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There will be no shortage of action on the first day of 2024 with the NBA set to play four games. One matchup does have an early start time, so we’ll focus on the seven-game evening slate.
There are several injuries to make note of. Players who have already been ruled out include Jimmy Butler (foot), Anfernee Simons (illness), Deandre Ayton (knee), and Dillon Brooks (oblique). Some notable players who are listed as questionable include Luka Doncic (quadriceps), Kyrie Irving (heel), and Aaron Gordon (face/hand).
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 1/1/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome new NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:30 pm ET. Good luck, RotoBallers!
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DraftKings and FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Donovan Mitchell, CLE at TOR – PG/SG ($9,500 DK; $10,300 FD)
Mitchell returned from a four-game absence with an illness to log 36 minutes versus the Bucks on Friday. He certainly didn’t look rusty, posting 34 points, six rebounds, nine assists, and two steals. The Cavaliers need him to score in bunches with Darius Garland (jaw) out, and having the ball in his hands more should also leave him with an opportunity for more assists. That gives him with one of the higher floors at the guard position.
Fred VanVleet, HOU vs. DET – PG ($8,200 DK; $8,300 FD)
VanVleet torched the Suns on Friday, posting 33 points and 10 assists over 43 minutes. He made eight three-pointers along the way and is shooting 38.7 percent from behind the arc for the season. While his scoring average is down during his first season with the Rockets, he should be asked to jack up more shots in this game. Not only is Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) questionable, but Dillon Brooks (oblique) has already been ruled out.
Scoot Henderson, POR at PHX – PG ($6,100 DK; $6,300 FD)
Henderson is showing signs of coming to life, averaging 21.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists over the last three games. He logged 34 minutes per game during that span, compared to his season average of 27 minutes per game. Injuries have forced the Trail Blazers to give him more time on the floor, and that likely won’t change Monday with Anfernee Simons (illness) having already been ruled out.
ALSO CONSIDER: Malcolm Brogdon, POR at PHX – PG/SG ($7,800 DK; $8,000 FD), Keyonte George, UTA vs. DAL – PG/SG ($5,700 DK; $5,700 FD)
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DraftKings and FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. IND – PF/C ($11,000 DK; $12,400 FD)
The Pacers have played at the fastest pace and they have the third-worst defensive rating in the league, making them a top team to attack in DFS. The last time he faced them, Giannis piled up 64 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and four steals over 37 minutes. A rivalry has been building between these two teams, so look for Giannis to be aggressive and produce another juicy stat line.
Scottie Barnes, TOR vs. CLE – SF/PF/PG ($9,000 DK; $9,700 FD)
The Raptors should have Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett available for this game, giving them their first look at their newly-constructed roster. While both players should have significant roles, and possibly both start, don’t expect their arrivals to have a negative impact on Barnes. He remains one of the focal points of the team, averaging 21.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.
Jabari Walker, POR at PHX – SF/PF ($5,000 DK; $5,700 FD)
Simons isn’t the only member of the Trail Blazers who will be out for this game. Deandre Ayton (knee) has been ruled out and Duop Reath (back) is listed as doubtful. With those two also out the last two games, Walker logged at least 30 minutes in both contests. First, he posted six points, nine rebounds, one steal, and one block against the Spurs. He followed that up with 25 points and nine rebounds in a rematch with the Spurs. Plenty of minutes and a cheap salary make him an appealing tournament option.
ALSO CONSIDER: Khris Middleton, MIL vs. IND – SF/PG ($7,100 DK; $7,300 FD), Cody Martin, CHA at DEN – SF/PG/SG ($4,600 DK; $4,800 FD)
DraftKings and FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. CHA – C ($11,300 DK; $12,100 FD)
The Hornets are expected to be without Mark Williams (back) again and they have the worst defensive rating in the league. This is a nightmare matchup for them against Jokic. The only concern with rolling with Jokic at his hefty salary is that he might not play much in the fourth quarter if the Nuggets have raced out to a big early lead. Still, that same scenario unfolded in a blowout win over the Grizzlies last week and Jokic finished with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Jarrett Allen, CLE at TOR – C ($7,900 DK; $8,600 FD)
The absence of Evan Mobley (knee) has left a larger burden on the shoulders of Allen. He has stepped up to average 19.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals over the last seven games. Over his last nine games, he has logged an average of 34 minutes, which is up from his season average of 30 minutes per game. Mobley won’t be back anytime soon, which should keep Allen busy.
Kelly Olynyk, UTA vs. DAL – C/PF ($5,400 DK; $5,800 FD)
Despite their underwhelming record, the Jazz don’t seem to want to give heavy playing time to Walker Kessler on a nightly basis. Olynyk has carved out a significant role, averaging 24 minutes over their last 10 games. During that span, he put up 9.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. The Mavericks don’t have a ton of size up front, so this matchup might favor more minutes for Olynyk than Kessler.
ALSO CONSIDER: Alperen Sengun, HOU vs. DET – C ($8,800 DK; $8,900 FD), Jalen Duren, DET at HOU - C ($6,700 DK; $7,800 FD)
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