We have a bit of a weird slate/slates going on today. Since it is MLK day, the NBA plays a bunch of day games, and their is no true main slate. Right now on DraftKings, there are four separate slates, all with either two or three games. So the player pool for each one is small, but let's find some good options, and start the week off strong.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 1/16/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @DFS_Tom.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Malcolm Brogdon - PG, vs PHI ($6,000)
Malcolm Brogdon is a rookie and he is putting on quite a show recently. He has scored 31 DraftKings points or more in four of his last five games. Really, really strong play, and he is benefiting from having solid players around him. His price has risen a good amount over the past two weeks or so, but still worth it. With his match up vs the 76ers tonight, Brogdon is in another good spot. The 76ers are giving up 47 points per game to point guards, and this should be the right time for him to capitalize on.
Klay Thompson - SG, vs CLE ($6,500)
Thompson hasn't had the best games lately, but given the team he is on, every game can't be amazing. I still like him in this spot, since they are playing the Cavs, it should be a high scoring game and plenty of looks on offense for Klay. He is up against the Cavs who are giving up 43 points per game to shooting guards. Thompson is averaging 32 points per game for the year, and we know he has great upside with all the three pointers he takes. Could be used in cash or GPP.
Jrue Holiday - PG, @ IND ($6,800)
Holiday is a great cash option for tonight with his match up vs the Pacers, who are giving up 47 points per game to point guards. Holiday is somewhat over looked on a normal night, because he isn't super expensive and doesn't have a ton of upside, since the Pelicans offense revolves around Anthony Davis. But he doesn't need much to hit value, and on a two games slate, he is a good option.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Nicolas Batum - SF, @ BOS ($7,300)
Batum is back from a minor injury and he is ready to go. Averaging over 30 DraftKings points per game for the year, Batum is really showing how he is a versatile wing man and a consistent offensive option. He has 32 points or more in nine of his last ten games. Flat out amazing and should be an auto lock for you tonight. His match up vs the Celtics is also favorable, since Boston is giving up 42 points per game to small forwards. It seems Kemba Walker isn't as consistent as he was to start the season, and Batum is really picking up some of that extra offense.
Kevin Love - PF, @ GS ($8,100)
Love is in a nice spot tonight, and overall it should be a great game with this finals rematch. When these two teams played on Christmas Day, Love had 35 points. That is a bit low for him, but if he can score somewhere near that level, he will be worth the price tag. The Cavs are winding down their road trip, as this is their sixth straight road game, so you never know how fatigue will affect them. But I still expect a high scoring game with plenty of shots to go around.
Also consider: Jabari Parker - SF, vs PHI ($7,400)
DraftKings DFS Centers
Rudy Gobert - C, @ PHO ($7,100)
Gobert is a very promising young center, who is starting to make a name for himself. He is averaging 35 points per game for the year on a very balanced Utah Jazz team. The Jazz never have on player that goes crazy every game, rather a full team effort to play defense and get easy buckets on offense. Gobert is almost a lock for a double double every night. He has six double doubles in his last ten games, and is in a good spot tonight vs the Suns who are giving up 49 points per game to centers. Love him for cash games.
Nikola Jokic - C, vs ORL ($7,900)
Jokic's price has risen almost two thousands dollars over the last seven games, because he is playing exceptionally well. Some may see this as a time to hop off the train due to the price increase. But on a day like today, with small slates, I think you should be spending more than usual on cash roster. He has scored 42 points or more in three of his lat four games and is up against the Magic who are giving up 51 points per game to centers. Borderline auto lock for me tonight.
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