DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup-January 26

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Jan 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

High Salary PG

Russell Westbrook-Oklahoma City Thunder (10,600): Westbrook played 40 minutes on Sunday in the Thunder’s surprising loss to the Nets. He scored 27 points to go with 11 rebounds, and seven assists to total 53.75 fantasy points. He has at least 50 fantasy points in four of his last five, and he should be in a good matchup tonight against the Knicks who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing PG in their last five games. The only risk with Russell is that he does cost so much that even a slightly down game means he won’t return good value. ∗∗

Chris Paul-Los Angeles Clippers (9,700): CP3 is another expensive play tonight who makes sense tonight especially since it looks like he’ll need to keep carrying the offense for LA for a while now that Blake Griffin’s injury or injuries may be keeping him out for a longer time than originally anticipated. Paul had 23 points and 11 assists in his most recent game as the Clippers lost to Toronto. He finished with 51.5 fantasy points in that game and has at least 45 fantasy points in nine of his last ten games. The Pacers have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing PG in their last five games, so Paul should be able to attack and find enough room to produce another good line tonight. Like with Westbrook, my only hesitation is his price-point. ∗∗

Damian Lillard-Portland Trail Blazers (9,300): Lillard and the Blazers take on the possibly weary Kings tonight who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing PG so far this season. Lillard should be well rested since leading the Blazers past LA on Saturday by shooting 74% from the field (14-19) on his way to 36 points and 47.25 fantasy points in just 29 minutes. Lillard had been struggling coming into that game, but he’s back in top form now,and should be able to take it to the Kings in a good matchup tonight. He’s the focus of the Portland offense, so his usage will continue to be extremely high for as long as he can stay healthy. ∗∗∗

Ish Smith-Philadelphia 76ers (7,400): Smith is coming off a rough game against Boston on Sunday night when he only managed 18.75 fantasy points on seven points and four assists. He should be able to get back in good form tonight against the Suns though since Phoenix won’t have Brandon Knight and have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing PG so far this season. Smith has the potential to go off as the Sixers primary point guard as he has shown with over 40 fantasy points in five of his last nine games. He can be a little boom or bust play, but against a bad Suns defense I am expecting a big boom tonight. The only reason I am not giving him a fifth star is that he has been prone to occasional duds. ∗∗∗∗

Deron Williams-Dallas Mavericks (6,200): Another PG in need of a bounce back game, Williams couldn’t buy a bucket going 1-9 from the field and totaling just four points, five assists, and a rebound against the Rockets for a measly 11.25 fantasy points. However, the veteran had been producing well before that game with at least 32 fantasy points in four of his previous six games. He faces the Lakers tonight who have allowed more fantasy points to opposing PG than any other team in the NBA, so he should be set up for a good night despite last Sunday’s burn. ∗∗∗

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