The October 23, 2025 NBA slate on DraftKings includes only two games: OKC vs. Indiana and Denver vs. Golden State. This means ownership will likely condense around the stars. Finding the right mix of studs and value plays is essential for large-field GPPs. These DraftKings NBA GPP picks are based on advanced stats, usage rates, and injury news to identify the best plays across three salary tiers: must-plays, mid-tier values, and deep sleepers.
Thursday NBA DFS Must-Play Studs
Nikola Jokić (C – $11,500, DEN)
Jokić remains the safest high-priced anchor on any slate. He averaged close to a triple-double last season and topped 70 DraftKings points 30 times. Against a Golden State team that still lacks size inside, Jokić’s 30% usage, 20% rebound rate, and elite assist percentage make him the slate’s most stable floor-ceiling combo. Expect him to dominate in a game projected over 230 total points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – $10,500, OKC)
SGA led the league in scoring last year with 32.7 PPG and posted one of the best two-way stat lines in basketball. His usage sits near 35%, and he adds defensive upside with over 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. With Josh Giddey gone and multiple Thunder wings injured, SGA will handle a massive offensive load against a Pacers defense missing Tyrese Haliburton. He’s a top GPP spend-up with legitimate 70 DK-point upside.
Mid-Tier DraftKings Value Picks for Thursday, Oct 23 ($4.5K–$6K)
Bennedict Mathurin (SG – $6,000, IND)
Mathurin steps into a lead role with Haliburton sidelined. He’s expected to post a high usage rate as Indiana’s primary scorer. Mathurin’s aggressive style, strong drives and foul-drawing ability, gives him paths to big fantasy totals even when shots aren’t falling. Expect 18–20 field goal attempts in a fast-paced matchup versus OKC. He’s a core mid-range play with 35+ DK-point potential.
Aaron Gordon (PF – $5,700, DEN)
Gordon’s consistency and versatility make him a strong mid-tier target. He averaged 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists last season, often filling multiple stat categories. Against Golden State’s small-ball lineups, Gordon should benefit from easy cuts off Jokić’s passes and extra rebounding opportunities. His athleticism gives him a 30+ DK-point ceiling in this pace-up spot.
Thursday DraftKings Sleeper Picks for GPPs (Under $4.5K)
Aaron Wiggins (SG/SF – $4,200, OKC)
With several Thunder players questionable, Wiggins could see 25–30 minutes in an expanded role. He averaged 12.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last year on 51% shooting and has flashed upside when given minutes, including multiple 40+ DK-point games. At this price, he’s a high-upside tournament punt who could 8× his salary if he hits shots and racks up steals in transition.
Luguentz Dort (SF – $4,300, OKC)
Dort is questionable with an ankle injury but becomes a strong sleeper if cleared. When active, he averages around 13 PPG with solid defensive peripherals. Dort’s usage climbs in small lineups, and against an undermanned Pacers backcourt, he could post a balanced line with points, steals, and boards. If he’s ruled out, Cason Wallace (also questionable, $4,500) becomes an immediate plug-in replacement with a similar floor and more shooting volume.
