Happy New Year, everyone! Josh Engleman here, and I’m excited to kick off 2025 with a breakdown of my top NBA DFS picks on DraftKings for today’s slate. The new year brings a fresh opportunity to find value, and I have the best DraftKings NBA DFS picks based on information from Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections.
DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, January 1
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5 – Mikal Bridges
Position: SG/SF | Salary: $6,600
Projections: 18.7 Points, 4.1 Rebounds, 3.4 Assists, 1.7 Stocks
Bridges is flying under the radar today, but that’s great news for us. He’s a high-minutes player who should see around 40 minutes against the Utah Jazz, one of the worst defensive teams in the league. With his positional flexibility, Bridges fits seamlessly into both stars-and-scrubs builds and balanced lineups. The price and matchup make him one of the best plays of the day.
4 – Ben Simmons
Position: PG | Salary: $6,000
Projections: 9.4 Points, 7.0 Rebounds, 7.4 Assists, 1.8 Stocks
Simmons might feel like a risky pick, but he’s projected for around 29 minutes tonight. With Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton with the Lakers now, there’s a clear path for Simmons to maintain his recent playing time. If he hits anywhere north of 30 fantasy points, he’ll provide great value on this six-game DraftKings slate. Keep an eye on Ziaire Williams‘ status; if Williams is out, Simmons will become an even stronger play.
3 – Jalen Brunson
Position: PG | Salary: $8,900
Projections: 26.7 Points, 3.4 Rebounds, 7.7 Assists, 1.1 Stocks
Brunson leads the charge against the struggling Utah Jazz. With the Jazz ranking poorly on both ends of the floor, Brunson’s ability to take over games makes him a fantastic option. Although he’s listed as questionable, Brunson played significant minutes last time out under similar circumstances. If he suits up, he’ll be one of the strongest plays on the slate.
2 – Patrick Williams
Position: PF | Salary: $4,600
Projections: 12.7 Points, 4.6 Rebounds, 2.4 Assists, 1.8 Stocks
The Bulls face a fast-paced, defensively challenged Wizards team, creating a perfect environment for Williams to thrive. With injuries to Torrey Craig, Ayo Dosunmu and potentially Zach LaVine, Williams is in line for an increased role. Even if LaVine plays, Williams’ matchup and price tag make him a must-consider option.
1 – D’Angelo Russell
Position: PG | Salary: $5,100
Projections: 15.6 Points, 3.0 Rebounds, 5.2 Assists, 1.2 Stocks
Russell makes his return to Brooklyn in an incredible value spot. He’s priced like a bench player, but I’m expecting him to start and play close to 30 minutes. If that happens, this price tag will look like a steal. Russell is projected to be the highest-owned player on DraftKings today, and with good reason — he’s the top overall play on the slate.
