The NBA features a four game slate to keep you entertained while you recover from New Year's Eve festivities. Plenty of solid options on Monday to help you get the year started off on the right foot and more importantly, in the money.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 1/1/18. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options, and value plays on DraftKings.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Jimmy Butler - SG, vs. LAL ($8,700)
Though he is coming off of a game on New Year's Eve against the Pacers, Jimmy Butler played only 27 minutes, meaning that he should be plenty rested for a meeting against the Lakers. Los Angeles is allowing 46 points per game to opposing off guards and as a result, Butler should put up a good chunk of fantasy points in what is anticipated to be the highest-scoring game of the day.
Kyle Lowry - PG, vs. MIL ($7,400)
With so many teams coming off of back-to-back games, I'm opting to tag in the fresh man and look to guys like Kyle Lowry. Milwaukee is allowing a league-leading 32 points to opposing playmakers this season, making him a good play on Monday.
Other DraftKings DFS Guards to Consider: DeMar DeRozan - SG/SF, vs. MIL ($7,700), Evan Fournier - SG/SF, @ BKN ($5,900), Shabazz Napier - PG/SG, @ CHI ($5,500 - only if Damian Lillard is out)
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Aaron Gordon - PF, @ BKN ($7,900)
Aaron Gordon's calf ailment appears to be in the rear view mirror as he logged 36 minutes a few nights ago against Miami. To top it off, he put up 39 points, seven boards and two blocks, something I will gladly take from any player in my fantasy lineup. In case you haven't noticed, Brooklyn is not good, and that is putting it nicely. Gordon should have a field day on Monday.
Evan Turner - SF, @ CHI ($3,800)
With only four games on New Year's Day, we have to find some value somewhere. Evan Turner has been logging minutes somewhere in the 20-30 minutes range, and at such a low-price, it is very reasonable for him to hit the five times value mark of 19 points. Hopefully, he does more than that, and that could happen against Chicago, a team that struggles defending small forwards. However, he does lose some appeal if Damian Lillard, who has been dealing with hamstring issue, is able to suit up.
Other DraftKings DFS Forwards to Consider: Giannis Antetokounmpo - SF/PF, @ TOR ($11,000), Taj Gibson - PF/C, vs. LAL ($5,700)
DraftKings DFS Centers
Bismack Biyombo - PF/C, @ BKN ($5,600)
Since the hand injury to Nikola Vucevic, Bismack Biyombo has been starting and been on a roll. He's been seeing at least 30 minutes per outing and has logged a double-double in his last two contests. DraftKings awards extra points for that sort of thing and with his asking price being so low, he will be a popular play on New Year's Day.
Other DraftKings DFS Centers to Consider: Karl-Anthony Towns - C, vs. LAL ($9,700), Julius Randle - PF/C, @ MIN ($5,000)