DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup-January 16

High Salary SF

Gordon Hayward-Utah Jazz (7,500): Hayward has picked things up after a rough Texas trip and has at least 35 fantasy points in each of his last four games.  He had 35.5 fantasy points in LA last Sunday and will face the Lakers again tonight, but at home where his production is usually significantly higher.  Hayward is a multi-category producer when he’s at his best and is averaging 20.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals over his last ten games.  He has at least 19 points in each of his last four games, and especially since he’s playing at home tonight, I think he’ll have a good game against the still-struggling Lakers. ∗∗∗∗

Rudy Gay-Sacramento Kings (6,800): Gay hit the game-winner over Gordon Hayward and the Jazz on Thursday night as part of his 24 points, nine rebounds, and three steals which helped him to 42.25 fantasy points. He has at least 40 fantasy points in two of his last three games and has at least 35 fantasy points in four of his  last five.  He and the Kings will have their hands full with the Clippers tonight, but Gay has had success against them this season averaging 18 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in their previous two meetings.  He has definitely picked up the pace lately, and he should be able to find room to create and operate again tonight against the Clippers. He and Hayward are very hard to decide between for me tonight, but I think Hayward is a safer play although Rudy has more upside. ∗∗∗

Giannis Antetokounmpo-Milwaueke Bucks (6,800): I admit I’ve been skeptical about “The Alphabet” on his latest run of production, but he’s quickly becoming a must-play option at 6,800.  He did play a massive 50 minutes last night agains the Hawks, so fatigue is a concern, but his numbers have been amazing lately.  He had 28 points last night to go with 16 rebounds, three blocks, and a steal on his way to 56.5 fantasy points. He has at least 45 fantasy points in each of his last three games and has 39 fantasy points or more in four of his last six.  He always can fill up the entire stat sheet, and as long as he isn’t too out-of-gas after last night, he should be set up for a good game against Charlotte who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing SF over their last five games. ∗∗

Jae Crowder-Boston Celtics (6,400): Crowder isn’t the bargain he used to be, but he puts up such good, well-balanced stat lines that he’s work a look even though he costs over 6K now.  Last night, he had 17 points, six board, five assists, three steals, and two blocks for a very impressive 42 fantasy points. He has at least 35 fantasy points in three of his last five games, and he should be in a place to go off tonight against the Wizards who have allowed more fantasy points to opposing SF than any other team in the NBA. Crowder has enjoyed his two earlier matchups with them averaging 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 steals. Crowder is a low-risk play since he’s in such a great matchup and always seems to be scrapping as he pulls together good fantasy stat lines.  ∗∗∗∗

Next: High Value SF