Fantasy

NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Jan 11

FantasyPros breaks down the top DraftKings and FanDuel daily fantasy players for the NBA's 5-game slate on Thursday.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo has scored at least 57 DraftKings fantasy points in 18 of his last 21 games.

That Wednesday card was wild, but it’s leaving us with a short slate here. We only have five games on Thursday, with four of them making up the main card. It does make our jobs a bit easier, though, so let’s dive into the slate!

Core Plays

Anthony Davis (PF/C – LAL): $10,300 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel

Davis has scored at least 44 DraftKings points in 17 straight games, dropping at least 60 fantasy points in over half of those. That’s one of the highest totals in the NBA, averaging 55 DK points per game. We also don’t mind that Phoenix posts a 23rd OPRK against opposing centers, with AD averaging 52 DK points per game in their three matchups.

Kyrie Irving (PG/SG – DAL): $9,000 DraftKings, $10,100 FanDuel

Irving has already been great with Luka Doncic, but it’s scary to think what his usage will look like without the superstar. We anticipate Irving looking at 40 minutes, 25 shots, and a 40 percent usage rate. We’ve seen Irving showcase 70-point gems with that type of role in the past, and you know he’ll be hungry against a big-market team like the Knicks. He’s got at least 51 fantasy points in three consecutive meetings with NY!

Cash Game Considerations

Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF/C – MIL): $12,000 DraftKings, $12,300 FanDuel

The Greek Freak has scored at least 57 DraftKings points in 18 of his last 21 games, generating a 63-point average in that span. That’s why he’s the highest-priced player on this slate and the best cash game option. Facing the Celtics is concerning, but Giannis should be motivated in this potential Eastern Conference Finals preview.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG/SG – OKC): $10,400 DraftKings, $11,300 FanDuel

SGA has scored at least 54 DraftKings points in 10 of his last 11 games, averaging nearly 60 DK points per game in that span. That’s terrifying for this pitiful Portland team, ranked 21st in total defense. OKC blew out Portland in their one matchup, but SGA scored 39 DK points, despite playing just 23 minutes. Imagine what that would look like across 35-40 minutes!

GPP Targets

Brook Lopez (C – MIL): $6,200 DraftKings, $6,500 FanDuel

Lopez has been all over the map in terms of consistency, but he’s got a massive upside. This defensive stud averaged nearly 40 fantasy points per game between November and December, showcasing a 50-point ceiling numerous times. That’s all you want from a GPP player in this price range, especially since Lopez has at least 30 DK points in six of his last 11 games. He also bludgeoned Boston earlier in the year, dropping 43 fantasy points!

Dwight Powell (C – DAL): $4,200 DraftKings, $4,800 FanDuel

Powell is far from an exciting option, but it’s tough to fade a $4K player who might play 30 minutes. The injuries have destroyed this Dallas team, but Powell has started the last three games for Dereck Lively. When this guy plays 25-30 minutes a night, Powell averages 25-30 fantasy points per game. That would be a godsend from such an affordable player, and he’ll have to play big minutes to oppose Isaiah Hartenstein.

Value Plays

Isaiah Hartenstein (C – NYK): $6,500 DraftKings, $7,700 FanDuel

Nothing feels better than flowing one write-up into the next because we love Hartenstein as the opposition. This guy has been a beast since taking over as the starting center, scoring at least 34 DraftKings points in five straight fixtures. He’s also regularly playing 35-40 minutes a night and shouldn’t be avoided against a 23rd-ranked Dallas defense.

Scoot Henderson (PG/SG – POR): $6,000 DraftKings, $6,400 FanDuel

We have been waiting for this rookie to get going, and it looks like it’s finally happening. They’ve decided to start him over Malcolm Brogdon over the last three weeks, scoring at least 34 DraftKings points in five of his last eight games. All we need is 30-35 minutes for this Top 3 pick to be an elite DFS option, and that should be a normal thing since Portland is officially in rebuild mode. Not to mention, OKC owns a 22nd OPRK against opposing guards.

OG Anunoby (SG/SF – NYK): $6,100 DraftKings, $6,200 FanDuel

The Knicks took a home run swing when acquiring Anunoby for two key players, but it looks like they hit it out of the park. He has the best plus-minus in the NBA since joining NY, scoring at least 27 DraftKings points in six of his last nine games. He hasn’t had many massive games in that span, but getting 30 fantasy points is all you can ask for from a $6K player. We love the matchup with Dallas because he had nearly 40 fantasy points against them earlier in the year.

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