NBA DFS: Studs, scrubs, and duds for January 1
Top star players, best value picks, and guys you should stay away from on January 1 in NBA DFS on DraftKings and FanDuel.
Welcome to Studs, Scrubs, and Duds; FanSided’s NBA DFS lineup helper.
Here’s what’s on the slate for tonight:
6 p.m. ET: Orlando at Washington
7:30 p.m. ET: Portland at New York
8 p.m. ET: Minnesota at Milwaukee
10:30 p.m. ET: Phoenix at LA Lakers
How this works:
Studs: Top high salary picks that you can build your lineup around.
Scrubs: Value players looking for a big night or consistent options to help fill out your lineup.
Duds: Players to avoid given their high salary and/or poor matchup.
Five players are picked on each slide, positions are not applicable, and both DraftKings and FanDuel salaries are listed.
Studs
LeBron James (vs PHO – $10,300 on DK; $11,000 on FD): Giannis will probably end up playing and he’s obviously a strong option because he’s Giannis. But LeBron has an easy matchup against Phoenix and a triple double is a real possibility as LeBron tries to kick off the New Year in the right way. The Suns are a young team who probably went out partying for New Years in Los Angeles as well. Don’t doubt the power of LA nightlife.
Nikola Vucevic (at WAS – $8,200 on DK; $8,400 on FD): The Wizards have turned into a not so bad team but they are weak against the position. And Vucevic is a consistent player who definitely isn’t going to hurt you. With his reliable game and the matchup, he’s an easy take on Wednesday. He will get you at least a double double and likely come up with a big scoring output.
Khris Middleton (vs MIN – $7,500 on DK; $7,400 on FD): The Timberwolves are not a good team and they remain banged up. Whether Giannis plays or not, Middleton is an easy take because he’s a consistent option with a great matchup. And Giannis likely won’t have to be a superhero in this one, leading to more opportunities for Middleton. Expect a strong scoring output.
CJ McCollum (at NY – $6,800 on DK; $7,100 on FD): McCollum has played fairly consistent as of late and now he gets a matchup against the Knicks. Carmelo has reverted back into being Carmelo, which means Lillard and McCollum have had to pick up the slack. Even if Melo is placated in another return to NY, McCollum will carry his end of the load with his scoring.