NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Jan 11

The Wednesday card was really unpredictable, but it’s resulted in a smaller line-up for us. We only have five games scheduled for Thursday, four of which form the main card. This does simplify our task slightly, so let’s delve into the upcoming games!

Core Plays

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

Davis has consistently scored a minimum of 44 DraftKings points in 17 consecutive games, with over half of those games seeing him score at least 60 fantasy points. This is one of the highest averages in the NBA, with Davis averaging 55 DraftKings points per game. The fact that Phoenix ranks 23rd in OPRK against opposing centers is not a concern, as Davis has averaged 52 DraftKings points per game in their three previous encounters.

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

In 18 out of his last 21 games, The Greek Freak has racked up a minimum of 57 DraftKings points, yielding an average of 63 points in this timeframe. This is the reason he is the most expensive player on this slate and the top cash game choice. Although going up against the Celtics could be worrisome, Giannis is expected to be driven in this possible preview of the Eastern Conference Finals.

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

SGA has managed to accumulate no less than 54 DraftKings points in 10 out of his most recent 11 games, maintaining an average of nearly 60 DK points per game during this period. This is a daunting prospect for the struggling Portland team, who are currently ranked 21st in overall defense. Although OKC managed to completely overpower Portland during their single confrontation, SGA still managed to score 39 DK points, even though he only played for 23 minutes. It’s hard to fathom the potential score if he were to play for 35-40 minutes!

GPP Targets

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

Lopez’s performance has been somewhat inconsistent, but he has a huge potential for improvement. This defensive powerhouse averaged almost 40 fantasy points per game between November and December, repeatedly reaching a 50-point ceiling. This is exactly what you would want from a GPP player in this price bracket, especially considering Lopez has scored at least 30 DK points in six out of his last 11 games. He also had a strong performance against Boston earlier in the year, scoring a staggering 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

It feels incredible to seamlessly transition from one piece to another, especially when our focus is on the opposition we admire, Hartenstein. This man has been a formidable force ever since he stepped into the role of the starting center, racking up a minimum of 34 DraftKings points in five consecutive matches. Regularly on the court for 35-40 minutes each night, he’s a player not to be overlooked, even against a Dallas defense ranked 23rd.

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 risked big when they traded two key players for Anunoby, but it seems their gamble has paid off. Since joining the team, he has the highest plus-minus in the NBA and has scored no less than 27 DraftKings points in six of the last nine matches. While he hasn’t had many standout games in that period, consistently getting 30 fantasy points is more than can be expected from a $6K player. Considering he scored almost 40 fantasy points against Dallas previously this year, we’re optimistic about this matchup.

Advantageous Pricing

• Anthony Davis (PF/C – LAL): $10,300 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel
• Kyrie Irving (PG/SG – DAL): $9,000 DraftKings, $10,100 FanDuel
• Isaiah Hartenstein (C – NYK): $6,500 DraftKings, $7,700 FanDuel
• Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG/SF – DAL): $5,300 DraftKings, $6,300 FanDuel