Hopefully, everyone has had a great start to 2018. The NBA features a five game slate on Sunday with many of those games featuring an abundance of mismatches. Russell Westbrook, Paul George and the surging Thunder will take on the struggling Phoenix Suns, a game that should see many on the OKC roster walk away with productive fantasy performances. San Antonio and Portland will square off in what is anticipated to be the lowest-scoring game on the slate so use caution. The Hawks and the Lakers will meet in a meaningless game outside of fantasy and DFS contests in addition to the Utah Jazz and Miami Heat, two teams that have been plagued with injuries all season. Kristaps Porzingis, who hasn't been as productive as of late, and the Knicks will host the Dallas Mavericks with New York trying to avoid slipping down in the standings.

Below you will find our daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/7/18. 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.

As always, please check player status prior to lock time. Give me a follow on Twitter @Den_Clausen. Good luck and Let's get started!

FanDuel DFS Guards

Russell Westbrook - PG, @ PHO ($11,800) 

Everyone needs to have Russell Westbrook in their lineup on Sunday considering that he will be going up against one of the worst teams in the league. Instead of getting all fancy with stats about why he is a good pick, I'll just use MVP, or triple-double. Get the point? Good, moving on.

Donovan Mitchell - SG, @ MIA ($7,200)

It's about time that everyone starts putting a little "respeck" on Donovan Mitchell's name. While everyone is continuously focused on the play of Ben Simmons, and with good reason, Mitchell is quietly having a season of his own and could walk away as the Rookie of the Year once the season concludes. He leads all rookies this season in points, averaging 18 per game, and is the clear offensive focal point on the Utah roster. He takes around 15 shots per game and is sporting a 26 percent usage rating this season. He is definitely worth a roster spot.

Wesley Matthews - SG, vs. NYK ($5,200)

Wesley Matthews had been playing fantastic as of late, averaging 23 points per game. He won't really get you much else outside of a few rebounds and assists here and there, but overall he makes his money from his efficient offensive production. He plays a lot of minutes too, which is always a good thing when it comes to fantasy and DFS contests.

Other FanDuel DFS Guards to Consider: Dennis Smith Jr. - PG, vs. NYK ($5,900), J.J. Barea - PG/SG, vs. NYK ($5,900), Terrance Ferguson - SG, @ PHO ($3,600 - if Alex Abrines is out), Bryn Forbes - SG, @ POR ($3,500 - if Danny Green is out),

FanDuel DFS Forwards

Kawhi Leonard - SF, @ POR ($8,100)

As always with Kawhi Leonard, make sure you check his status prior to opening tip as coach Pop has a habit on resting his players and not revealing that information until after lock time. Though he hasn't played above 30 minutes this season, he has been productive and is averaging 21 points and three steals over his past three games. He is slowly getting back into the swing of things and his price will likely increase a few grand more in the very near future so take advantage of the discount while you can.

Paul George - SF, @ PHO ($8,100)

A nice stacking opportunity presents itself on Sunday via Russell Westbrook and Paul George. George hasn't been messing around as of late, averaging nearly 28 points so far this month. His outlook against Phoenix looks good and will look even better if T.J. Warren isn't able to suit up once again due to illness.

Other FanDuel DFS Forwards to Consider: Brandon Ingram - SF, vs. ATL ($7,000), Carmelo Anthony - PF, @ PHO ($6,400), Taurean Prince - SF, @ LAL ($5,900), Ersan Ilyasova - PF, @ LAL ($5,500), Marquese Chriss - PF, vs. OKC ($5,400), Dirk Nowitzki - PF, vs. NYK ($5,100), Josh Jackson - SF, vs. OKC ($3,700 - if T.J. Warren is out)

FanDuel DFS Centers

Steven Adams - C, @ PHO ($6,300)

Notice a trend with these OKC players? With Phoenix being so weak in the middle this season, allowing 18 points, 12 boards and nearly two blocks to opposing centers per game, Steven Adams is generously priced considering what his output will likely be after Sunday is all said and done. He plays a healthy amount of minutes and is always a double-double threat. Keep him in mind.

Other FanDuel DFS Centers to Consider: Julius Randle - C, vs. ATL ($6,600)

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts