Fansided

NBA DFS: Studs, scrubs, and duds January 3, 2020

By Jeremy Lambert

Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat in action against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 28, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat in action against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 28, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat in action against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 28, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Top star players, best value picks, and guys you should stay away from on January 3 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:

7 p.m. ET: Atlanta at Boston, Miami at Orlando, Portland at Washington
8 p.m. ET: Philadelphia at Houston
9 p.m. ET: New York at Phoenix
10:30 p.m. ET: New Orleans 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

CJ McCollum (at WAS – $7,100 on DK; $7,200 on FD): I don’t know what is happening with the Blazers but McCollum has played consistent basketball as of late and the Wizards are the Wizards. Lillard and Melo might have higher ceilings overall but CJ is consistent with a high ceiling himself.

Jimmy Butler (at ORL – $7,800 on DK; $8,500 on FD): Butler has been playing great and now he gets a semi-reeling Magic team. They aren’t good against the position and the loss of Isaac is going to hurt their overall defense. Butler will lead Miami in a big way with his overall play.

Jayson Tatum (vs ATL – $8,200 on DK; $8,100 on FD): Tatum has been more good than bad as of late and of Kemba doesn’t end up playing, that’s even better news for Tatum as he’ll be tasked with leading more of the offense. And he has a great matchup against a very weak Hawks team. I love Tatum on Friday and he should deliver in a huge way.

Devin Booker (vs NY – $7,900 on DK; $8,000 on FD): Booker played well against the Lakers with his scoring and that’s a positive sign going into a matchup against the Knicks. The Knicks remain a bad team despite some good performances as of late. Booker is the best player in the court and he will get plenty of buckets in a game that should have enough offense.

LeBron James (vs NO – $11,200 on DK; $11,400 on FD): LeBron is coming off another triple double and now he has a great matchup against the Pelicans. New Orleans has been plying much better as of late but they’re still weak against the position and I’m not doubting the way LeBron is playing right now. Expect him to end up as the top scorer on the night once again.