Daily Fantasy

NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Jan.9

FantasyPros considers the best player values for DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS.

Joel Bartilotta, FantasyPros

January 9, 2023 7:53 PM

De’Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings host the Orlando Magic on Monday night.

I’m so excited about this week! This is the best we’ve ever seen from a scheduling perspective. Every day has between six and nine games, which is the perfect amount for DFS. The monster slates with 12 and 13 games are simply too many players to look at, and the smaller slates are frustrating because of the lack of diversification, but all of the slates this week are perfect. With that in mind, let’s kick things off with this Monday card!

Injury Report

Brandon Ingram (toe) Questionable
Zion Williamson (hamstring) OUT
Bradley Beal (hamstring) OUT
Lonzo Ball (knee) OUT
Marcus Smart (knee) OUT
Khris Middleton (knee) OUT
RJ Barrett (finger) Doubtful
Keldon Johnson (hamstring) Quesionable
Devin Vassell (knee) OUT
Ja Morant (thigh) Questionable
Steven Adams (illness) Questionable
Anthony Davis (foot) OUT
Austin Reaves (hamstring) OUT
Lonnie Walker (knee) OUT
Bol Bol (protocols) OUT

Core Plays

Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF/C – MIL): $12,000 DraftKings, $11,800 FanDuel
While Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic are making their MVP cases, don’t forget about Giannis. The Greek Freak has scored at least 40 DraftKings points in all but two games this season, generating a 58-point average. A stud like this will be more motivated in a place like Madison Square Garden, with Antetokounmpo scoring at least 64 fantasy points in three straight games against the Knicks.

Ja Morant (PG – MEM): $10,300 DraftKings, $10,200 FanDuel
Ja was rested on Sunday, and we believe it’s likely to have him ready here. That also means Desmond Bane will likely sit in this back-to-back, which is incredible since Ja averaged 51 DraftKings points per game when Bane was out earlier in the year. Morant has maintained a similar average over recent weeks, averaging 48 DK points per game across his last 24 outings. The matchup is the best part of this, with San Antonio sitting last in points allowed and defensive efficiency.

CJ McCollum (PG/SG – NOP): $8,500 DraftKings, $8,700 FanDuel
We’ve been riding CJ for a week now, and we’ll keep using him as long as Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson remain out. McCollum is averaging over 45 DraftKings points per game when both of those guys are sitting, seeing a massive boost in shot attempts and usage. That should continue with Ingram and Zion out for the foreseeable future, leaving McCollum as one of the best players below $9K.

Cash Game Considerations

Nikola Jokic (C – DEN): $11,700 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel
The Joker has been the best cash game player for three years now. The big man has scored at least 51 DraftKings points in 20 of his last 23 games, totaling a 59-point average in that span. The two-time reigning MVP is simply the safest bet for 50 fantasy points of any player, especially since Los Angeles allows the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. Jokic is averaging 61 DK points per game in their three meetings this season.

LeBron James (SF/PF – LAL): $10,900 DraftKings, $11,200 FanDuel
It doesn’t even seem plausible that this guy is in his 20th year and playing like this. King James has taken over with Anthony Davis sidelined, averaging 59 DK points per game across his last four outings. He’s being asked to do everything for this offense and should continue to post 30-point triple-doubles in this expanded role. Facing Denver is excellent, too, with the Nuggets ranked 26th in defensive efficiency.

De’Aaron Fox (PG – SAC): $8,700 DraftKings, $8,900 FanDuel
Fox might be in line for his first All-star berth. The speedy point guard is averaging over 41 DraftKings points per game and would have an even higher average if it weren’t for a few injuries and ejections. That form makes him an outstanding option against Orlando, with the Magic owning a 22nd OPSK against opposing guards. In their one matchup earlier this season, Fox finished with 49 DK points!

GPP Targets

Jaren Jackson Jr.(PF/C – MEM): $6,800 DraftKings, $7,600 FanDuel
Jackson Jr. has one of the highest upsides of any player in the league, let alone a guy in this $7K price range. The big man has at least 33 DraftKings points in five straight fixtures, scoring 45 or more fantasy points in three of those. He’s done that damage with limited scoring, and it’s incredible how this guy’s defense carries him to elite fantasy value. Squaring off with the Spurs is sensational, with San Antonio surrendering the most fantasy points to opposing power forwards.

Jonas Valanciunas (C – NOP): $6,600 DraftKings, $6,900 FanDuel
There have been numerous injuries on this Pelicans roster, but it’s made Valanciunas a fantastic option. The big man has had his minutes limited all year, but he’s a guarantee for 25-30 minutes with so many key players missing. He has played at least 25 minutes in 23 games this year, averaging just shy of 40 fantasy points per game in those outings! You can’t ask for any more from a sub-$7K player, mainly since Washington owns a 22nd OPRK against opposing centers.

Al Horford (C – BOS): $4,800 DraftKings, $5,000 FanDuel
Horford has struggled at times this year, but he’s too good to be sitting around $5K. The big man has been closer to $7K throughout his career and is still posting a 25-point average despite his recent struggles. This center is too talented to be this cheap, and we’re not worried about him facing a 20th-ranked Chicago defense. Not many $5K players have the sort of floor Big Al provides.

Value Plays

Thomas Bryant (C – LAL): $6,300 DraftKings, $6,800 FanDuel
Bryant has been unbelievable in filling in for Anthony Davis this year. The big man has scored at least 35 DraftKings points in five straight games, scoring 42 or more fantasy points in four of those. That’s absurd from a sub-$7K player, and he should continue to post monster numbers with AD out for the time being. If Bryant gets the 30-35 minutes we’ve become accustomed to, he’s one of the safest bets to reach 5X value.

Michael Porter Jr.(SF/PF – DEN): $5,900 DraftKings, $5,500 FanDuel
Porter is more of a GPP player, but it’s crazy to see such a talented player in this price range. Porter Jr. has been around $7K for most of his career and has played at a $9K level for weeks at a time. We haven’t seen much of that recently, but a 29-DK point average is plenty from a player in this price range. Getting to face the Lakers is a good way to get him back on track, with LA allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing forwards.

Kevin Huerter (SG/SF – SAC): $5,700 DraftKings, $6,100 FanDuel
The Kings have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA, and Huerter has been a primary reason why. He’s averaging 28 DraftKings points per game this season, scoring at least 34 fantasy points in four of his last five games. One of those ceiling games seems more likely in this matchup, with Orlando ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency ratings.

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