X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings, FanDuel Daily Fantasy Basketball Picks (1/18/22): Today's Top NBA DFS Lineups

Karl-Anthony Towns - NBA DFS Lineup Picks, Daily Fantasy Basketball

The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on January 18, 2022. Euan Leith provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.

Happy Tuesday, RotoBallers! With 12 Monday games, the NBA decided to leave us out in the cold a bit with a teeny tiny two-game slate. Of the four teams, only New York is facing a back-to-back. Minnesota, Detroit, and Golden State played their last game on Sunday. With a slate this small, a studs-and-duds approach is a viable way to win, but you'll still need your fair share of value guards, forwards, and centers to bring how that tournament.

While both games come in with an over/under below 220 points, Golden State is the heavy favorite for most points scored because of their implied total of 115 points. Detroit is a 14.5-point underdog in San Francisco, but their fast pace keeps them in my thoughts. Well, that and there are only four teams to pick from, so it's challenging to fade any team.

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 1/18/22. And instead of meticulously trying to comb through the rest of the myriad of injury and "health and safety protocols" issues in play, be sure to check out our NBA Injuries Report as well as NBA Player News for updated information.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DraftKings and FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

Stephen Curry - PG, GSW vs. DET ($10,200 DraftKings; $10,600 FanDuel)

If there were any other stud-like options at the guard positions on Tuesday, I would take them over Stephen Curry. Maybe it sounds crazy to the casual DFS fan, but I swear it's true. Curry (hand) is returning to the lineup, but he's been in a bit of a shooting funk. Over his previous six games, the two-time MVP is making 33.9 percent of his field-goal attempts and 25.5 percent of his three-pointers. However, I can't get away from him too much because there are so few top-tier options on this sale and because he is Stephen Curry.

This guy can go supernova on any given night. However, past performance does not predict future performance, and Steph has shown us time and time again that he is a couple of threes away from finding his golden touch once again. I especially like that tonight's game against the Pistons is also a pace-up spot for Curry and the Warriors against the worst defensive team on the slate. Plus, Detroit allows the seventh-most fantasy points to point guards and fourth-most to shooting guards, so wherever Curry sets up should give him a great matchup on the court.

Cade Cunningham - PG/SG, DET at GSW ($7,500 DK; $6,000 FD)

It's been an up-and-down season for the No. 1 overall pick, but the ups have become a lot more frequent in recent weeks. Over Cade Cunningham's last four appearances, the rookie is averaging 34.5 DKFP (DraftKings fantasy points) thanks to 19 points, five assists, four rebounds, 2.3 three-pointers, and 1.3 steals per night. Of course, all those numbers would be higher if he weren't irrationally ejected from Sunday's game versus the Phoenix Suns. Thanks for taking the fun out of the game, refs. Regardless, I'm really enjoying watching Cunningham figure out the pro level each night, and I believe he's a big-game player.

Golden State falls into that big-game category despite their recent offensive struggles. Plus, the Warriors clock in as the 10th-best matchup for point guards over the last 15 games. Cunningham is probably too inconsistent for cash-game lineups, but I love him as a tournament play because of his immense ceiling.

 

Want more NBA DFS tools and content? Our NBA Premium package includes our daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Optimizer, and access to our Premium Slack Chatrooms, where members can chat with our NBA analysts. Check out this big win from RotoBaller premium member Bsuperak on FanDuel using our Premium tools - join in on the winning!

 

DraftKings and FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

RJ Barrett - SF, NYK vs. MIN ($7,300 DK; $7,200 FD)

Maybe it's perfect timing, and it makes for a good story, but RJ Barrett sure seems to enjoy having his former-college teammate, Cam Reddish, in New York. While it's undoubtedly just a coincidence, the 2019 first-round pick is playing a tremendous stretch of basketball. Barrett is producing 26.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.8 triples in the last four contests. The Knicks are in a strange position as they wait for some of their veterans to come back into the fold. However, a lot of their young guns are taking advantage of the playing time, and it will eventually result in quite a headache for Head Coach Tom Thibodaux. I could've written about several of their guards or forwards, but Barrett is the one I trust the most. He's scored at least 43 DKFP in three of four contests and now meets the ninth-best matchup for small forwards.

Otto Porter Jr. - SF/PF, GSW vs. DET ($5,800 DK; $6,900 FD)

With Draymond Green (calf/back) on the sidelines, Otto Porter Jr. and Andre Iguodala have seen their minutes increase in the Warriors rotation. However, for DFS purposes, I'm riding with Porter on Tuesday night. Over the weekend, the 28-year helped his team battle through some tough injuries with nine points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals in a win over Chicago. Then, the 2013 draft pick registered 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, two threes, and a block in a loss to Minnesota. Those performances racked up 37.25 and 36.25 DraftKings points, respectively, and I'm confident he can hit that points range for DFS managers against Detroit.

Over their previous 15 games, the Pistons give up the fifth-most DraftKings points (43.91) to small forwards. In addition, Detroit is the worst defense among tonight's teams by over 4.3 points per 100 possessions. Even with Stephen Curry back for Golden State, they will still need all hands on deck as the Warriors are struggling on the offensive end of the court. Porter is a reliable pair of hands at just $5,800 on DraftKings and well worth a look in your lineups.

 

DraftKings and FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

Karl-Anthony Towns - C, MIN at NYK ($10,200 DK; $9,600 FD)

So a two-game slate makes this especially tricky at the center position because Karl-Anthony Towns is the only player priced above $8,000, and the next-most expensive option, Draymond Green ($7,100; $7,000), is out. KAT will be mega-chalk in any contest, and he's someone you have to roster in any cash game. Even if he flops, he'll be doing it on 80 percent of your competitor's teams at the same time.

Since returning from a six-game absence, the two-time All-Star is recording 25.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, four assists, 2.9 stocks (steals+blocks), and 1.5 three-pointers per contest. He's scored at least 45 DKFP in four straight games and has the second-best odds (behind Stephen Curry) to lead the slate in fantasy points. With so few elite options on this slate, rostering Karl-Anthony Towns is a simple decision and should be a massive priority for DFS managers.

Mitchell Robinson - C, NYK vs. MIN ($5,400 DK; $5,400 FD)

Whenever a player makes 79.1 percent of the field goal attempts, they are worth a look in DFS formats. So Mitchell Robinson deserves a passing glance at center as a possible pivot away from Karl-Anthony Towns. Although, to be honest, Robinson is so priced down it's pretty easy to fit them both in your lineup and go with the double-center route to victory. Robinson's ceiling barely comes close to KAT's floor in DFS, but recently, he's been picking it up in the scoring department and registering some good fantasy point totals.

The fourth-year player has scored at least 10 or more points in five consecutive games for only the third time in his career. Another double-digit scoring performance will tie his career-high (six games) he set in the 2020 regular season right before the shutdown. Facing Minnesota gives him a great chance to tie that streak as the Timberwolves are the worst defense versus centers on tonight's schedule, allowing 55.95 DKFP to the position over their last 15 games.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Christian Moore

Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
Luis L. Ortiz

the Subject of Gambling Investigation
Jordan Lawlar

to Miss Multiple Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Receives Encouraging News on his Hand
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dane Belton

Should Have a Role in 2025
Kaiir Elam

Flashes During Offseason Workouts
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF