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

Duds

James Harden (vs PHI – $10,900 on DK; $11,000 on FD): It’s a tough matchup for Harden as the Sixers are great against the position. And they have the defensive chops to force Harden to give up the ball or make life tough on him when he drives with Embiid there. Harden obviously has a high ceiling with his scoring. But there is better value below Harden in this matchup.

Damian Lillard (at WAS – $9,700 on DK; $9,300 on FD): It’s a great matchup for Lillard. But his inconsistency remains an issue and you can’t afford a miss at his salary. The matchup will make him tempting and there’s a chance he has a big scoring outing. But there’s more guaranteed value below him with guys who also have a high ceiling.

Tobias Harris (at HOU – $6,600 on DK; $6,400 on FD): Harris has gone cold from the field in recent outings and that is a concern. He’ll continue to get his shots but when he’s in a slump, he’s in a slump. And the salary is a bit too high for his shooting slump. It’s also a tough matchup against a very good Rockets team.

Trae Young (at BOS – $9,200 on DK; $8,800 on FD): Trae is set to return against Boston. And it’s a tough matchup to return to, even if the Celtics are missing some of their better players. It’s a high salary and you never know how players are going to react coming off the injury. The ceiling is high and he may show no signs of rust but there are some red flags to consider.

Bam Adebayo (at ORL – $7,600 on DK; $8,600 on FD): Though I expect Orlando to slip without Isaac, they are good gains centers and Adebayo has slipped in recent outings. I expect a big game from Butler in this outing, which is why I’m lower on Adebayo.