NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (5/11/25)

May 11, 2025

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 11, 2025.

We're down to two-game slates in the NBA now as we continue with the conference semifinals. It has been an exhilarating round, with plenty of upsets, comebacks, and buzzer-beaters that every basketball fan can enjoy.

The Thunder will attempt to right the ship in altitude against Denver as the Nuggets hold a surprising 2-1 series lead through three games. Will the Thunder show some resilience and defend their stellar regular season record? Or will Nikola Jokic and an experienced Nuggets squad take a commanding 3-1 series lead? The Cavaliers will also be looking to even the series in Indiana tonight, and with both road teams favored, we could be in for another excellent day of basketball in the association.

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 5/11/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our excellent NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 3:30 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.

Nikola Jokic, DEN - C ($11.2K DK, $11.5K FD)

Nikola Jokic is always my top choice on every slate he's on, and it has paid off much more often than not. He has been up-and-down against OKC in this series, posting 54.5 (Game 3), 38 (Game 2), and 83.5 (Game 1) DK points. He has the highest median projection and ceiling on this slate, and even though the Thunder have plenty of big bodies to throw at him, I still think he does what a three-time MVP does in a decisive Game 4 on his home court.

Donovan Mitchell, CLE - PG/SG ($9.5K DK, $9.7K FD)

SGA is a little too expensive for my taste, and Tyrese Haliburton is prone to stinkers like his Game 3 performance (12 DK points). That leaves Donovan Mitchell as the most appealing (non-Jokic) option at the top of the salary pool, and I'm all about it tonight. Spyda has turned it on recently, posting 65.25 DK points in Game 3 and a monster 75.75 DK point performance in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

He has been more assertive driving to the basket (averaging 17.5 free throw attempts over his last two games) and on the boards (seven rebounds per game over his last two games), and the type of fast-paced game the Pacers like to play seems to work to Mitchell's advantage. The Cavs hold the highest implied total on the slate at 118.5 points, and I believe their star guard will be the catalyst to even up the series.

Also consider: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - PG ($10.2k DK, $10.7k FD)

Today's NBA DFS Pivots

These guys might be less chalky, but they have the upside of crushing GPPs.

Evan Mobley, CLE - PF/C ($7.5K DK, $8K FD)

Evan Mobley was a huge reason the Cavaliers won in a pivotal Game 3, as he produced 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and three steals in the victory. He remains modestly priced and only needs 37.5 DK points for 5x value, which feels very doable considering he scored 54.25 and 40 DK points over his previous two games. Mobley didn't seem to be hampered by his ankle injury in the slightest, and an uptempo pace against an undersized Indiana frontcourt is a recipe for continued success from the big man.

Aaron Gordon, DEN - PF/C ($6.1K DK, $6.6K FD)

Gordon has turned into a different beast in the NBA playoffs. He averaged 28 DK PPG during the regular season but has put up seven games over 30 DK points in the playoffs, including two games with at least 43 DK points in the Western Conference semifinals. He's hitting from deep and snagging boards, which is exactly what Denver needs from him against a talented and deep OKC lineup. I'm not sure the Thunder have an answer for him, and I firmly believe his salary is too low with the excellent form he's currently in.

Also consider: Chet Holmgren - PF/C ($7.1k DK, $7.7k FD)

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Today's NBA DFS Value Picks

These players are available for under $6,000 and offer salary relief with solid upside.

Max Strus, CLE - SG/SF ($5.1K DK, $5.3K FD)

After missing most of the regular season, Max Strus has emerged as a key rotation piece for Cleveland. He has played 34.6 minutes per game in this series, and he's taking full advantage of the extra playing time as he has finished with 27.25, 40.5, and 43.25 DK points heading into tonight's action. He's 9-for-20 from deep over his last two games and contributing with plenty of rebounds, assists, and the occasional "stock". I love him at this price, and he will be a staple in many of my lineup constructions for this slate.

Benedict Mathurin, IND - SG/SF ($4.1K DK, $4.6K FD)

Mathurin isn't the most exciting name on the planet, but he's an essential piece if we want to get Jokic and Mitchell in lineups today. He has played at least 20 minutes, taken at least 10 shots, and scored at least 21.75 DK points in each of the three games in this series so far. That type of production will get the job done at his salary, and while he's not a stat-stuffer by any means, he should work fine as a value lineup-filler on this slate.

Also consider: Aaron Nesmith - SG/SF ($5.4k DK, $5.5k FD)

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: Nikola Jokic
• My favorite GPP play on the slate: Evan Mobley
• My favorite value play: Max Strus

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