After a slower pace for the NBA Cup early in the month and then the Christmas Day showcase, the NBA is back to full speed ahead as we finish up 2025. For the second straight day, nine games are on the schedule, and the eight games that start at 7:00 p.m. ET and 8:00 p.m. ET are part of the DraftKings main slate. With eight teams playing for the second day in a row, more value will likely emerge as players are rested, but there are already a few bargain plays are emerging as top DFS Value picks.
As you try to blend the right big-money and bargain plays, here are my three value picks for DFS and season-long formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $100K Fadeaway [$25K to 1st]
SF/PF Tari Eason, Houston Rockets vs. CLE ($4,500)
The Rockets made a change in their starting lineup on Christmas Day that could have huge implications as to the fantasy value of Tari Eason the rest of the season. Just two games after returning from five weeks off with a leg issue, Eason made his second start of the season. He replaced Josh Okogie in the starting five and played 26 minutes against the Lakers.
Eason racked up 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, four steals, two blocks and a three-pointer for 31.75 fantasy points in 26 minutes.
His defensive intensity and ability to score and create give him a very high ceiling if he sticks in the Rockets’ starting five. He hasn’t been regularly able to play a ton of minutes while battling injuries, but when he’s healthy, he can be one of the top producers on the court.
On Saturday night, he gets a good home matchup against the Cavs, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to small forwards this year.
C Oso Ighodaro, Phoenix Suns at NO ($3,500)
The Suns have typically rested Mark Williams on the second half of back-to-back sets this season, and if they continue to do that, Ighodaro will be in a great spot against the Pelicans. Williams had a big night against New Orleans on Friday while Ighodaro played 21 minutes off the bench with 15.75 fantasy points on six points, five rebounds, an assist and a block.
Ighodaro started the last game that Williams sat and produced eight points, eight rebounds and 26 fantasy points against the Nuggets.
If he starts against Derik Queen and the Pelicans, it’ll be a fun matchup of dynamic young “do-everything” big men in what will be a fun matchup that should result in good fantasy production for both players. On the other side of the matchup, II highlighted Queen’s upside in one of my top player props for the night.
PG Egor Demin, Brooklyn Nets at MIN ($4,300)
In the backcourt, my favorite bargain guard of the night is Egr Demin of the Nets, who doesn’t need anyone to be ruled out to have a big role for Brooklyn. The No. 8 overall pick has scored at least 14 points in four straight games and had 20 points, five assists, and 31 fantasy points to guide the Nets to a win over the Sixers in their most recent game, which was Tuesday in Philly.
Demin has at least 30 fantasy points in three of his last four games and is taking on a more involved role for the Nets after ramping up following a foot issue to start the year.
While he can be a little boom-or-bust, the rookie has been solid enough lately to be a great option at just over $4,000 and comes loaded with upside against a banged-up Wolves’ backcourt that could be tired after their Christmas Day double-overtime defeat.
