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The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on January 3, 2019. Leonard Francis II provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
Another three-game slate on tap in the NBA tonight which means finding value on DraftKings is a bit like Sandra Bullock blindfoldedly navigating the rapids in Bird Box. She made it, though. Hopefully, we do too.
Kings/Nuggets has the highest implied point total of the night at 227 with the Rockets/Warriors coming in second at 224.5 and Spurs/Raptors rounding out the group at 217. None of which are overly suggestive in either direction, but we do know the Kings and Warriors rank in the Top-10 in pace with the Spurs and Rockets joining the Kings in the Bottom-12 in terms of defensive efficiency. In other words, we're not likely to see three defensive struggles. Good news for our chances at finding a few value plays.
Per usual, I'll be focusing on the mid-to-lower-priced options here in hopes of providing you the essential lineup fillers needed to optimize your DraftKings lineup. I find no value in detailing the ways in which Nikola Jokic is good at playing basketball.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Malik Beasley - PG/SG, DEN at SAC ($4,900)
The return of Gary Harris has a negative impact on Beasley's value overall. However, Harris saw a smidge under 20 minutes in his return Tuesday night and with the Nuggets on the verge of their first playoff berth since the 2012-2013 season, prematurely parading him out there for 30 minutes a game in January would not be the most astute of decisions. That said, I'd imagine the 25 minutes Beasley averaged during Harris' 11-game absence will slowly begin to make their way back down to the 18-20 range - especially once Will Barton returns. Slowly being the key here.
The Nuggets draw a Kings team tonight who likes to get up and down the floor, and with Harris likely still on a minutes restriction, both Beasley and Monte Morris figure to continue to see run in Denver's crowded backcourt. Expecting a repeat of his career-high 23 points against the Knicks Tuesday night seems overly optimistic, but he should produce enough to justify his salary given the dearth of options on the board.
Derrick White - PG/SG, SA vs. TOR ($4,700)
Danny Green returns home tonight so get your popcorn ready!
What? You thought I'd mention something about the Kawhi Leonard/DeMar DeRozan script?
White has put up double-digit points in three-straight and capitalized on Rudy Gay being out of the lineup Monday night by scoring a career-high 22 points. Gay is listed as doubtful again tonight, and while that does not guarantee another 20-plus point outing, it does suggest he'll get a few additional shots up than he may otherwise. Scoring aside, White's ability to fill up the box score is what makes him a valuable asset tonight. He's pulled down at least three boards in eight of his last 11 games, Bryn Forbes has found his stroke over the Spurs last seven -- shooting 53-percent from the field and 46-percent from deep -- which helps in the assist department, and he's a solid defender who contributes both steals and blocks almost nightly.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Draymond Green - PF/C, GS vs. HOU ($5,900)
You'll rarely find a guy who's a triple-double threat every time he steps on the floor priced under $6K, and while I don't completely understand why Draymond continues to be priced this low, I'll just continue to take advantage instead of complaining.
As the fourth, at best, scoring option in this offense, Green's point totals disappoint more often than not. However, he leads the team in rebounds, assists, and steals and the success of both the offense and defense alike can directly be attributed to his play on most nights. The Warriors should have no problem getting up for James Harden and co. -- even with the Rockets at less than full-strength -- and while P.J. Tucker's main job is to play D and rebound, I don't think he's enough to prevent Green from outperforming his salary.
Davis Bertans - SF/PF, SA vs. TOR ($3,800)
Bertans logged 31 minutes off the bench with Rudy Gay out for the Spurs Monday night and could be in for similar run tonight against the Raptors as he provides a much more favorable matchup for Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka than Jakob Poeltl. Our options at forward tonight are much deeper than that of the guards with several candidates in the mix to land here (e.g. Serge Ibaka, Nemanja Bjelica, Paul Millsap, et al), but Bertans' ability to stretch the floor and rebound provide him more than enough upside -- along with the savings -- to justify the risk.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Pascal Siakam - PF/C, TOR at SA ($6,200)
There's really not much to say here... He's been balling lately. Ride the wave.
