Happy New Year’s Eve, everyone! Josh Engleman is here with the top DraftKings NBA DFS picks based on information from Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections. We are winding down 2024 with some DFS action and gearing up for a profitable 2025, so let’s dive in.
DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, December 31
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5 – Jaylen Wells
Position: SG/SF | Salary: $4,300
Projections: 13.5 Points, 3.8 Rebounds, 2.0 Assists, 0.9 Stocks
The Grizzlies are dealing with a depleted roster — no Ja Morant, Santi Aldama, Marcus Smart and more. That means plenty of opportunity for Wells, who projects to play 30 minutes tonight. Wells offers flexibility to fit into five different lineup spots, and on a small slate like this, value plays are gold. Wells checks all the boxes.
4 – Chris Paul
Position: PG | Salary: $6,300
Projections: 9.5 Points, 4.4 Rebounds, 9.2 Assists, 1.7 Stocks
Paul is flying under the radar today, which makes him a fantastic GPP option. He’s been solid in recent games, playing 34 to 35 minutes, and offers a great chance to outperform his salary. Whether or not you buy into the revenge narrative, Paul is one of my favorite contrarian plays tonight.
3 – James Harden
Position: PG | Salary: $9,300
Projections: 22.1 Points, 6.3 Rebounds, 8.6 Assists, 2.0 Stocks
The stat sheet might say Harden is playing well, but the eye test? Not so much. Still, this is DFS, and we’re chasing raw totals, not efficiency. Harden should have no problem filling the box score on a slate with limited elite options. He’s one of the highest-owned players tonight, and for good reason: He’s a safe bet for big minutes and production.
2 – LeBron James
Position: PF | Salary: $9,700
Projections: 22.0 Points, 8.0 Rebounds, 8.7 Assists, 1.8 Stocks
LeBron is questionable for tonight’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but if he plays, he’s a top-tier pay-up option. The Lakers are integrating new pieces in Shake Milton and Dorian Finney-Smith, but LeBron remains the focal point of their offense. On a short slate, you’ll want exposure to his upside.
1 – Scotty Pippen Jr.
Position: PG | Salary: $5,800
Projections: 15.9 Points, 4.0 Rebounds, 5.8 Assists, 1.9 Stocks
Pippen steps into a bigger role for the Grizzlies with Morant out. This matchup against the Phoenix Suns is the most up-tempo game on the schedule, and Pippen should thrive in this environment. His price hasn’t caught up to his role yet, making him a must-play in both cash games and GPPs.
