It’s just a four-game slate in the NBA today, and the cheap value options are minimal. Still, we do have at least one good option to work with heading to the slate’s 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff on DraftKings. Using Stokastic’s NBA DFS Boom/Bust tool, let’s dive into the player pool to discuss the best NBA DFS contrarian pick at the site as a result of today’s injury news.
NBA DFS Contrarian Picks Today: Thursday, February 1
When I started writing this, two of the top contrarian plays on the entire slate were a pair of Lakers: LeBron James and Christian Wood. Well, James was ruled out alongside Anthony Davis, striking him from the list, and Wood jumped up to the top of the ownership board — he is now looking at the fourth most according to Stokastic’s ownership projections. LeBron getting ruled out has sucked most of the value at both the top and bottom of the pricing board, so today we’re going to change it up a little bit. Instead we’re only going with our mid-priced option, as he is easily the top source of contrarian value right now.
NBA DFS Mid-Priced Contrarian Pick
Isaiah Hartenstein: Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks
Stokastic’s Optimality Projection
DraftKings: 15.0%
DFS Salary
DraftKings: $6,500
Isaiah Hartenstein was already having a very productive season in the absence of Mitchell Robinson, and now with Julius Randle out he should play an even bigger role in the Knicks frontcourt. Hartenstein had logged only 16 minutes in back-to-back contests since returning from Achilles soreness, but after he played 29 minutes in New York’s most recent game, it’s logical to think that number will increase tonight.
Despite his clear upside in a matchup with the Pacers — including a 15% optimal percentage — the field is sleeping on Hartenstein, as only 8.00% of lineups are expected to roster him in DraftKings. Considering the uncertainty in his playing time, Hartenstein’s price tag is fair for his median outcome. His upside, especially in this spot, however, makes him one of the best, if not the best, tournament plays on the slate.
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Final Thoughts on NBA DFS Contrarian Picks Today
Check out the Stokastic NBA Process Show with Josh Engleman on YouTube, breaking down all of the key elements for today’s slate. Brought to you by BetMGM– new users, use this link to receive $158 in Bonus Bets when you bet $5 ahead of Super Bowl 58! Full details here.
