The NBA features a nine-game slate on Friday, December 26, 2025, with fantasy experts recommending top performers amid widespread injuries. Standout options include Tyrese Maxey against the Chicago Bulls and Devin Booker facing the New Orleans Pelicans. Analysts highlight favorable matchups and recent form to guide DFS lineups.
The NBA slate on December 26, 2025, includes matchups such as Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns at New Orleans Pelicans, Milwaukee Bucks at Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons at Utah Jazz, and Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers.
Injuries are shaping rotations, with Giannis Antetokounmpo out for the Bucks due to a calf issue, Joel Embiid questionable for the 76ers with a knee problem, Bam Adebayo doubtful for the Heat with back concerns, Ja Morant questionable for the Grizzlies with an ankle injury, Franz Wagner out for the Magic with an ankle issue, and Ivica Zubac out for the Clippers with an ankle sprain.
For core DFS plays, Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers is a top choice at $9,800 on DraftKings and $10,200 on FanDuel against the Bulls, who rank 19th in opponent rating. Maxey averages 52.9 fantasy points per game and scored 39 points in his last meeting with Chicago on November 4. Devin Booker of the Suns, priced at $8,900 on DraftKings and $9,000 on FanDuel, faces the Pelicans, who rank 30th in opponent rating and allow 112.8 points per game. Booker has averaged 27.8 points, 6.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals over his past four games.
Jalen Johnson of the Hawks, at $10,000 on DraftKings and $11,000 on FanDuel, targets the Heat, who allow 117.6 points per game. Johnson averages 30.0 points over his last four games, with nine or more rebounds in 11 straight outings and four consecutive triple-doubles from December 5 to 14.
Cash game targets include Paolo Banchero of the Magic at $8,700 on DraftKings and $9,700 on FanDuel versus the Hornets, averaging 40.1 fantasy points per game. Desmond Bane, also with the Magic, at $7,000 on DraftKings, has averaged 34.1 fantasy points and scored 23 points in his most recent outing. Paul George of the 76ers, at $7,000 on DraftKings and $7,400 on FanDuel, faces the Bulls, who rank 29th in opponent rating, despite recent shooting struggles.
GPP options feature Cam Spencer of the Grizzlies at $6,600 on DraftKings, averaging 17.6 points and 7.6 assists in December, against a Bucks team without Antetokounmpo. Collin Gillespie has scored exactly 16 points in each of his last three games. Immanuel Quickley versus the Wizards has averaged 17.5 points and 8.5 assists over his past two games.
Value plays include Royce O’Neale of the Suns at $4,800 on both platforms against the Pelicans, averaging 9.5 points and 2.8 three-pointers in his last four games. Ausar Thompson of the Pistons, at $5,500 on DraftKings, averages 17.0 points over his last three outings against the Jazz, who allow 127.5 points per game. Rob Lopez of the Clippers steps in for the injured Zubac.
Experts note exploitable matchups like the Jazz's poor defense and the Pelicans' leaky frontcourt, but caution on shooting inconsistencies and back-to-back risks.
