All throughout the 2014-15 campaign, RotoBaller will be giving you the top NBA DFS lineup picks at the guard, forward and center positions as well as top sleepers for the day. Below are our favorite picks for January 9th, 2015.
Keep in mind, fantasy basketball is a fickle game when it comes to injured players, so be sure to check all lineups prior to tip-off. If you want to chat about your roster picks, check out the DFS chat room at the bottom of this post.
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Worth the Investment
Andre Drummond (DET, C) - $9,100
The Pistons are on a seven game winning streak due in no small part to Drummond. He has been a monster in the month of January averaging 17.5 rebounds and 1.25 blocks per game. Atlanta is playing with a chip on their collective shoulders as well, but the Hawks have allowed 49.9 FDPPG over their last 10 games.
If there is a deficiency in Atlanta’s game right now, it is that they are being outrebounded by nearly two boards per game. Drummond should have another big rebounding night.
Other Consideration at Center
Nikola Vucevic (ORL, C) - $8,800
For a somewhat cheaper alternative, Vucevic poses all sorts of matchup problems for the Lakers. Actually, any center poses matchup problems for the Lakers. Vucevic is coming off two solid outings against the Hornets and Nuggets and he also has had a full day of rest, which clearly positively affects his production. Jordan Hill and the Lakers are allowing the fourth most FDPPG to centers on the season.
Klay Thompson (CLE, SG) - $7,800
Opposing two-guards are having field days against Cleveland’s porous perimeter defense. Thompson is coming off a 40 point game and is shooting a white-hot 59% from downtown in January. On the other side of the ball, it’ll be interesting to see who the Cavs throw out on the court to defend Thompson. Any chance J.R. Smith or Matthew Dellavedova will be able to contain the other Splash Brother?
Brandon Knight (MIL, PG) - $7,300
Milwaukee will tee off against Minnesota tonight and it’s clear the Timberwolves are in full blown tank mode. Though Knight is somewhat inconsistent, he should be able to have plenty of opportunities to score, steal and set up teammates against Minnesota’s atrocious defense and up-beat tempo.
As a bonus, Knight offers premium production upside at $2,000 to $3,000 less than the top-notch point guards such as Russell Westbrook or Steph Curry.
Honorable Mention
Kevin Love (CLE, PF) - $10,100
If you’re going stars and scrubs lineup, Love should be considered as a must-have. LeBron James is still out so most of the scoring will have to be done by Love and Kyrie Irving. The Warriors have struggled at times to defend jump-shooting big men and their up-tempo style allows plenty of opportunities for Love to grab his fair share of boards. Love should be among the highest scoring forwards of Friday if you’re willing to pay up.
Top Sleepers
Nene Hilario (WAS, PF) - $5,000
It appears the Brazilian big man is nearly 100% healthy as his minutes have steadily climbed in to the high 20s. Head coach Randy Wittman isn’t doing any favors to fantasy players as he has a tendency to play deep into his bench and sporadically switch up minutes, especially forwards. It’s like Witt is trying hard to win games or something? Nene presents an interesting case against Chicago.
The Bulls have recently been giving up buckets of FanDuel points to opposing power forwards and Nene has the uncanny ability to hit the outside shot or post up and play big boy basketball. Pau Gasol is clearly better apt at defending the perimeter but he’s lost a bit of his defensive game over the last few years. Nene should offer his owners a nice return on investment.
O.J. Mayo (MIN, SG) - $4,400
Vegas has Milwaukee as a double-digit favorite. Mayo hasn’t exactly reached his first-round potential but that shouldn’t be a problem against the tanking Timberwolves. Although Mayo has been sub-par on all fronts this season, he has actually put in solid numbers against inferior competition. A 30+ FDP game isn’t out of reach.
NBA DFS Chat Room
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