RADIO
This Wednesday slate is a bit smaller than usual, with nine games on the slate. Injury news has already created a lot of value and with more definitive news coming throughout the day there should be plenty of room to jam stars in up and down lineups.
Given that, my core plays on tonight's slate are Anthony Davis, Kemba Walker, Dwight Howard, and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. If Reggie Bullock is ruled out, Luke Kennard will be added as another strong punt play. Many of these players will be discussed in greater detail throughout this article.
Below you will find our daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/24/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options, to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. You can also read more DFS lineup picks for DraftKings and other sports too. Let's get to it, shall we?
FanDuel DFS Guards
Kemba Walker - PG vs. NO ($8,400)
Kemba has been on a strong run of late, returning 5.7X and 6.4X value over his past two games. His price has ticked up slightly as a result, but is hardly prohibitive. That’s especially the case on Wednesday when he draws a matchup against the Pelicans, who have gotten torched by opposing point guards all season and especially of late. The elite point guards on the slate, namely Chris Paul and Damian Lillard, also have alluring matchups. However, their price gives them less upside in returning value so I’ll “pay down” and settle on Kemba as my stud guard option.
Timothe Luwawu - SG vs. CHI ($4,200)
Luwawu-Cabarrot has stepped up in J.J. Reddick’s absence, showing he has plenty of ability to score. However, with T.J. McConnell now out for Wednesday’s matchup and Jerryd Bayless also potentially missing the game, Luwawu-Cabarrot should have the opportunity to not only score but also handle the ball more. While Ben Simmons will clearly be the dominant ball-handler on the floor, Luwawu-Cabarrot would likely be the other option in the backcourt. He remains viable if Bayless is able to play, but he is a near lock in lineups if Bayless remains out.
Luke Kennard - SG vs. UTA ($3,700)
There was a recent story regarding Kennard with quotes from coach Van Gundy and teammates alike stating they wanted the rookie to be more assertive in looking for his shot. He should have that opportunity if Reggie Bullock is unable to play in tonight's game with a thumb injury. Though the Jazz have a reputation as a stingy defensive team, that hasn’t been the case of late against opposing shooting guards. That said, things could fall into place nicely for Kennard as a punt option on tonight's slate, just keep an eye on Bullock’s status throughout the day.
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Harrison Barnes - SF vs. HOU ($7,100)
Barnes’ recent form has caused his price to jump up over $7,000 for the first time since late December. Generally, that’s a good sign to lay off, and as a result he’s not someone I’m targeting in tournaments. However, he remains in play for cash games as he can be counted on for a floor of at least 30 FD points. The Rockets have been one of the worst teams against opposing wings over their past five games, so Barnes is in a good spot to continue to produce.
Joe Ingles - SF @DET ($5,000)
In contrast to Barnes, Ingles is one of my favorite mid-priced tournament options at small forward. He will likely be guarded by Stanley Johnson who has looked lost on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball this season, posting a 106.1 defensive rating to this point on the season. If Rodney Hood is out again, some extra usage should fall to Ingles making him a stronger play, though he is a decent option regardless.
Montrezl Harrell - PF vs. BOS ($4,900)
It’s a bit surprising that FanDuel dropped Harrell’s priced heading into Wednesday’s slate given that over his past six games he has recorded over 6X value in three. With DeAndre Jordan listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game, Harrell’s minutes should be safe. Given that Boston will be on the back end of a back-to-back on the west coast the matchup is also not concerning.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Dwight Howard - C vs. NO ($9,200)
Over his past five games, the worst value that Dwight Howard returned is 4.9X. That said, much as was the case with his teammate Kemba Walker, this is simply a case of a player appearing to be underpriced. Boogie dominates offensively but also has a 106.6 defensive rating this season. There is some risk that he causes Howard to get into foul trouble, so Howard may be preferable as a tournament play but he is the elite center option I want to target on this slate.
