DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup-January 5
High Value PG
J.J. Barea-Dallas Mavericks (5,700): Barea stepped in for Deron Williams at the end of December with some huge games, and he has continued to produce solid games even after D-Will returned. With Williams departing Saturday’s contest early with a hamstring injury, Barea could be lined up for more playing time once again tonight as the Mavs take on the Kings who allow the third-most fantasy points to opposing PG. Barea has at least 30 fantasy points in four of his last six games and is expected to continue to start at the point while Williams gets back to full strength. With Williams’ Saturday setback, Barea should be almost a lock for 30 minutes tonight and be a great value play. If Williams is ruled out at shootaround this morning, Barea is a must-play. With Williams-∗∗∗∗, Without Williams-∗∗∗∗∗
Jordan Clarkson-Los Angeles Lakers (5,400): Playing anyone in the late game tonight is tricky because it could be non-competitive early since the Warriors come in 32-2 and the Lakers just 8-27. If you do go with one of the Lakers guards, the one that offers the most multi-category potential is Jordan Clarkson who has had a nice little run lately. Clarkson has at least ten points in nine of his last ten games and has added enough rebounds, assists, and steals to get to 25 fantasy points in each of his last four games and six of his last ten. He had a well-balanced line against Phoenix on Sunday with 12 points, seven assists, three steals, five rebounds, and a block on his way to 35.75 fantasy points. He is usually on the floor for 30+ minutes even if the Lakers are way behind, so he is a safe enough pick to consider if you want a point guard in the late contest. ∗∗∗
Darren Collison-Sacramento Kings (5,300): Collison’s role alongside Rajon Rondo can be inconsistent at times, but he has scored at least ten points in each of his last ten games and has at least 25 fantasy points in five of his last seven. He only had 19 fantasy points last night in OKC on 14 points and four assists, but his consistent numbers before last night make him an option worth a look if you don’t trust Barea or need another option in the 5K range for a flex spot. ∗∗ UPDATE: With Rondo out for tonight, look for Collison to run the offense and he is now a three-star play against the Mavs.
Aaron Brooks-Chicago Bulls (4,400): Brooks has been getting good minutes while Derrick Rose has been sidelined and had a few big games last week before coming back to earth in the New Year. He can definitely fill it up when his shot is dropping, but he’s high-risk since his minutes can fluctuate and his non-scoring stats are inconsistent. ∗
Shelvin Mack-Atlanta Hawks (3,100): For reasons not fully explained Mack has passed Dennis Schroder as the primary backup for the Hawks. Mack got some extra run on Sunday against the Knicks and was productive with 19.25 fantasy points in 27 minutes on 10 points and five assists. His new role could evaporate at any point, but for now he’s a cheap punt play worth considering if you have to go ultra-cheap at PG. ∗∗
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