NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (5/22/25)

May 22, 2025

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

Welcome back, RotoBallers! We are back for Game 2 between the OKC Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Thunder blew them out in Game 1, but hopefully we get a closer game and a better shooting performance from the Timberwolves.

I will help you dive into the slate and hopefully bring in some more cash for the rest of the playoffs! This article will focus on the top guys to play at MVP, some flex guys to put in your utility spots, and a couple of value options to make the rest of the lineup work! The key to succeeding in NBA DFS is making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available.

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 DraftKings on 5/22/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our excellent NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 8:30 p.m. EDT on DraftKings. 

Today's NBA DFS MVP/Captain Picks

These are the guys you want headlining your lineups at the MVP position (on FanDuel) or Captain position (on DraftKings). Note: FanDuel has now moved to the same type of dynamic pricing that DraftKings uses, where the MVP selection costs 1.5x their regular salary.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC - PG ($18.6K DK, $24K FD)

It's pricy, but SGA is one of the most consistent guys on the slate; his ability to get to the line and score is elite. He has scored 30+ points in four straight playoff games and 55+ fantasy points in three of those games. No one has been as consistent as he has at being the best fantasy guy on the slate, and I don't expect that to stop here. Minnesota should hopefully keep it closer this time around.

Julius Randle, MIN - PF/C (DraftKings Only) ($14.1K DK, $18.3K FD)

Julius Randle is a solid option for saving some salary compared to the top two guys. Going with Randle over SGA saves you a near 2k that you can use elsewhere. Julius Randle has been a big reason why Minnesota is in its current position. He has 24+ points in five straight playoff games. Also scoring 41+ fantasy points in four of those games. At his price point, he is an elite MVP option.

Julius Randle, showing out in the playoffs for the first time…

His mix of size, physicality, and shotmaking seemed like it SHOULD translate, and it finally has. Playing smart, under control, and imposing ball so far. Respect. pic.twitter.com/7XO9PQrKwA

— NBA University (@NBA_University) May 20, 2025

Others To Consider: Anthony Edwards- PG/SG/SF, Chet Holmgren- PF/C

Today's NBA DFS Utility

These players are ones you may want to add to your Utility spots!

Chet Holmgren, OKC - PF/C ($8.2K DK, $10.4K FD)

Chet has had 30+ fantasy points in four straight games and looked great in Game 1 of the conference finals. He only saw 25 minutes in Game 1 and finished with 36 fantasy points. If this one doesn't blow out, he has potential for a 50 bomb. The fast pace of play was too much in Game 1 for Rudy Gobert, and once again, Chet could be a problem for him.

Chet Holmgren's 4th Quarter

9 PTS
3 REB
2 BLKS
4/5 FG
1/1 3FG

Helped the Thunder maintain the lead down the stretch pic.twitter.com/lqcMugzZYi

— im not having fun anymore (@Jailenns) May 21, 2025

Jaden McDaniels, MIN - SF/PF ($7.4K DK, $8K FD)

Jaden McDaniels got off to a horrible start in Game 1. He got into foul trouble early before fouling out in only 23 minutes. His defense is a big part of his game, but Minnesota may need him to step back a bit because they need his scoring and rebounding. McDaniels saw 30+ fantasy points in the last four games of the conference semi-finals. At his price point, that is huge. If he can stay out of foul trouble, then he should be in for a solid night.

Others To Consider: Jalen Williams - SF/PF, Isaiah Hartenstein - C

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

Donte DiVincenzo, MIN - PG/SG ($5K DK, $5K FD)

Donte benefited a bit from some of the starters not performing well or being in foul trouble in Game 1. Donte has been up and down with his minutes during the playoffs, but I think they will need him in the more fast-paced offense for his shooting and defense. The nice thing is he is relatively cheap, so we don't need him to get much to be worth the price.

Cason Wallace, OKC - PG/SG ($3.4K DK, $4K FD)

I think for the OKC value options, you have to pick one between Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso. Caruso's minutes are more consistent and a bit safer, but Wallace's minutes have been on the rise recently. He hasn't been super productive, but Wallace at his price could be the value we need to move up elsewhere in the lineup. Cason has seen 26+ minutes in three straight games and scored 17+ fantasy points in all three.

Others to Consider: Naz Reid - PF/C, Alex Caruso - PG/SG/SF

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, a smart NBA DFS strategy can make all the difference. Good luck tonight, and may your lineups crush!

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