NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Jan 11
Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee has accumulated a minimum of 57 DraftKings fantasy points in 18 out of his most recent 21 games.
The card from Wednesday was crazy, but it has left us with a smaller line-up. We only have five games on Thursday, with four of them forming the main card. It does simplify our tasks somewhat, so let’s delve into the line-up!
Core Plays
Anthony Davis (PF/C – LAL): $10,300 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel
Davis has achieved a minimum of 44 DraftKings points in 17 consecutive games and managed to score more than 60 fantasy points in over half of these games. This is one of the highest averages in the NBA, with 55 DraftKings points per game. Additionally, Phoenix’s 23rd OPRK against opposing centers does not concern us, especially considering that Davis has averaged 52 DraftKings points per game in the three games they’ve played against each other.
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 of his last 21 games, the Greek Freak has managed to score a minimum of 57 DraftKings points, creating an average of 63 points in this period. This is the reason he is the most expensive player in this slate and the top option for cash games. Although facing the Celtics may be a cause for concern, Giannis should be driven in this potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG/SG – OKC): $10,400 DraftKings, $11,300 FanDuel
SGA has managed to rack up a minimum of 54 DraftKings points in 10 out of his last 11 games, with an average close to 60 DK points per game during this period. This is a daunting prospect for the underperforming Portland team, which ranks 21st in overall defense. In their single encounter, OKC crushed Portland, yet SGA still scored 39 DK points in just 23 minutes of play. Consider what the outcome could be over a 35-40 minute period!
GPP Targets
Brook Lopez (C – MIL): $6,200 DraftKings, $6,500 FanDuel
Lopez’s consistency has varied, but he has an enormous potential. This defensive powerhouse averaged close to 40 fantasy points per game from November to December, repeatedly demonstrating a 50-point maximum. That’s exactly what you’d want from a GPP player in this price range. Moreover, Lopez has achieved a minimum of 30 DK points in six of his previous 11 games. He also dominated Boston earlier in the season, securing 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
We absolutely love Hartenstein as the opposition, and seamlessly transitioning from one write-up to the next just enhances that feeling. Since stepping up as the starting center, he’s been an absolute powerhouse, scoring a minimum of 34 DraftKings points in five consecutive games. Not only that, but he’s consistently on the court for 35-40 minutes every night. Given this, he should not be overlooked when playing against Dallas defense, which ranks 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 made a bold move by trading two essential players for Anunoby, but it appears to have paid off handsomely. Since joining New York, he has the highest plus-minus in the NBA, and in six of his last nine games, he scored at least 27 DraftKings points. Although he hasn’t had many enormous games during this period, getting 30 fantasy points is a reasonable expectation from a $6K player. We’re excited about the upcoming game against Dallas, considering he scored almost 40 fantasy points against them earlier in the season.
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
