RADIO
We have a four game NBA slate, which is a a bit small for a Saturday and there are some interesting options across the board. There are a number of injuries going around, so this should open up some value plays once we get the starting lineups.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 1/13/18. I play both cash and GPP, so I will be looking for both players who have consistency, along with value plays that have upside from a favorable match up, or other factors.
If you have any questions or comments, let me know @DFS_Tom on Twitter. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. Let's get to it.
DraftKings DFS Guards
Dejounte Murray - PG, SA vs DEN (DK - $4,900)
With Tony Parker being listed as questionable for this game, it opens up the potential for Murray to grab the start. In the Spurs most recent game where he got the start, Murray put up 44 DraftKings points in 26 minutes. That is fantastic production from someone at his price point, along with bringing your lineup some nice savings. He is up against the Nuggets, who are giving up 49 DraftKings points per game to point guards, which is second worst in the league. This is the type of match up you want to attack anytime the Nuggets are on the slate. Murray has a 22% usage rate and averaging 0.96 fantasy points per minute when Parker is off the court. This is a prime spot for him IF Parker is out.
DeMar DeRozan - SG, TOR vs GS (DK - $8,900)
DeRozan is coming off a bit of a let down game, but is in a nice spot to bounce back. As of right now, Kyle Lowry is listed as a game time decision for the Raptors, which is a huge piece of news regarding this game. When Lowry is off the court for the Raptors, DeRozan has a 40.5% usage rate and is averaging 1.45 fantasy points per minute this season. Those are MASSIVE numbers and the type of production you want out of an expensive player. He is up against the Warriors who are giving up 40 DraftKings points per game to shooting guards, which DeRozan should be able to exceed.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Tobias Harris - SF, DET @ CHI (DK - $7,000)
Harris is up against the Bulls, who are giving up 42 Draftkings points per game to small forwards. This game has an over-under 207 points, so it may not be the highest scoring game on the slate, but still a good spot. Harris has reached or exceeded one fantasy point per minute in four straight games, along with scoring 22 or more real points in three straight games. He can also chip in with the peripheral stats, giving him great DFS value. There are limited options on this slate, making him a nice mid-range cash game option tonight.
LaMarcus Aldridge - PF, SA vs DEN (DK - $8,700)
As of right now, Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable for the Spurs, putting Aldridge in a good spot. When Leonard is not on the court for the Spurs, Aldridge has a 31% usage rate, along with averaging 1.17 fantasy points per minute. Aldridge is on a bit of a heater right now, and if there's one thing I know, you never walk away from a heater. He has scored 44 or more DraftKings points in four of his last five games. Good for any format tonight, as he is up against the Nuggets, who are giving up 48 DraftKings points per game. Even if Kawhi does play, Aldridge should still be viable, since we have seen Pop and the Spurs limit the amount of playing time Leonard gets each game.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Marcin Gortat - C, WAS vs BKN (DK - $5,100)
Tonight the Washington Wizards are celebrating Polish Night for this game. Gortat is Polish, and in years past, he has played very well during these games. Last year, he put up 12 points and 17 rebounds on February 4th, which was Polish Night. This may be a bit of a stretch when it comes to DFS narratives, but at only $5K, he is worth a shot. He is averaging 0.88 fantasy points per minute this season, and if you buy into the narrative, hopefully we can be seeing a few extra touches for him.
Andre Drummond - C, DET @ CHI (DK - $9,400)
Drummond is the highest priced center on the slate tonight, so you have to decide if you are spending up on him. He is a double-double machine, and is coming off a 20-20 game. His rebounding potential gives him massive tournament upside. Drummond has as a 21% usage rate and is averaging 1.30 fantasy points per minute. Good for any format tonight, as he has consistency for cash games, and upside for tournaments.
