist numbers jumping to 9.2 APG (+2.8 from the regular season), making him a prime target in this high-octane matchup against Milwaukee. The Bucks play at a solid 14th-ranked pace, and their defense is vulnerable, ranking 17th in points allowed and 13th in defensive rating. Haliburton’s usage rate is listed at 21 percent, but this undersells his impact as a playmaker; his 15.2 potential assists per game highlight his ability to rack up dimes, and he's averaging 12 per game so far in this series.

The Bucks’ 23rd-ranked rebounding also opens the door for Haliburton to snag a few extra boards, as he’s averaging 6 RPG (+2.5 in the playoffs). Haliburton’s 1.26 DK points per minute and 42.3 fantasy points per game make him a cash game staple, but his 50-point ceiling in this 230.5-total game gives him serious GPP appeal.

Today's NBA DFS Pivots

These guys might be less chalky but have the upside to crush GPPs.

Derrick White - BOS - PG/SG ($7.2K DK, $7.3K FD)

Tatum’s absence and Holiday’s questionable status thrust White into a bigger role. He’s averaging 1.00 DK points per minute and saw a +4% usage bump in similar spots this season. Orlando’s first-ranked defense against 3-point attempts is a challenge, but White’s all-around game gives him a path to 35-40 fantasy points in 33-35 minutes, especially if Holiday sits.

His ownership might lag behind Brown, making him a GPP gem.

Pascal Siakam - IND - PF ($7.3K DK, $8.1K FD)

Siakam’s been a playoff beast, averaging 1.13 DK points per minute with a +4.3 PPG boost from his season average. Milwaukee’s 23rd-ranked rebounding and 17th-ranked points allowed make this a prime spot for his versatile skill set. With a 230.5 game total, Siakam’s points, boards, and assists could push him into the 50 fantasy point range.

I'm expecting him to come in at lower ownership than Giannis and Haliburton, making him a great pivot tonight.

Anthony Edwards - MIN - PG/SG ($8.5K DK, $9.2K FD)

Edwards is a classic GPP boom-or-bust pick. The Lakers’ 20th-ranked pace and 21st-ranked rebounding give him room to leverage his 31 percent usage rate. LA’s fifth-ranked points allowed and sixth-ranked D-Rating are tough, but Edwards' all-around game makes him a threat for 50+ fantasy points if the game stays close.

His ownership should be manageable, which will boost his tournament appeal.

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Today's NBA DFS Value Picks

These players are under $6,000 and deliver salary relief with solid upside.

Al Horford - BOS - PF/C ($4.8K DK, $5.5K FD)

Horford starts with Tatum out, and at this price, he’s a no-brainer. Averaging 0.85 DK points per minute, he should play 28-30 minutes against Orlando. The Magic’s 14th-ranked rebounding and second-ranked D-Rating are tough, but Horford’s floor of points, boards, and blocks makes him a safe 20-25 fantasy point play. Ideal for cash games and GPP salary relief.

Wendell Carter Jr. - ORL - C ($4.8K DK, $5K FD)

Carter’s minutes are up (+4.6 MIN/G), and Boston’s 11th-ranked rebounding makes this a sneaky spot. At 0.93 DK points per minute, he can hit 20-25 fantasy points in 30 minutes, mainly if the game stays competitive. His price is too low for the role, making him a strong value for cash and GPP builds.

Cory Joseph - ORL - PG ($3.4K DK, $3.9K FD)

Joseph is a punt play to fit studs like Giannis. His minutes have surged from his regular-season average. At 0.72 DK points per minute, he’s not a star, but 15-20 fantasy points in 24 minutes is realistic at this price. Use him in GPPs to unlock high-end plays.

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: Giannis Antetokounmpo
• My favorite CASH play on the slate: Jaylen Brown
• My favorite GPP play on the slate: Pascal Siakam
• My favorite value play: Al Horford

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis