Happy Friday RotoBallers! As usual, we have a jam-packed Friday night slate, filled with some juicy matchups. These articles focus on the overall best plays, which are typically more suited for cash games. However, with larger slates like this one, you don't have to worry about ownership getting steamed up too hard usually, so consider these suggestions GPP viable as well (some exceptions may apply).
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 2/4/22. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome new NBA injuries report tool as the slate can completely change before lineups lock.
As always, feel free to follow my Twitter (@Maxadelphia), to keep up to date with NBA news and for my nightly NBA bets if you're into that sort of thing. Let's go!
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DraftKings and FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Trae Young - PG, ATL @ TOR ($9,900 DK, $8,800 FD)
After missing one game with an injury, Young returned Thursday night and absolutely lit up the best team in the NBA. Young put up 43 points, and "only" put up 53.5 fantasy points. By coincidence Young has missed the last two matchups of these teams, including their game earlier this week, but the last time he suited up vs Raptors was in Toronto on 3/11/21, Young posted 37/6/5 and that game finished with 241 total points. The top end of guard is pretty weak compared to usual it feels like, but there's some solid history for Young & the Hawks here.
Gary Trent Jr. - SG, TOR vs ATL ($6,400 DK, $7,100 FD)
If you follow my friend and fellow Rotoballer contributor ThunderDan on Twitter or read his content, then you're already very familiar with GTJ. If not, don't worry, I got you covered. Before only putting up 30 fantasy points in last night's win vs Chicago, Trent Jr was on a 5 game streak of scoring 40+ fantasy points. The Raptors' starters have been playing huge minutes lately, and up against an Atlanta team that does not guard the perimeter well, I think GTJ can find another ceiling performance tonight.
Tre Jones - PG, SAS vs HOU ($3,700 DK, $4,100 FD)
The formula here is simple: Jones is a starting PG in a game against the Houston Rockets. With no Dejounte Murray, Jones stepped into the starting lineup again and posted 26 DK points. That performance came in a 17 point road loss against one of the best teams in the league, and thankfully this game against Houston is a total parallel compared to the game in Miami. Expect Jones to be relatively popular for good reason tonight.
Others to consider: Donovan Mitchell ($8,400 DK, $8,300 FD) Brandon Goodwin ($4,100 DK, $4,500 FD)
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DraftKings and FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
DeMar DeRozan - PF, CHI @ IND ($9,500 DK, $9,600 FD)
DeRozan is always a tough fantasy asset to evaluate since his fantasy production is so dependent on him scoring the ball. Thankfully, that hasn't been an issue of late. DeRozan has posted 23+ points in 10 straight games and has only produced less than 44 fantasy points once in that span. As of writing this, all-star teammate Zach LaVine is currently listed as a game-time decision, due to back spasms. I like DeRozan even if Lavine plays, but with the Bulls going to overtime last night, and Lavine playing 42 minutes, I think it is absolutely in the realm of possibilities that Lavine ends up sitting tonight, which would make DeRozan one of the most appealing plays on the whole slate.
Thaddeaus Young - PF/C, SAS vs HOU ($3,000 DK, $3,500 FD)
With very limited front court options the Spurs turned to Young. Young played for the first time since 1/25 in last night's loss vs Miami, posting 24 DK points in 24 minutes. Young clearly outplayed Devin Eubanks, so I expect him to get run again tonight. He was super chalky last night, and I expect that to repeat tonight, but I would be remiss to not mention a starting player at stone minimum in an exceptional game environment.
Others to consider: Evan Mobley ($7,600 DK, $7,300 FD), Torrey Craig ($4,600 DK, $5,000 FD)
DraftKings and FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Nikola Jokic - C, DEN vs NO ($12,400 DK, $11,200 FD)
As much as the Sixers fan in me wants to make Embiid my top play at C tonight, I just can't do it. Jokic's game environment shapes up to be more fantasy-friendly with a points total of 222, compared to Sixers @ Mavericks only being at 212.5. Jokic should be well rested after a one-game absence (toe), and when these two teams played exactly 1 week ago Jokic posted a 29 point triple-double. Jokic is the most expensive player on the slate, but damn is he worth the money.
Nicolas Claxton - C, BKN @ UTAH ($4,900 DK, $5,600 FD)
Claxton exploded in the Nets' second game without LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle), posting 52 fantasy points on 23/11 and 5 blocks. Claxton was straight up the Nets ' best player in their loss @ Sacramento, and with the Jazz dealing with injuries at the Center position as well, I think Claxton is in another sneaky pop-off spot.
Others to consider: Joel Embiid ($12,300 DK, $11,000 FD) Mason Plumlee ($5,100 DK, $5,500 FD), Udoka Azubuike (only if no H. Whiteside) ($3,400 DK, $3,500 FD)
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