NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Jan 11

The Wednesday card was intense, but it has resulted in a shorter slate. We only have five games lined up for Thursday, four of which constitute the main card. This does simplify our tasks somewhat, so let’s delve into the slate!

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, accumulating 60 or more fantasy points in more than half of them. This is one of the highest averages in the NBA, with 55 DK points per game. Additionally, it is favorable that Phoenix ranks 23rd in OPRK against rival centers, with Davis averaging 52 DK points per game in their three 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 of his last 21 games, The Greek Freak has managed to rack up a minimum of 57 DraftKings points, thus generating a 63-point average during this period. This is the reason why he is the most expensive player on this slate and the best option for cash games. Although the prospect of facing the Celtics is worrisome, 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

In 10 of his last 11 games, SGA has managed to score a minimum of 54 DraftKings points, with an average of almost 60 DK points per game during that period. This is a daunting prospect for the struggling Portland team, which is ranked 21st in overall defense. Even though OKC trounced Portland in their single encounter, SGA still managed to rack up 39 DK points in just 23 minutes of play. One can only imagine the potential 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 inconsistent, but his potential is enormous. This defensive powerhouse averaged close to 40 fantasy points per game from November to December, repeatedly demonstrating a 50-point maximum. This is exactly what you want from a GPP player in this price bracket, particularly as Lopez has scored a minimum of 30 DK points in six out of his last 11 games. He also dominated Boston earlier in the year, earning 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’s incredibly satisfying to transition from one article to another, especially when we’re discussing Hartenstein as the opposition. This man has demonstrated his prowess ever since he assumed the role of the starting center, consistently scoring a minimum of 34 DraftKings points in five consecutive matches. He is usually on the field for 35-40 minutes every night and should not be disregarded when up against Dallas’s 23rd-ranked defense.

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 crucial players for Anunoby, and it seems their gamble paid off. Since joining NY, he has the highest plus-minus in the NBA, earning at least 27 DraftKings points in six of his previous nine games. Although he hasn’t had many significant games during this period, achieving 30 fantasy points is a solid performance for a player valued at $6K. We’re particularly excited about the upcoming game with Dallas, given his near 40 fantasy points score against them earlier this year.

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