This NBA DFS picks article utilizes Awesemo’s player point projection and value grades to identify the slate’s top potential plays for DraftKings NBA and FanDuel NBA lineups. Be aware of how the plays vary from site to site; often salary and popularity will completely change how a player looks on DraftKings as compared to FanDuel. The value rating takes into account a player’s point per dollar performance, while the points grade is a ranking of the fantasy point projection for NBA DFS contests.
NBA Picks with Awesemo Rankings + Value | Jan. 3
Guard: Mike Conley
DraftKings Grades: B, Value; D
FanDuel Grades: C Value; C
Mike Conley looks to be an intriguing option on this slate. He has basically doubled his rebound production from years past, and he has a 24.7% usage rate in 32.8 minutes per game with 1.18 DraftKings points per minute. Conley is also attempting 15.2 shots per contest, which has resulted in him having the best offensive season of his career — 21.4 points and five assists per game. He is producing 39.1 DraftKings points per contest, and he gets a date with the Spurs, who rank 16th in defense. All signs point to Conley smashing in this spot.
Projected NBA DFS Ownership: DraftKings 3.5% Â Â FanDuel 8.7%
Bonus Round: Patty Mills – DraftKings 7.5%   FanDuel 0.9%
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Forward: Keldon Johnson
DraftKings Grades: C, Value; CÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
FanDuel Grades: C, Value; A
Keldon Johnson is the No. 1 play on the slate, regardless of position. Straight out of the gate, Johnson has emerged as one of the best young talents in the league. Through five games he is averaging 1.09 DraftKings points per minute and 32.8 DraftKings points per contest. He has also gone for at least 42 in two out last three. Johnson has excelled in pick-and-roll situations with DeMar DeRozan, and those two have been the biggest minutes-eaters in Gregg Popovich’s rotation in competitive games. That bodes well for Johnson, as this game against Utah should be competitive, with the Jazz ranking 14th in defense.
Projected NBA DFS Ownership: DraftKings 4.7%Â Â FanDuel 8.3%
Bonus Round: Kyle Anderson – DraftKings 13.6%   FanDuel 15.6%
Center: Rudy Gobert
DraftKings Grades: B, Value B
FanDuel Grades: B, Value B
Rudy Gobert has been solid to begin the season, posting over 40 DraftKings points in four of five games played. He has been one of the most consistent big men in the league over the years and should continue to dominate in this matchup. Averaging 1.32 DraftKings points per minute over 30 minutes per game, Gobert should feast on the frontcourt of the Spurs, who could still be without LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge has missed the last two games and is questionable at the time of this writing. Ranking 23rd versus the center position, the Spurs seem like the perfect spot to attack with one of the most consistent bigs, considering his price and recent form on the boards. Forty fantasy points should be in play for Gobert tonight.
Projected NBA DFS Ownership: DraftKings 16.9%Â Â FanDuel 7.7%
Bonus Round: Gorgui Dieng – DraftKings 1.8%   FanDuel 0.4%
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