NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/25/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/25/18
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POINT GUARDS
Stephen Curry, GS vs. MIN
FanDuel = $9,900
DraftKings = $10,400
Curry has been a model of consistency for the Warriors, largely due to his 30.9% usage rate that ranks 10th-highest in the league. Add in the fact that the Warriors play at the third-fastest pace (102.5 possessions per game) in the league and he’s going to provide a high floor in DFS most nights. Over his last nine games, he’s averaging 29.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 5.3 three-pointers per game. The Timberwolves don’t defend opposing point guards particularly well, making Curry an excellent option to consider Thursday.
De’Aaron Fox/George Hill, SAC at MIA
FanDuel: $5,400/$4,500
DraftKings: $5,200/$4,500
The Kings continue to give their young players more minutes and sat Hill for rest purposes Tuesday against the Magic. Fox looked primed for a big performance but had to leave the game early due to an abdominal injury. He underwent an MRI and while the results were negative, his status is questionable for Thursday’s game. If he does play, he could provide significant value at this price. However, if he is unable to go, expect Hill to return and see added minutes. Keep an eye out for updates throughout the day and adjust with Fox and Hill accordingly.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Andrew Wiggins, MIN at GS
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $7,000
The Timberwolves have been without Jimmy Butler (knee) for the last three games, leading to a major increase in production for Wiggins. In those three games, Wiggins averaged 31.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 three-pointers per game. He’s only averaging 15.9 shot attempts per game this season but averaged 22 shot attempts over those three contests. If Butler can’t go again Thursday, Wiggins is someone to strongly consider for your entry. Even if Butler does return, Wiggins can still be productive as the Timberwolves try to keep up with the Warriors high-powered offense.
Will Barton, DEN vs. NY
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,800
Barton has been in and out of the Nuggets starting lineup lately, starting four of the last six games. He’s been very productive as a member of the starting five this season, averaging 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.2 three-pointers in 12 games. His usage rate off the bench is actually 3% higher than it is when he starts, but he has averaged nine more minutes per game as a starter. He’s priced low enough to warrant consideration even if he comes off the bench Thursday, but he could have considerable upside if he does start.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kevin Durant, GS vs. MIN
FanDuel = $10,500
DraftKings = $9,900
It’s not hard to make a case to start Durant any given night. Not only does his 30.1% usage rate rank inside the top-15 in the league, but he’s also averaging career-highs in assists (5.6) and blocks (2.1) per game. Even with a lot of offensive talent around him, Durant is averaging 25.9 points per game, which would mark the tenth straight season that he has averaged at least 25 points. The Timberwolves are struggling defensively right now, allowing an average of 109.6 points in their last seven games. Don’t expect them to be able to slow down Durant on Thursday.
Nemanja Bjelica, MIN at GS
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,500
Bjelica has started the last three games with Butler out, averaging 11.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.7 three-pointers per contest. Based on how much coach Tom Thibodeau plays his starters, it’s not surprising that Bjelica played at least 35 minutes in two of those games. If Butler is out again Thursday, there should be plenty of opportunities for Bjelica to provide value at this price. However, if Butler is cleared to play, Bjelica likely won’t see enough playing time to warrant using in your lineup. Make sure to monitor Butler’s status throughout the day.
POWER FORWARDS
Draymond Green, GS vs. MIN
FanDuel = $8,100
DraftKings – $7,500
Green takes a backseat offensively to the Warriors’ star scoring trio of Curry, Durant and Klay Thompson, but he still provides tremendous value due to his all-around contributions. Although he’s averaging just 11.3 points per game, he also has averages of 7.8 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks. He’s currently in the midst of one of his best stretches this season, averaging 15.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.0 blocks in his last 10 games. With his high floor, he makes for a viable option for your entry again Thursday.
Skal Labissiere, SAC at MIA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,000
Labissiere is finally seeing consistent playing time with the Kings shifting focus to their young players, averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.0 block in his last five games. In three of those five contests, he played at least 28 minutes. His price is rising on both sites, but he’s still priced low enough to provide value in this game.
CENTERS
Steven Adams, OKC vs. WAS
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $6,600
Adams is usually one of the safer center options because the Thunder have virtually no depth behind him. He gets plenty of playing time as a result and is averaging career-highs in points (13.7), rebounds (8.9) and steals (1.2) per game. With dominant offensive players around him in Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, Adams still finds a way to score in large part because he averages 5.1 offensive rebounds per game. He won’t kill your budget Thursday and has a relatively high floor based on his role on the team.
Enes Kanter, NY at DEN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,000
The Knicks are slumping right now and have fallen four games out of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. They might become sellers at the NBA trade deadline as a result, which could become interesting because of their depth at center. Kanter has been one of their bright spots at the position and has kept it rolling during their struggles, averaging 15.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists over his last four games. He should see plenty of playing time against a big Nuggets frontcourt Thursday, making him worth consideration for your entry.