NBA DFS Picks: Yahoo plays for Jan. 18
Look for Houston’s Alperen Sengun during Wednesday night’s matchup against the Hornets.
The NBA storms back from a quiet Tuesday with nine games on the schedule Wednesday. There are several exciting matchups, including the Grizzlies hosting the Cavaliers. The Grizzlies are on a 10-game winning streak, which should make things difficult for a Cavaliers team that is only 9-13 on the road. To complicate matters, Donovan Mitchell (groin) is listed as doubtful. Another exciting game will feature Luka Doncic and the Mavericks taking on Trae Young and the Hawks. Let’s discuss some players to consider for your Yahoo lineups and a few to avoid.
Guards
LaMelo Ball, CHA at HOU ($41): There might not be much defense played in this game. The Hornets have allowed 118.9 points per game, while the Rockets have allowed 117.5 points per game. However, Ball already comes into this matchup hot, scoring at least 47.8 Yahoo points in eight of his last 10 games. Don’t expect the Rockets to be able to slow him down.
T.J. McConnell, IND at OKC ($18): McConnell has been great while filling in for Tyrese Haliburton (knee), scoring at least 36.9 Yahoo points in each of the last three games. He shined in a loss to the Bucks on Monday, scoring 56.5 Yahoo points over 32 minutes. Somehow, his salary has gone down by a dollar since then. No need to overthink this. McConnell is well worth the risk at this salary.
Guard to Avoid
Mike Conley Jr., UTA vs. LAC ($19): Conley’s production has not been very consistent. Over his last eight games, he scored at least 30.2 Yahoo points four times. However, he scored 21.8 Yahoo points or fewer in each of the other four games. McConnell has been playing much better and has a slightly cheaper salary, so taking a chance on Conley having one of his better performances isn’t necessary.
Forwards
Julius Randle, NYK vs. WAS ($44): Randle only shot 8-for-19 from the field when the Knicks and Wizards met last week, but he still finished with 23 points, 16 rebounds and a block. He has been incredibly consistent, scoring at least 43.7 Yahoo points in 13 of his last 14 games. He has a 28.2% usage rate, is an excellent rebounder and is logging 36 minutes per game, giving him significant upside.
Jalen McDaniels, CHA at HOU ($17): For those who can’t squeeze Ball’s expensive salary into their budget, McDaniels is a way to gain some exposure to this matchup at a much lower salary. Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand) remains out, and Gordon Hayward (hamstring) is listed as doubtful, so McDaniels should remain in the starting lineup. Over the last seven games in that role, he has averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals.
Forward to Avoid
John Collins, ATL at DAL ($25): Collins hasn’t exactly been making a massive impact of late, averaging a modest 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds over his last six games. He has attempted fewer than 10 shots in three straight games and could continue to struggle to find scoring opportunities with the Hawks finally sporting a healthy roster.
Centers
Domantas Sabonis, SAC at LAL ($45): Sabonis is a difficult matchup for most teams, especially for a Lakers squad currently without Anthony Davis (ankle). He has already faced the Lakers three times this season, averaging 19.7 points, 14.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists. So if you’re looking for a center with a high floor, look no further.
Alperen Sengun, HOU vs. CHA ($22): Sengun is coming off one of the best games of his career, posting 33 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and four blocks against the Lakers on Monday. While his playing time was inconsistent at the beginning of the season, he has averaged 32 minutes over the last six games. Given that he provided 18.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks during that span, he has certainly made a case to remain in that expanded role.
Center to Avoid
Onyeka Okongwu, ATL at DAL ($24): The Hawks received some reinforcements for their frontcourt Monday with Clint Capela returning from a 10-game absence because of a calf injury. He logged 21 minutes off the bench, while Okongwu scored just 15.6 Yahoo points as a starter. With Capela eating into his playing time, it will be difficult for Okongwu to provide value at this salary.
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Mike started covering fantasy sports in 2007, joining RotoWire in 2010. In 2018, he was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. In addition to RotoWire, Mike has written for Sportsline, Sports Illustrated, DK Live, RealTime Fantasy Sports, Lineup Lab and KFFL.com.
