The NBA closes out the work week with eight games on the schedule Friday. There are some great matchups, including when the Celtics host the Nuggets. There are also some duds, such as when the Spurs take on the Hornets.
As far as injuries go, let’s highlight some of the top ones that will impact the evening. Victor Wembanyama (rest) has already been ruled out. Players listed as questionable include Trae Young (illness) and LeBron James (ankle), although James seems to be listed as questionable heading into most games for the Lakers. He has missed just four games all season.
This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 1/19/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome new NBA injuries report tool as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 pm EST. Good luck RotoBallers!
Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 10% off using code BALLER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!
Today's DraftKings, FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
LaMelo Ball, CHA vs. SA – PG ($8,800 DK; $9,900 FD)
This is a fantasy-friendly matchup. The Spurs have played at the third-fastest pace in the league and both teams rank inside the bottom-10 in defense rating. While Ball continues to struggle with his efficiency, he has averaged 26.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.3 steals over three games since returning from injury. He has the potential to explode in this matchup.
D’Angelo Russell, LAL vs. BKN – PG/SG ($6,200 DK; $7,000 FD)
After playing seven straight games off the bench, the Lakers have re-inserted Russell back into their starting lineup. Not only is he starting, but he has logged at least 36 minutes in each of the last three games since the move. Over those three games, he averaged 27.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.0 steals. He can score with the best of them when he’s hot like this.
Tre Jones, SA at CHA – PG ($5,800 DK; $6,700 FD)
Jones averaged only 23 minutes over his first 29 games of the season. The Spurs made him a part of their second unit after he had thrived as a starter last season. They have finally moved him back into the starting lineup, having him serve in that role for each of their last seven games. He logged 30 minutes per game in that role, which helped him average 14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.0 steals. As long as he continues to start, he should continue with his improved production.
ALSO CONSIDER: Anfernee Simons, POR vs. IND – PG/SG ($7,800 DK; $7,600 FD), Tyler Herro, MIA vs. ATL – PG/SG ($7,500 DK; $8,300 FD)
Want more NBA DFS tools and content? Check out our premium daily content from proven winner Will Priester! Grab an NBA season pass and get access to our daily projections, optimizer, and Will's personal picks and advice. Use promo code BARNER at checkout to save 10%.
Today's DraftKings, FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Jimmy Butler, MIA vs. ATL – SF/PF ($7,600 DK; $8,700 FD)
The Hawks are another team to target in DFS. They have played at the fourth-fastest pace and have the fifth-worst defensive rating in the league. Butler was injured the last time these two teams met, but the Heat still scored 122 points in the game. Jaime Jaquez Jr. (groin) is doubtful for this rematch, so expect Butler to be busy.
Jerami Grant, POR vs. IND – SF/PF ($6,800 DK; $7,100 FD)
It has been a rough season for the Trail Blazers. Not only do they have a terrible record, but they have been getting blown out a lot. That has left Grant with some bad stat lines because he hasn’t played much in the fourth quarter. They have been more competitive at home and that has shown in Grant’s production. He is averaging 19.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on the road, but 23.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game at home.
Jeremy Sochan, SA at CHA – PF/PG ($5,200 DK; $6,600 FD)
The Spurs starting Sochan at point guard to begin the season is why Jones was moved to the bench. Sochan struggled in the role, which is part of the reason why Jones is starting again. Still, Sochan remains a starter at forward and has averaged 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals over the last seven games.
ALSO CONSIDER: Zion Williamson, NO vs. PHX ($7,500 DK; $7,700 FD), Caleb Martin, MIA vs. ATL – SF/PF ($5,000 DK; $5,500 FD)
Today's DraftKings, FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Anthony Davis, LAL vs. BKN – C/PF ($10,200 DK; $11,500 FD)
Davis came one assist shy of a triple-double against the Mavericks on Wednesday. Last Saturday, he did record a triple-double against the Jazz. The Nets have a lot of depth at forward, but they don’t have a ton of size outside of Nicolas Claxton, especially with Day’Ron Sharpe (knee) out. Davis has the potential to produce another juicy all-around stat line.
Zach Collins, SA at CHA – C/PF ($5,700 DK; $6,300 FD)
This one will require some monitoring. Collins has missed the last nine games for the Spurs with an ankle injury. However, his work during practice has been increasing and he is listed as questionable for Friday. If he plays, he could step right into a prominent role with Wembanyama out. It’s a favorable matchup for him, considering that the Hornets have allowed the fifth-most rebounds per game in the league.
P.J. Washington, CHA vs. SA – C/PF ($5,100 DK; $5,900 FD)
Mark Williams (back) is still not ready to return for the Hornets. Nick Richards has been starting in his place, but he is listed as questionable for this matchup with an ankle injury. If he is unable to play, Washington could log a ton of minutes. Even if Richards does play, Washington has a cheap enough salary to be worth considering since he will split minutes at both center and power forward with Williams out.
ALSO CONSIDER: Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. ATL – C ($8,700 DK; $9,300 FD), Goga Bitadze, ORL vs. PHI – C ($5,000 DK; $6,100 FD)
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!