NBA DFS: Studs, scrubs, and duds for DraftKings and FanDuel January 9

Duds

James Harden (at OKC – $12,200 on DK; $11,200 on FD): This has less to do with Harden and more to do with his high salary and Westbrook. As previously laid out, I expect this to be a big Westbrook game. And while Harden will obviously get his scoring numbers, I’m not convinced he’ll be the top scorer on the night to justify the salary.

Ben Simmons (vs BOS – $9,000 on DK; $8,500 on FD): Simmons typically struggles against the Celtics and with Embiid out of the lineup, life is going to be much tougher for him. He’s always a triple double threat and even though he’ll have more opportunities, his lack of reliable scoring doesn’t mean that’s a good thing.

Steven Adams (vs HOU – $6,900 on DK; $7,100 on FD): Adams has turned his game around in recent weeks and is always a double double threat. But the Rockets are great against the position and Adams always seems to struggle against them. This is a matchup issue for Adams and one I’m going to avoid with the value below him.

Gordon Hayward (at PHI – $6,600 on DK; $6,000 on FD): Hayward is consistent and likely isn’t going to hurt you. My issue is his ceiling. He’s steady and there’s nothing wrong with that. You can take him and feel comfortable but don’t expect much more than value from him. And with it being a back to back, there’s a chance he’s slightly under value.