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Happy New Year, RotoBallers! Tonight we've got a six-game slate with plenty of decisions to be made. These articles focus on the overall best plays, which are typically more suited for cash games. However, some exceptions may apply, depending on the size of the slate.
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 1/2/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome new NBA injuries report tool as the slate can completely change before lineups lock.
As always, feel free to follow my X/Twitter (@Maxadelphia) to keep up to date with NBA news and for my nightly NBA bets if you're into that sort of thing. Let's go!
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DraftKings and FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Ja Morant, PG, MEM vs SAS – PG ($9,700 DK; $9,900 FD)
Sometimes, it's as simple as looking for the players with the green numbers for Opponents Rank against their position. The Spurs are dead last in the NBA in defending opposing PGs and are third in pace. This is pretty much a dream matchup for Ja, who truly thrives when he can get to the basket in transition.
Chris Paul, GS vs ORL – PG ($5,600 DK; $6,100 FD)
It's been a tumultuous season for the Warriors, who just can't seem to get everything clicking. As a result, in their previous game against the Mavs, CP3 was inserted into the starting lineup and delivered in a big way. He posted 24/2/6 with 2 steals, en route to a 44.5-point fantasy performance. Admittedly, scoring 24 is an outlier on his season averages thus far, but with three days of rest and a new role, I think it's fairly likely he can at least clear 30 fantasy points tonight.
Luke Kennard, MEM vs SAS – SG ($4,200 DK; $4,200 FD)
After missing 20 games, Kennard returned on New Year's Eve against Sacramento and posted 25.75 fantasy points in only 20 minutes. The Spurs are dead last in the NBA allowing opponents to make 14.5 3's per game, which ironically, makes this a dream matchup for him as well.
Also Consider: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ($10,300 DK; $11,300 FD); Patrick Beverley, ($3,900 DK, $4,200 FD)
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DraftKings and FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Paolo Banchero, ORL @ GS – PF ($8,200 DK; $8,600 FD)
Consistently underrated as a fantasy asset, last year's #1 overall pick is comfortably my favorite pay-up at forward tonight. Coming off back-to-back 50+ fantasy point games, and averaging 47.2 fantasy PPG over his last five games, it's rare to find a team's top option priced this low.
Brandon Ingram, NO vs BKN – SG/SF ($8,100 DK; $8,900 FD)
Ingram is playing exceptionally well during this current Pelicans homestand - averaging 47 fantasy points per game in his last four games. Tonight, he faces a Nets team that ranks 28th against SFs. He probably won't break the slate open, but he's extremely dependable. It's also worth noting he takes 2.5 more shots per game than anyone else on the Pelicans.
Marcus Morris, PHI vs CHI – SF/PF ($4,200 DK; $4,100 FD)
With DeAnthony Melton ruled out for this game for Philly, someone will have to take his place in the starting lineup. Most people will likely assume that Kelly Oubre will fill that role, but the last time Melton missed a game (12/22 vs Toronto), it was actually Morris who got the starting nod. In that game, he played 30 minutes and posted 20 fantasy points, which I'd happily sign up for from a player who costs $4,200.
Also Consider: Zion Williamson, ($7,800 DK; $8,100 FD); Cam Johnson, ($6,000 DK; $5,900 FD)
DraftKings and FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Joel Embiid, PHI vs CHI – C ($11,000 DK; $12,500 FD)
Embiid is slated to return from a 10-day ankle injury that's kept him sidelined for the last four games. He's the most expensive play on the slate, but that comes with being the best player on the slate. Before missing time, Embiid only scored under 65 fantasy points once between 11/21-12/22, where he scored 61.75. A rested MVP should be an effective MVP.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, SAS @ MEM – C ($4,100 DK; $4,800 FD)
Let's just agree to call Mamukelashvili "Mamu" from now on, because that is one hell of a name to type out. Looking into the play itself, Mamu seems to be the better of San Antonio's backup Center options now that Zach Collins is expected to miss a few weeks with an ankle injury. It's also worth noting the Spurs seem to be keeping a close eye on Victor Wembanyama's workload, as he's played 24 minutes or less in four straight games, while also being rested for a game in the past week.
Also Consider: Andre Drummond ($8,200 DK; $9,200 FD), Trayce Jackson-Davis ($4,600 DK, $5,600 FD)
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