DraftKings Fantasy Outlook - January

After easing a pair of newcomers into the lineup and finally having a nearly healthy set of bodies to utilize each night, January should present some real interesting fantasy match-ups . Up ahead are a pair of eastern conference swings and a challenging west coast trip, but only two sets of back-to-backs. Utah (13-23) vs Rockets (25-11), Sat, Jan 10Evidence would suggest that the Rockets may play slower than they typically like, as despite their poor record, the Jazz do a fine job of getting most teams to play at their snail’s pace.  What the Jazz don’t do is force a lot of missed shots. That has changed slightly as center Rudy Gobert has become a more significant part of the rotation over the last month. Their opponent's offensive rating when he is on the floor is 104.5. It jumps to 115.6 when he is out of the game. He leads the NBA in blocks per 36 minutes and his length could be a challenge for the Rockets as they attack the paint in this game. But on the perimeter, the Rockets long-range gunners should have an easier go of it. Utah allows 46.8% shooting overall (26th in the league) and 37.4 percent from three (25th). But those numbers have improved with Gobert now more involved. Utah is also one of the weaker 3-point shooting teams, but on some nights they can really be glass cleaners with their sizable front line rotation of Gobert, Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Trevor Booker. Rockets (25-11) at Brooklyn (16-19), Mon, Jan 12Brooklyn’s another team that sits near the bottom of the league in pace, which is the biggest reason opposing players don't pile up great fantasy statistics against them. However, their bigs are now finally on the court together, so it might not be quite so easy for the Rockets to get whatever they want on the interior. The matchup could still be a good one for the Rockets 3-point shooters, since the Nets do not close out on shooters very well. They allow 3-point shots to drop at a 36% success rate, which puts them near the bottom of the league. They have been considerably better over their last three weeks, but just like everyone else in the league, they likely will struggle to keep the Rockets from getting to the free throw line.Rockets (25-11) at Orlando (13-25), Wed, Jan 14There are only a couple of teams scoring fewer points per game than the Magic, and at the Rockets typical pace, Houston should be able to hold them down. Nikola Vucevic is a pretty consistent double-double machine and even against the Rockets frontline, that would be something to look for. Their offseason trades improved their 3-point shooting tremendously. They have a very young backcourt with the majority of their minutes going to two of their most recent top draft picks (Oladipo and Payton) and that bodes well for the Rockets experienced backcourt. Orlando also routinely gets hammered on the boards, so look for the Rockets to command the offensive glass, which could lead to big nights for Houston’s interior players. Additionally, they are last in the NBA in blocked shots, pointing once again to a significant advantage at the rim for Houston.Oklahoma City (17-19) vs Rockets (25-11), Thu, Jan 15       The best thing to know about this matchup is that these teams already played the fantasy dud of the season when they each scored under 70 points in a 69-65 Rockets victory in November.  However, OKC played that game without Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.  Do not look for the Rockets to fare much better near the rim, as the Thunder shot-blockers and post defenders have been a constant thorn in the Rockets' side. Additionally, Kevin Durant had a fantasy field day against the Rockets in four meetings last season, although three of those four games were without Westbrook in the lineup. Westbrook has been playing at a very high level since his return from injury this season and is a threat to go off any night - even against a defensive stalwart such as Patrick Beverley. Golden State (28-5) vs Rockets (25-11), Sat, Jan 17 In two meetings with Golden State so far this season, Houston has shot below 26% on 3-pointers and scored just 93 and 87 points.  The one Warrior to be careful with fantasy-wise is Klay Thompson, who while playing at very high level against most of the NBA, has not been as successful against Houston. In his last five games against the Rockets, including two meetings this season, Thompson is shooting 32% overall and just 6% on 3-pointers. He's missed all but two of his 30 3-point attempts against Houston in those five games. With Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala as perimeter defensive options and Marreese Speights and Andrew Bogut as interior defenders, scoring against Golden State is always a challenge. Indiana (14-23) vs Rockets (25-11), Mon, Jan 19Here's a game in which to expect some strong fantasy performances. The Pacers will play hard, but they just don't have the bodies to repel the Rockets. They allow the fewest points per game in the league (96.6), but the individual matchups seem to favor the Rockets offense, as their backcourt should be able to attack the Pacers guards repeatedly. The Pacers can show some resistance at the goal, but still not a strong enough reason not to look for strong production from the Rockets frontline. Rockets (25-11) at Golden State (28-5), Wed, Jan 21See above.Rockets (25-11) at Phoenix (22-16), Fri, Jan 23         This starts a three game stretch that should produce some big individual nights for the Rockets. The pace of this game should be fast, as one should expect both backcourts to be launching shots from both inside and out at a fairly high rate. There are matchup nightmares on both sides of the court for each team to exploit. Phoenix loves to play small and super athletic, going with a three point guard lineup.  While this has presented a challenge for Houston’s perimeter defense, the Suns have typically chosen not to double-team the post in the past, which has led to some great numbers in the paint for Houston.Rockets (25-11) at Los Angeles Lakers (11-25), Sun, Jan 25It’s hard to believe that the Rockets didn't light up the scoreboard in either one of their prior meetings with the Lakers. LA’s backcourt does not defend the 3-point shot well, allowing teams to make better than 38% of their 3-pointers, which ranks 29th (out of 30) in the league. The Lakers are not a good rebounding team either. Expect better production out of the Rockets offense in this contest.Mavericks (26-11) vs Rockets (25-11), Wed, Jan 28The pace in this should again favor big numbers. In the recent past, Monta Ellis has been a match-up nightmare for the Rockets, but things have changed with Rajon Rondo now running the offense, as they now showcase a more balanced distribution of shots.  This isn't necessarily a great thing for fantasy production (or team performance). His addition has meant the subtraction of Brandon Wright, and while the Mavericks were actually a +6.1 defensive unit with Wright off the court, his exit really hurts the Mavericks depth up front. After Tyson Chandler, the Mavs really don't have anyone to match up with Howard and that could produce a big night from the Rockets man in the middle. Truthfully, there should be big numbers all around, because even though the Rockets are a top defensive team, they almost always increase the pace against the Mavericks and end up in an offensive showdown. Rockets (25-11) at Celtics (12-21), Fri, Jan 30The Celtics are one of the few eastern conference teams that will actually put points on the board; however, they also allow the second most points. Aside from Avery Bradley who is one of the league's best perimeter defenders, the Celtics have not been a great defensive unit and the Rockets should have favorable offensive match-ups inside and out. The way the Rockets frontcourt has come together lately, it would be reasonable to expect the Rockets to have strong performances against the Celtics in the paint.Rockets (25-11) at Detroit (12-23), Sat, Jan 31          Lately the Pistons have been a superior rebounding and decent rim-protecting team, which should lower the chances that the Rockets front court players go off for big nights. This is a game for the Rockets star in the backcourt to try to push the pace and create his own offense. They do not defend the 3-point line well, allowing 35.9% shooting on 3-pointers and the Rockets should be able to attack the basket and look for productive kick-outs.