Sunday features a seven-game main slate starting at 6 p.m. ET.
Let’s dive into some of the top plays on the slate using the FantasyLabs Tools and metrics.
Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 150 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Note: Projections and Leverages Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly. Consult the Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.
Point Guard
Stud
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($8,900) is my guy today. He’s exceeded point expectations 60% of the time this season and has gone for 46.25, 66.75, and 40.75 DraftKings points in the last three games, with one of those being a triple-double. He’s played 39, 37, and 37 minutes while garnering a usage rate of 27.7%, 32.3%, and 29.6%. The Pelicans are 25th in defensive efficiency and the Vegas Dashboard has the spread at one point, so Shai should get his full allotment of minutes.
Value
Dalano Banton ($3,200) should get the start and play as much as he can since the Raptors are without Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., Malachi Flynn, Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, and Precious Achiuwa. I need a cigarette now. Banton averages 0.83 DraftKings points per minute and has played a total of 342 minutes this season. He has 10 games with at least 15 minutes of run.
Fast Break
Ja Morant ($9,000) has such a juicy matchup, as the Kings are third in offensive pace and 26th in defensive efficiency. They also boost the FPPM to point guards by 7.7%. Since returning from a 12-game absence, Morant has only played 28 and 32 minutes though. Will he get his full allotment of minutes, or will he slowly get ramped up? The ownership could be lower due to the recent playing time, but there’s a chance he gets unleashed.
Shooting Guard
Stud
Brandon Ingram ($9,800) has been on quite the heater recently. In the month of December, he’s gone for at least 40 DraftKings points in eight games with four of those above 50. He’s played 37.6 minutes per game and had a usage rate around 30%. The Thunder boost the FPPM to shooting guards by 12.70%.
Value
Frank Jackson ($4,800) should make his second consecutive start, as Cory Joseph and Josh Jackson were placed in the league’s health and safety protocols. In the last game, Jackson went for 31 DKFP in 39 minutes. He only averages 0.75 DraftKings points per minute, but he should get all the minutes he can handle today. The usage rate will likely be in the 20% range. The Spurs are seventh in offensive pace.
Fast Break
Corey Kispert ($3,700) made his first start last game and went for 28.5 DraftKings points in 33 minutes. He likely won’t shoot 6-for-7 from the field and 4-for-5 from downtown again, but he should make another start with Bradley Beal out and play over 30 minutes.
Small Forward
Stud
Saddiq Bey ($7,500) has been en fuego the last five games. He’s averaged 37.8 minutes, 23 points, seven rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 15.6 field goal attempts. That’s translated to 50, 38, 35.5, 30.75, and 46.5 DraftKings points. The usage rate has been in the 20% range. With all of the injuries for Detroit, Bey should once again handle a large load.
Value
Yuta Watanabe ($4,700) should start and play a ton of minutes today. He averages 0.81 DraftKings points per minute. In the last three games, he has played 21, 28, and 26 minutes, contributing 23.5, 21.75, and 31.25 DraftKings points.
Fast Break
Hamidou Diallo ($5,600) has averaged a +2.08 Plus/Minus and exceeded point expectations 60% of the time this season. Over the last three games, he’s played 30, 34, and 35 minutes due to all the injuries. The usage rate has been 18.1%, 18.7%, and 23.0%. Diallo has contributed 31.5, 28, and 25.25 DraftKings points.
Power Forward
Stud
Domantas Sabonis ($10,500) hasn’t been the most consistent fantasy player this season. He’s scored fewer than 40 DraftKings points 10 times, but he’s gone over 50 DraftKings points eight times with a high of 66.75. Chicago is ninth in defensive efficiency, but they have given it up to power forwards, as they boost the FPPM to the position by 15.23%. Sabonis went for 42.75 DraftKings points in the last meeting with the Bulls.
Value
Chris Boucher ($5,800) has been an analytics darling for a long time. He averages 1.15 DraftKings points per minute but has never gotten a full plate of minutes due to physical limitations and mental lapses. Nick Nurse may have no choice but to unleash him today because the Raptors don’t have many bodies to soak up minutes.
Fast Break
Kevin Love ($6,100) is only averaging 20.1 minutes per game this season. When he’s been on the court though, he’s been a beast, averaging a +8.91 Plus/Minus while exceeding point expectations 80% of the time. He’s scored double-figures in eight straight games and has two double-doubles. Over the last 11 games, he’s gone for at least 30 DraftKings points five times with three of games of at least 40!
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic ($12,100) averages a ridiculous 1.64 DraftKings points per minute. Despite his sky-high salary for most of the season, he’s still been able to exceed point expectations 60% of the time. He’s gone for at least 60 DraftKings points 13 times this season, with five of those games above 70.
Value
Willy Hernangomez ($4,900) will make his second consecutive start with Jonas Valanciunas out. Hernangomez averages 1.15 DraftKings points per minute and should play over 30 minutes in this one. Don’t worry about the last game in which he only put up 24.5 DraftKings points. He shot 1-for-11 from the field, but he’s a career 54% shooter.
Fast Break
Mike Muscala ($3,100) is as inconsistent as they come. He plays around 15 minutes per game but can contribute six DraftKings points or go for 30! If you need upside at close to the minimum, Muscala is a fine option.
