FanDuel NBA DFS Lineup Picks (1/3/21): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Dennis Clausen highlights the top FanDuel NBA DFS lineup picks for 1/3/21, and a couple of sleepers to consider while building daily rosters.

Happy New Year, everyone. For those looking to not move off the couch on Sunday, the NFL regular season will conclude with Week 17 on tap. On top of that, the NBA has seven games on the agenda, minus the afternoon game, to round out the evening, which will ultimately make this one of the best sports days of the year.

As always, there are a handful of injuries to monitor as LeBron James and Luka Doncic are the two notable studs who may not be available. Be sure to keep an eye on things throughout the day, especially since there will be plenty of value opportunities on the horizon.

This post will be recommending daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/3/21. You can also check out today's DraftKings lineup picks. Keep an eye on Rotoballer’s injury news to stay up to date before lineups are locked.

FanDuel DFS Guards

Kyrie Irving, PG - vs. WSH ($9,500)

Irving may be the most productive high-priced fantasy option on the slate. He has been on a roll over the last two games in a series against the Atlanta Hawks, accumulating at least 41.4 fantasy points in each of those outings. With Vegas projecting this contest to be the highest-scoring affair on the night, you can bet the chances are good for players from each team to benefit on the fantasy end.

D’Angelo Russell, SG - vs. DEN ($7,200)

Karl-Anthony Towns will continue to miss time after recently dislocating his wrist. In his absence, Russell should receive a noticeable bump in usage and +/- differential. It wasn’t too long ago that the 24-year-old was enjoying the best years of his career as a Brooklyn Net, and those who watched him play during that time know just how good he can be, especially from deep. For those looking for a stacking opportunity with upside, also keep Ricky Rubio in your back pocket as he should also receive extra run as a starter.

Coby White, PG - vs. DAL ($6,100)

White has upped his game thus far as he begins his second season in the league. He is averaging 14.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.3 boards per game. The 20-year old has also been receiving plenty of minutes and has hit at least 31 fantasy points in three of his last four outings. Keep him in mind, primarily since he may get additional opportunities on the offensive end with the Bulls down some of their primary scoring threats.

Also consider: Tyus Jones ($5,700), Paul George ($8,000), Zach LaVine ($7,700), Andrew Wiggins ($6,300), Josh Richardson ($4,800)

FanDuel DFS Forwards

Tim Hardaway Jr., SF - @ CHI ($5,300)

Chances are high that Luka Doncic, who is dealing with a quadriceps contusion, won’t be in the lineup on Sunday against the Bulls. If he does indeed sit, Hardaway may lead the way for the Mavericks on the offensive end. Hardaway had an effective outing the other night against the Heat, finishing with 18 points throughout 38 minutes of action. Chicago has struggled in certain areas on the defensive end so far this year, and with a rostering cost of only $5,300, the journeyman has an excellent chance at exceeding his value by far.

Naz Reid, PF - vs. DEN ($4,900)

As mentioned, Karl-Anthony Town’s absence has opened the door for others to step up, including Reid. With KAT out of commission, Reid has been running things underneath the rim for the Timberwolves. He smashed his value in the loss to the Wizards by compiling 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting in addition to six boards, two blocks, and a steal.

Also consider: Kelly Oubre Jr. ($5,200), Will Barton ($5,000), Joe Harris (4,500), Otto Porter Jr. ($4,400), Jarrett Culver ($4,300), Robert Covington ($5,200), Thaddeus Young ($4,200)

FanDuel DFS Centers

Jonas Valanciunas, C - vs. LAL ($7,200)

Valanciunas has been one of the most efficient centers this season from a fantasy standpoint. He has racked up a double-double in each of his five appearances during the 2020-2021 campaign and should continue to thrive on the offensive end without Ja Morant in the lineup.

Also consider: Nikola Jokic ($10,600), Jusuf Nurkic ($6,000), Dwight Powell ($4,000)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis