Need a jump start on your lineups before Awesemo’s NBA DFS rankings or projections? No worries, Damien Mathews has you covered his Pick 5! favorite NBA DFS Picks for DraftKings and FanDuel for Monday, Jan. 13. We have a seven-game main slate with a myriad of options to choose from. Damien has some takes on Jayson Tatum, Andre Drummond and more!
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NBA DFS Point Guard: Darius Garland $4,700 FanDuel $4,800 DraftKings
Darius Garland has been impressive over the last month, playing heavy minutes and producing solid fantasy numbers. And at his price point, he is the core play for his position. The rookie out of Vanderbilt has averaged 0.81 fantasy points per minute while playing at least 34 minutes in his last eight games. Also, he’s shooting at a 40.8 percent clip on 12 attempts per game (5.1 from three). It’s not great efficiency but solid enough volume since Garland is not going to be owned and his price is great for his upside. Garland has been in the $4,000 range all season with 20.6 percent usage, which also enhances his NBA DFS appeal.
*Honorable Mention: Lonzo Ball $6,300 FanDuel $6,900 DraftKings
**Honorable Mention: Damian Lillard $8,500 FanDuel $8,800 DraftKings
***Honorable Mention: Ben Simmons $8,200 FanDuel $8,200 DraftKings
NBA DFS Shooting Guard: Zach LaVine $8,200 FanDuel $8,500 DraftKings
Zach LaVine is playing the best basketball of his career. He is averaging 1.25 fantasy points per minute thanks in large part to his dominant role in the Bulls offense. He has a 32.7 usage rate over the last month, playing upward of 34 minutes per game and sporting a 21.2 assist percentage. All signs point to LaVine continuing his high level of play against a Boston Celtics team he torched for 53 fantasy points just eight days ago. LaVine has been over 45 fantasy points in five of his last six, so look for him to continue rolling in Boston.
*Honorable Mention: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander $6,700 FanDuel $6,300 DraftKings
**Honorable Mention: Josh Richardson $5,800 FanDuel $6,500 DraftKings
***Honorable Mention: Bruce Brown Jr. $4,900 FanDuel $6,100 DraftKings
NBA DFS Small Forward: Miles Bridges $5,000 FanDuel $5,600 DraftKings
Miles Bridges will get defense from Carmelo Anthony, which is appealing on a slate with few options at the position. Bridges stands out at his modest price with an 18.9 usage percentage, attempting 10.6 shots and shooting at a 45.0 percent clip. The Charlotte Hornets will head to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers who have lost three of their last four and might be without Hassan Whiteside, their primary rim protector. Also, this will be a pace-up for Charlotte as Portland plays at the 11th-fastest pace in the league. Bridges should benefit from the extra possessions and poor defense.
*Honorable Mention: Brandon Ingram $9,100 FanDuel $8,100 DraftKings
**Honorable Mention: Trevor Ariza $4,700 FanDuel $4,400 DraftKings
***Honorable Mention: Josh Okogie $4,100 FanDuel $3,300 DraftKings
NBA DFS Power Forward: Jayson Tatum $8,000 FanDuel $7,700 DraftKings
Jayson Tatum is averaging 1.14 Fantasy points per minute, which is solid, but we have seen his ceiling potential as he has gone for 66, 63, 58 fantasy points before. At his price point, Tatum grades out as my top play for his position this NBA DFS slate. Tatum has been consistent with his play as well with a 73 consistency rating, the highest on team. Though the Boston Celtics will host the stingy Chicago Bulls at home, I have no problem going with Tatum as he went for 48 fantasy points against this same Bulls team a week ago, and his usage is still high (27.8 percent) despite Boston’s glut of ball handlers. Where he’s priced, it’s a no-brainer.
*Honorable Mention: Al Horford $6,200 FanDuel $6,800 DraftKings
**Honorable Mention: Robert Covington $6,000 FanDuel $5,700 DraftKings
***Honorable Mention: Kyle Kuzma $4,700 FanDuel $5,900 DraftKings
NBA DFS Center: Andre Drummond $10,500 FanDuel $10,300 DraftKings
Andre Drummond is one of the highest-usage centers in basketball and that has helped him average 1.36 fantasy points per minute over 835 minutes of court time without Blake Griffin. He is the center of all trade talks these days and for good reason. Drummond has been great, leading the NBA in rebounds (total and per game) while putting up 17.6 points, shooting 53 percent from the field on 13.6 attempts and getting you a steal and a block each. On top of that, the spot couldn’t be better as New Orleans ranks sixth in pace and has allowed the third-most points to opposing offenses.
*Honorable Mention: Steven Adams $6,600 FanDuel $6,400 DraftKings
**Honorable Mention: Jaxson Hayes $4,300 FanDuel $4,600 DraftKings
***Honorable Mention: Enes Kanter $5,100 FanDuel $5,400 DraftKings
