NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (5/23/25)

May 23, 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 May 23, 2025.

Welcome back, RotoBallers! We are back for Game 2 between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. After a wild Game 1 where the Pacers pulled off a historic comeback, erasing a 14-point deficit in the final three minutes to win 138-135 in overtime, this series is already delivering fireworks.

For NBA DFS, single-game slates are all about balancing your core studs with sneaky value plays to unlock upside. Cash games demand consistency, but GPPs reward those who find the low-owned gems that pop off.

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 5/23/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our excellent NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 8:00 p.m. EDT on DraftKings. 

Today's NBA DFS MVP/Captain Picks

Tyrese Haliburton - IND - PG/SG (FD Only) ($15,300 DK, $20,700 FD)

Haliburton was the hero of Game 1, dropping 31 points, including a buzzer-beating floater to force overtime, along with 11 assists and four rebounds. His 21% usage rate and 9.2 assists per game make him a DFS dream, even against a tough Knicks defense ranked 13th in defensive rating and ninth in points allowed per game. Indiana’s fast pace (seventh in the league) should keep Haliburton’s playmaking in high gear, and his 1.26 DK points per minute rate screams efficiency.

The Knicks’ 26th-ranked 3-point defense could also open up his outside shot after hitting 4-of-12 from deep in Game 1. He’s a lock for cash games and a strong GPP play with a ceiling for 50+ fantasy points.

Jalen Brunson - NYK - PG ($15,900 DK, $21,300 FD)

Brunson erupted for 43 points in Game 1 on 15-of-25 shooting, though his seven turnovers and -8 plus/minus highlight the Pacers’ ability to pressure him. His 29% usage rate and 35.4 minutes per game make him a volume monster, and Indiana’s 13th-ranked defensive rating and 17th-ranked points allowed per game should give him plenty of scoring opportunities.

Brunson’s 1.21 DK points per minute and ability to draw fouls (14 free throws in Game 1) make him a safe cash-game anchor. In GPPs, his ceiling is massive if he cuts down on turnovers and exploits Indiana’s eighth-ranked 3-point defense. He’s a must-play in most formats.

Karl-Anthony Towns - NYK - C ($14,700 DK, $18,900 FD)

Towns was a beast in Game 1, posting 35 points and 12 rebounds with 4-of-8 from three. Despite a slight dip in playoff fantasy points per game (49.4 per game to 41.2 in Game 1), his 27% usage rate and 1.41 DK points per minute make him a focal point. Indiana’s 28th-ranked rebounding rate is a glaring weakness, and Towns should feast on the glass against Myles Turner.

The Pacers’ eighth-ranked 3-point defense is tough but Towns loves to stretch the floor. I think he'll be in line for double-double with 50+ upside so he’s a core piece for me in both cash and GPP lineups.

Today's NBA DFS Utility

Aaron Nesmith - IND - SF/SG (DK Only)/PF (FD Only) ($6,600 DK, $6,400 FD)

Nesmith was a Game 1 revelation, dropping 30 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including an absurd 8-of-9 from three. His 17% usage rate and 30.4 minutes in the playoffs suggest he’s earning a bigger role, and the Knicks’ 26th-ranked 3-point defense could keep his hot shooting alive. At just $6,600 on DraftKings, Nesmith offers massive leverage as a likely lower-owned play than Haliburton or Pascal Siakam.

His 0.87 DK points per minute and defensive contributions (two blocks, one steal in Game 1) add to his appeal. If his shot stays hot, he’s a GPP differentiator with 30+ fantasy point potential.

Josh Hart - NYK - PF/SF ($8,400 DK, $9,200 FD)

Hart’s Game 1 stat line (eight points, 13 rebounds, seven assists) was quieter than his 39.1 fantasy points per game average, but his 37.7 minutes and 15% usage rate keep him in the conversation. Indiana’s 28th-ranked rebounding rate plays right into Hart’s strength as a hustle player, and his 9.7 potential assists per game hint at playmaking upside.

At $8,400 on DraftKings, he’s a value GPP play who could go overlooked after a modest scoring night. If he finds his shot (1-of-3 from three in Game 1), Hart could push for 40+ fantasy points, especially in a fast-paced game.

T.J. McConnell - IND - PG ($3,200 DK, $2,800 FD)

McConnell’s 14.1 minutes in Game 1 produced 10 points and four rebounds, but his 23% usage rate and 1.19 DK points per minute scream upside if his role expands. The Knicks’ 13th-ranked defensive rating and 9th-ranked points allowed per game is tough but the Pacers always give McConnell room to operate as a spark-plug off the bench.

At $3,200 on DraftKings, he’s a low-owned GPP dart with a path to 25+ fantasy points if he sees closer to 20 minutes. His hustle and ability to push the pace align perfectly with Indiana’s 7th-ranked tempo.

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Today's NBA DFS Value Picks

Mitchell Robinson - NYK - C ($4,000 DK, $3,200 FD)

Robinson played 20.9 minutes off the bench in Game 1, grabbing eight rebounds and adding a block and a steal. His 11% usage rate is low, but Indiana’s 28th-ranked rebounding rate gives him a clear path to double-digit boards. At $4,000 on DraftKings, Robinson is a cash-game value play who can deliver 20-25 fantasy points with his rebounding and defensive stats. His limited offensive role caps his GPP ceiling, but he’s a safe way to unlock salary for studs like Brunson or Haliburton.

Miles McBride - NYK - PG/SG ($2,600 DK, $1,800 FD)

McBride’s 25.5 minutes in Game 1 were encouraging, though his nine points and two rebounds were modest. His 16% usage rate and 0.81 DK points per minute suggest he’s a minutes-dependent value play. Indiana’s eighth-ranked 3-point defense could limit his scoring, but at $2,600 on DraftKings, McBride is a punt play with 15-20 fantasy point upside if he maintains a 20+ minute role. He’s best suited for GPPs where you need salary relief.

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis