Top star players, best value picks, and guys you should stay away from on January 28 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: New York at Charlotte, Golden State at Philadelphia
7:30 p.m. ET: New Orleans at Cleveland, Boston at Miami, Atlanta at Toronto
8 p.m. ET: Denver at Memphis, Washington at Milwaukee
8:30 p.m. ET: Phoenix at Dallas
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.
Once again, the passing of Kobe Bryant can’t be understated. I have tried to write from a perspective that is “normal” but that’s obviously not the case. I don’t know how certain players are going to perform or the mental state they are in. Keep that in mind. And RIP Kobe.
Studs
Giannis Antetokounmpo (vs WAS – $12,300 on DK; $11,800 on FD): It’s Giannis against Washington and that’s really all that needs to be said. Even in limited minutes, he’s going to put up monster numbers because how could Giannis not put up big numbers against the Wizards? If you don’t take Giannis, take the guys around him because the Bucks are going to put up numbers.
Trae Young (at TOR – $10,400 on DK; $10,000 on FD): It’s a tough matchup for Trae, although the Raptors are weaker against the position than you might imagine. Trae is a guy who looked inspired following the passing of Kobe on Sunday. Maybe there’s a come down in this game. It’s possible. Again, I hate trying to put value on mental strain. But Trae looks motivated and he’s always good for big numbers.
Ben Simmons (vs GS – $9,800 on DK; $9,800 on FD): Simmons continues to put up monster numbers with Embiid out of the lineup and nothing should change in this one. The Warriors don’t offer much in terms of defense and there’s just no reason to doubt Simmons right now. He’s at a great price compared to the rest of the field as well. I absolutely love Simmons in this game.
Fred VanVleet (vs ATL – $8,300 on DK; $7,500 on FD): It’s a great matchup for the Raptors as the Hawks defense is awful. VanVleet plays consistent basketball and has a high ceiling. If nothing else, he’s going to get you value in this game. But given the matchup, expect much more from him.
Zion Williamson (at CLE – $7,600 on DK; $6,300 on FD): Alright, get on board the Zion train. Don’t worry about salary. His minutes will continue to increase and his confidence isn’t going anywhere. And now he gets one of his easier matchups against the Cavaliers. I’m not doubting Zion and his salary is on the lower scale compared to others in the field. Zion will get it done and threaten with another double double.