NBA DFS: DraftKings, FanDuel Daily Fantasy Basketball Picks - Today's Top Lineups (1/12/24)

There will be no shortage of action Friday with 10 games set to be played in the NBA. There are some highlight matchups among them, including when the Nuggets host the Pelicans. The Kings, Clippers, and Timberwolves will also be in action.

A packed slate means that we have several injuries to keep in mind when crafting lineups. Those who have already been ruled out include Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) and Joel Embiid (knee). Some noteworthy players who are listed as questionable are Pascal Siakam (back), LaMelo Ball (ankle), and Tyler Herro (shoulder).

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 1/12/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome new NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:30 p.m. ET. Good luck, RotoBallers!

Today's DraftKings, FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

Tyrese Maxey, PHI vs. SAC – PG ($9,300 DK; $9,400 FD)

The continued absence of Embiid means that the 76ers will have to rely more heavily on Maxey. He has been up to the task, averaging 27.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.1 steals over the last 10 games. Although he only shot 43.8 percent from the field during that span, he averaged 21.7 shot attempts per game. Expect him to be busy in a matchup between two teams that are ranked inside the top-12 in the league in pace of play.

T.J. McConnell, IND at ATL – PG ($7,000 DK; $6,700 FD)

Haliburton is going to be out for at least two weeks for the Pacers, meaning that McConnell is in line for an expanded role. He still came off the bench against the Wizards on Wednesday, logging a total of 22 minutes. The result was him posting 14 points, two rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. For the season, he is now showing 54.5 percent from the field. His salary is climbing, but he’s still an appealing option.

Bruce Brown Jr., IND at ATL – SG/SF ($5,600 DK; $5,800 FD)

Brown is a good passer and showed it last season when he averaged 3.4 assists per game for the Nuggets. With Haliburton out Wednesday, he racked up six assists over 27 minutes. Not only that, but he chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds as well. For those who can’t squeeze McConnell into their budget, Brown is also someone worth targeting.

ALSO CONSIDER: Fred VanVleet, HOU at DET – PG ($7,900 DK; $8,500 FD), Jaden Ivey, DET vs. HOU – PG/SG ($6,900 DK; $7,300 FD)

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Today's DraftKings, FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

Tobias Harris, PHI vs. SAC – SF/PF ($7,200 DK; $7,600 FD)

Harris sat out Saturday with an ankle injury, but made his return Wednesday versus the Hawks. He certainly wasn’t limited, logging 41 minutes in the loss. He also didn’t look rusty, producing 32 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Like Maxey, he should see an expanded offensive role with Embiid still sidelined.

Bennedict Mathurin, IND at ATL – SF/SG ($6,400 DK; $5,700 FD)

The Pacers have a lot of scoring to make up for because of the loss of Haliburton. Mathurin is averaging 11.0 shot attempts per game for the season, but he attempted 13 shots with him out Wednesday. That was in addition to his eight free-throw attempts. That kind of usage in what has the potential to be a fast-paced game in which little defense is played leaves Mathurin with significant upside.

Vince Williams Jr., MEM vs. LAC – SF/PF/SG ($5,300 DK; $5,700 FD)

The Grizzlies lost two starting guards this week in Ja Morant (shoulder) and Marcus Smart (finger). Morant will miss the rest of the season, while Smart is expected to miss around six weeks. Williams has logged at least 30 minutes in a game five times this season. Over those games, he averaged 9.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks. With the Grizzlies so shorthanded, he should at least approach 30 minutes again in this matchup.

ALSO CONSIDER: Miles Bridges, CHA at SA – SF/PF/C ($8,200 DK; $8,000 FD), Jalen Johnson, ATL vs. IND – SF/PF ($7,200 DK; $7,900 FD)

Today's DraftKings, FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks

Domantas Sabonis, SAC at PHI– C/PF ($10,200 DK; $9,900 FD)

The 76ers don’t have great options at center with Embiid out. They will have to roll with Paul Reed and Mo Bamba at the position. That should mean we get another juicy stat line from Sabonis. Over his last 11 games, he has already averaged 24.0 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 9.0 assists. During that span, he produced six triple-doubles.

Nick Richards, CHA at SA– C ($5,700 DK; $5,900 FD)

There have been no positive updates regarding Mark Williams (back), meaning that Richards will remain in a starting role. Over the last 15 games as a starter, he has averaged 9.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. Those looking to spend down at the position should give Richards serious consideration.

Xavier Tillman Sr., MEM vs. LAC – C ($5,200 DK; $5,600 FD)

Working our way further down the salary scale brings us to an interesting option in Tillman. The Grizzlies waived Bismack Biyombo, who had surpassed Tillman on their depth chart. Santi Aldama (knee) has also been ruled out for this game, meaning that Tillman could be left with significant run. For those looking to differentiate their lineup in tournament play, don’t sleep on Tillman.

ALSO CONSIDER: Victor Wembanyama, SA vs. CHA – C/PF ($9,100 DK; $10,000 FD), Nikola Vucevic, CHI vs. GS - C ($7,300 DK; $8,100 FD)

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