Following yesterday's preview of the NBA Christmas Day 2025 five-game slate, this update spotlights daily fantasy picks on FanDuel, critical injury checks, and high-upside players amid shifting statuses for Cavaliers-Knicks, Spurs-Thunder, Mavericks-Warriors, Rockets-Lakers, and Timberwolves-Nuggets.
Updated betting lines from FanDuel Sportsbook (subject to change): Knicks -5.5 (O/U 239.5), Thunder -9.5 (233.5), Warriors -7.5 (227.5), Rockets -2.5 (230.5), Nuggets -2.5 (239.5). Four games project over 230 points for high-scoring potential.
Elite DFS builds around stars like Nikola Jokic ($12,600, 52+ FanDuel points lately, 63.9 vs. Timberwolves), Luka Doncic ($12,300), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11,400), Victor Wembanyama ($11,200, 35.4+ recent), Anthony Davis ($10,300, 55-60 points last two), and Alperen Sengun ($10,200, if cleared).
Key injuries: Doncic (questionable, leg, Mavericks), Sengun (questionable, calf, Rockets), Aaron Gordon (out, hamstring, Nuggets), Ajay Mitchell (out, concussion, Thunder), Cameron Johnson (out, knee, Nuggets), P.J. Washington (questionable, foot, Mavericks), Jaden McDaniels (questionable, oblique, Timberwolves). Verify statuses before lock.
DFS expert Mike McClure targets Mavericks F Cooper Flagg (-260 ROY favorite, 19.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.8 apg) for debut impact and Nuggets G Jamal Murray (25.1 ppg, up with Porter Jr. out).
Value options: Naji Marshall (Mavs, $5,700, 28.8 points recent), Brandin Podziemski (Warriors, $5,300, 25.8 over 14 games), Bruce Brown (Nuggets, $4,600, 22.9 recent). Popular chalk: Anthony Edwards ($9,800), Jalen Brunson ($9,400), Stephen Curry ($9,200), LeBron James ($9,000), Kevin Durant ($8,800). Injuries may boost usage for viable pivots.