We open the final week of 2025 with a loaded 10-game slate, creating plenty of opportunities for FanDuel NBA DFS players to build competitive lineups. Using RotoWire's trusted NBA projections, this breakdown highlights top-tier studs, mid-range targets, and value plays shaped by the latest NBA injury reports and expected NBA starting lineups. With multiple teams short-handed, savvy managers can capitalize on shifting roles, usage bumps, and salary relief while optimizing builds through matchup data and recent NBA player stats. Whether you're fine-tuning lineups or reacting to late-breaking NBA news, this guide is built to support smart DFS decision-making.
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NBA Games Today
I usually set aside a game or two when the slate is this high, and we followed the same pattern by an almost complete exclusion of the MIL/CHR game. We also faded GSW/BKN due to its low projected total. One game I would explore further is the CLE/SAS game at 8:00 p.m. ET, as there are some values there that I did not mention.
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NBA Injuries Today
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report. Below are some of the most recent and relevant injuries for Monday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
PHX Grayson Allen (knee) - OUT
PHX Mark Williams (suspension) - OUT
Nick Richards ($3,500) is in line for a spot start, and Royce O'Neale ($5,100) will remain in the starting lineup for Allen.
WAS Kyshawn George (hip) - OUT
Washington should absorb George's absence with the help of Alex Sarr ($7,300), who has been red-hot recently and universally addable.
CHR Kon Knueppel (ankle) - OUT
CHR Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) - OUT
CHR Sion James (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
If James is able to play, he'll have an increased role with Knueppel out. Otherwise, look for more minutes from Collin Sexton ($5,000). Moussa Diabate ($5,400) will continue to start amid Kalkbrenner's absence.
TOR Jakob Poeltl (back) - OUT
Sandro Mamukelashvili ($6,100) will start again, but you're probably better off with Scottie Barnes ($8,600) if you're targeting the Raptors against the Magic.
NYK Josh Hart (ankle) - OUT
NYK Miles McBride (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
McBride will likely start if he's able, but Jordan Clarkson ($4,500) would see a larger role if he's absent.
IND Jay Huff (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
IND Isaiah Jackson (concussion) - OUT
If Huff can't make it, the Pacers will be woefully short up front. The Pacers will probably shift Pascal Siakam to the five and bring in Jarace Walker ($4,100) if the tag holds for Huff.
HOU Alperen Sengun (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
The Pacers may get a reprieve if Sengun misses. Steven Adams ($4,400) would be in line for a start if Sengun is out.
SAS De'Aaron Fox (thigh) - QUESTIONABLE
If Fox misses, I'll fade the direct replacement and roll with Stephon Castle ($7,400) instead.
ATL Trae Young (quad) - QUESTIONABLE
ATL Jalen Johnson (illness) - OUT
ATL Kristaps Porzingis (illness) - OUT
Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($6,300) will see a bump if Young is out, and you can make a dart throw with Asa Newell ($3,700) to replace the other absences.
Elite NBA DFS Picks
We have five players above the $10k threshold today, but I'll exclude Sengun from the conversation due to his questionable tag. Among the remaining four, I think Nikola Jokic ($12,900) will yield the highest FP total, but you'll pay a premium to use him. Due to some other values on the slate, I may look the other way. I believe the ideal $10k play in the group is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,900), who should be able to beat 5x value against the short-handed Hawks.
We have seven players in the $9k range, and I'm inclined to go with Devin Booker ($9,100) against the Wizards at a slight discount. Jalen Brunson ($9,400) is also a quality pick against the Pelicans.
At the $8k tier, there's no shortage of talent, with 14 players available. There's plenty to like here, but Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,900) and Jamal Murray ($8,500) are at the top of my list.
Chalk and Mid-Range NBA DFS Picks
Julius Randle, MIN ($7,700) @ CHI
This is the first tangle between the two teams, and while I've been light on Randle in recent weeks, it's a favorable night to use him against the Bulls. Rudy Gobert will be occupied with Jalen Smith, and Randle has about 50 pounds on Matas Buzelis. He should power his way to a good total tonight.
Desmond Bane, ORL ($7,600) @ TOR
Orlando is still snake-bit with injuries, and Bane is playing well while the team waits for Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs to return. Paolo Banchero can't carry the load by himself, and Bane's salary is a great way to get involved in Orlando's potential success against Toronto.
Dyson Daniels, ATL ($7,000) @ OKC
We'll see what happens with Young's status later in the day, but Daniels is off the injury report and should provide support if Young is a step slow against the Thunder. Daniels was saddled with a hip injury last week but is cleared to play Monday. The salary is right in line with his projected totals.
OG Anunoby, NYK ($6,500) @ NOP
Potential absences from Josh Hart and Miles McBride should help Anunoby show some upside against the Pelicans, as it'll shift him into a better shotmaking spot at the wing. I've given the green light to a few Knicks already, and I advise investing in at least two of them tonight.
Jaime Jaquez, MIA ($6,100) vs. DEN
Miami continues to deal with Tyler Herro's absence, and Jaquez has performed well in the interim. He's coming off an excellent 40.7-FDFP total against the Pacers, and he'll beat 5x value easily if he can get close to that total. I also like Andrew Wiggins ($6,300) as an alternative at a similar cost.
NBA DFS Value Picks
I'm limiting our detailed selections in this category, as most of the best values have already been mentioned in the injury section. Newell, Walker, Sarr, Richards and Sexton rate high on my list, and they should all be considered as viable alternatives.
Tim Hardaway, DEN ($4,700) @ MIA
Hardaway's role has increased due to several injuries on the roster, and he's making the most of his opportunity. He's consistently beating 5x value at this salary level, making him an excellent cap relief option for Monday's slate.
