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The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on January 21st, 2023. Kyle Ringstad provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
We've got a six-game slate and plenty of intriguing spots to work with. The 76ers-Kings game is the top matchup to target for DFS tonight, but the Hornets-Hawks and Rockets-Timberwolves are also appealing game environments. We typically don't want to exclude games on a short slate like this one, and that's especially true when star players being out (Mitchell) opens up value for the rest of the team. The resurgent Timberwolves rate out as the top squad to target on the slate via my K-Grade model (shown below), primarily due to their lofty implied total with their matchup against the Rockets. There is a lot of injury news to look out for, so check the injury links below to stay updated. Let's get to it.
Here are my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel and DraftKings on 1/21/23. Keep an eye on RotoBaller’s NBA injury news and also our full NBA injury report today to stay up to date before lineups are locked.
DraftKings and FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Terry Rozier, vs. ATL (FD: $8,100, DK: $7,600)
LaMelo Ball is doubtful to suit up tonight after leaving his game on Wednesday with ankle and wrist issues. Rozier immediately comes to mind as the direct pivot, and after checking out his recent form, we probably could have played him even if Ball were to be active tonight. Rozier has put up at least 32.5 DK points in nine straight games, including two games with at least 50 DK points during that stretch. He shoots up to a massive 32.1% usage rate with Ball off the floor, and while his 1.04 FPTS/min rate isn't earth-shattering, it's enough to get the job done at his price, minutes projection, and favorable matchup tonight.
The Hawks defend opposing guards surprisingly well for a team running Trae Young out there defensively. Still, they allow the ninth-most fantasy points per game to opposing teams on the season and the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing teams over their last 15 games. This is the second-best game environment on the slate, and I want to get to the high-usage player that's underpriced for his role. Dennis Smith Jr. also deserves a mention here as he's way underpriced with Ball out of the lineup.
Caris LeVert, vs. MIL (FD: $5,600, DK: $5,300)
The matchup and game environment are awful, but as long as Donovan Mitchell remains out, we have to love LeVert as a value play tonight against the Bucks. He's underpriced for the 22.9% usage rate and 0.95 FPTS/min rate he records with Mitchell off the floor this season, and that has been proven out recently as he has produced 37.75 and 41 DK points over his last two contests. He has shot an astounding 9-for-15 from three over that stretch, and while the Bucks have a great defense, LeVert's price tag is too cheap to pass up for his median projection and potential ceiling.
Also consider: Darius Garland, De'Aaron Fox, Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, Monte Morris, Tyrese Maxey, Trae Young, James Harden, Anthony Edwards, Jalen Green
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DraftKings and FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
John Collins, vs. CHA (FD: $6,000, DK: $5,600)
Clint Capela's return has put a damper on Okongwu's outlook, but Collins has been unaffected by the big man's presence, and he should continue to see heavy minutes at the power forward spot for the Hawks. Collins has put up 34.75 and 34.25 DK points in consecutive games coming into tonight, and he's underpriced for his role, particularly for the matchup he is gifted with. The Hornets allow the second-most fantasy points per game, the fourth-most fantasy points per game to power forwards, and the most fantasy points per game to centers this season. They're allowing the most fantasy points per game to power forwards over their last 15 games. Any way you slice it, this is an extremely favorable matchup for opposing frontcourts, and Collins is in a prime position to take advantage tonight.
Kyle Anderson, vs. HOU (DK: $5,900) DraftKings Only
FanDuel did the right thing and priced him over $7,000, but DraftKings is again asleep at the wheel and forgot to check out game logs when making salaries for tonight. Slo-Mo has scored 50.75, 49.75, and 49.5 DK points over his last three games. That's the type of production we'd expect from a $10,000 player, not someone who only needs 29.5 DK points to hit 5x value tonight. Rudy Gobert will likely remain out, so Anderson will continue to play for many minutes as the Wolves rotate him, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Taurean Prince at the forward and center spots. I also like McDaniels and Reid tonight, but Slo-Mo is my top points-per-dollar play. The Rockets allow the most fantasy points per game to opposing teams and rank 28th in defensive efficiency this season.
Also consider: Kevin Huerter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Deni Avdija, Jae'Sean Tate, Keegan Murray
DraftKings and FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Naz Reid, vs. HOU (FD: $6,000, DK: $5,100) If Gobert is out
Reid has stepped in for the injured Rudy Gobert and has played admirably, but his minutes have been limited in each game due to running into foul trouble early. He averages an impressive 24.4% usage rate and 1.26 FPTS/min with Towns and Gobert off the floor this season, so as long as he can see at least 25 minutes of playing time, he should have no problem paying off value at his low salary. I'm banking on him staying out of foul trouble and seeing his per-minute rates rise against this hapless Rockets' frontcourt tonight. Sengun is great on the offensive end, but his defense leaves a lot to be desired, and the Martin/Eason combo won't be slowing down Reid in the slightest. He's going to eat, and I think his rostership will take a hit after he didn't go for 8x value as the chalk play on recent slates.
Also consider: Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, Jarrett Allen, Wendell Carter Jr., Evan Mobley
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