NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Jan 11

The Wednesday card was quite a spectacle, but it leaves us with a smaller lineup this time. We have only five games scheduled for Thursday, four of which form the main card. However, this does simplify our work a bit, so let’s delve into the lineup!

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, surpassing 60 fantasy points in more than half of these. This is among the top figures in the NBA, with an average of 55 DraftKings points per game. Additionally, it is not a concern that Phoenix ranks 23rd in OPRK against rival centers, as Davis has averaged 52 DraftKings 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, averaging a whopping 63 points during this period. This stellar performance is the reason he is the most expensive player on this slate and the top option for cash games. There are concerns about facing the Celtics, but this potential preview of the Eastern Conference Finals should provide ample motivation for Giannis.

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 woeful Portland team, which ranks 21st in overall defense. OKC completely outplayed Portland in their one encounter, even though SGA only scored 39 DK points, having played for a mere 23 minutes. One can only imagine the outcome if he had played for 35-40 minutes!

GPP Targets

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

Lopez’s consistency might be unpredictable, but he has tremendous potential. This defensive powerhouse averaged close to 40 fantasy points per game between November and December, even reaching a 50-point peak multiple times. This is precisely what you’d want from a GPP player in this price bracket, especially since Lopez has scored a minimum of 30 DK points in six out of his last 11 games. He also dominated Boston earlier in the season, earning a whopping 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

Nothing is more satisfying than seamlessly transitioning from one article to another, especially when it involves extolling the virtues of Hartenstein as the opposition. This man has been unstoppable since assuming the role of the starting center, consistently scoring a minimum of 34 DraftKings points in five consecutive matches. Moreover, he is regularly clocking 35-40 minutes a night and should not be overlooked when facing the 23rd-ranked Dallas 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 when they traded two key players for Anunoby, and it appears to have paid off tremendously. Since joining New York, Anunoby has the highest plus-minus in the NBA, and has scored at least 27 DraftKings points in six out of his last nine games. While he hasn’t had a lot of huge games during this period, achieving 30 fantasy points is already more than satisfactory for a player worth $6K. We’re particularly excited about his upcoming game with Dallas, given that he scored nearly 40 fantasy points against them earlier this 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