DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball sleepers-January 9

Nov 29, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) defends against Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) during second half at Barclays Center. The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Detroit Pistons 87-83.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 6, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) reacts with Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) and Toronto Raptors power forward Patrick Patterson (54) against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. The Raptors defeated the Nets 91-74. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Center—Jonas Valanciunas ($5,500)

Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas is still making his way back from a hand injury that caused him to be sidelined for more than a month this season. However, he seems to be getting back into a groove as a scorer, rebounder, and general contributor in the Raps’ frontcourt. Going up against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, I think Valanciunas is in store for a big night in terms of his DFS value.

The first thing that you have to like without even looking at production is that Valanciunas has played 30 minutes in each of his last two games. That’s a positive sign that Toronto is almost through fully re-integrating the big man into his former role as the featured big man in the frontcourt rotation. Throw in the fact that Valanciunas has been at 27.75 fantasy points or more in DraftKings scoring in three of his last five matchups and he becomes even more intriguing.

It’s no secret that the Sixers are the worst team in the NBA still and that their frontcourt has struggled in a big way defensively. Given the Raptors center’s size and how he can use that to affect the game as an offensive player and on the glass, Valanciunas could be in store for a huge night against the 76ers.

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