NBA DFS Picks Breakdown on DraftKings (Tuesday, January 21)

Use the bet365 bonus code LABSNEWS to sign up and bet on Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets vs. Knicks NBA matchup.

Tuesday features a five-game main slate starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Let’s dive into some of the top plays on the slate using the FantasyLabs tools and projections.

Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 300 lineups or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.

You can also use our SimLabs Lineup Generator, a tool that creates the most user-friendly lineup generation process.

Note: Projections and Leverages Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly. 

Consult the NBA Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.

Become an All-Access Member Today

Lineup builder and optimizer

Real-time DFS models & projections

Data-driven analysis & tutorials
 

Stud

The Lakers stand out as one of the clear top teams on Tuesday’s slate. They’re taking on the Wizards, who have been one of the best possible matchups this season. They’re dead last in defensive efficiency and fourth in pace, and the Lakers are implied for 120.5 points on this slate. That represents a massive increase from their season average of 111.2.

There’s also a chance that the team could be without Anthony Davis, who is currently listed as questionable. Davis is no stranger to the injury report, and he’s played through ample questionable tags over the past few seasons. However, with this being an “easier” matchup for the Lakers, it’s possible that they give their star big man the night off.

Even if Davis is active, Austin Reaves stands out as a potential pay-up option at $8,000. Reaves has been phenomenal ever since the team traded away D’Angelo Russell. He’s increased his assist rate by +5.95% in nine games without Russell, and he’s averaged more than 41 DraftKings points per game. His salary has crept up significantly, but he’s still a viable target in an elite matchup.


Value

Anthony Black has the potential to be one of the strongest value options on the slate, depending on how things shake out with the injury report. The team has already ruled out Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, and Goga Bitadze, while a host of other players are listed as questionable. That includes Cole Anthony, who has started the past eight games at point guard.

If Anthony is ruled out, Black would likely take over as the team’s starter. He’s averaged a respectable 0.83 DraftKings points per minute, so he could take advantage of any additional playing time.

If Anthony is in, Black should still see a healthy number of minutes off the bench. He’s played at least 28.1 minutes in four straight games, and he’s scored at least 24.5 DraftKings points in three of them. Ultimately, he’s underpriced at just $4,400 on DraftKings, resulting in a 74% Bargain Rating.


Fast Break

No backcourt option stands out as a better pure value on DraftKings than D’Angelo Russell. He owns a 96% Bargain Rating for the Nets, and he’s produced at a high level since being traded to Brooklyn. He’s averaged 1.27 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, but he simply hasn’t seen a ton of minutes since suffering an injury. He’s logged 27.9 minutes or fewer in six straight games, but that hasn’t stopped him from scoring at least 37.75 DraftKings points in four of them. He has the potential to provide value in a reduced role, and if his minutes ever increase, he provides a tremendous ceiling for his price tag.

If Anthony is active for the Magic, he’s another potential option in their backcourt. He’s posted an average Plus/Minus of +4.09 over his past 10 outings, and he’s averaged 1.07 DraftKings points per minute for the year. The Magic are another team with a quality matchup on Tuesday, with the Raptors ranking 28th in defensive efficiency this season.

Don’t forget to check out our NBA SimLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineups using the power of simulation:

NBA DFS Shooting Guard Picks

Stud

The Nuggets own the top implied team total of the day, checking in at 122 points for their matchup vs. the 76ers. That’s a big number, and it makes Jamal Murray an intriguing option.

Murray is a bit of a “boom-or-bust” player, but he’s displayed an immense ceiling of late. He’s racked up 59.75 and 60.5 DraftKings points in two of his past four games, and it’s tough to find that type of production at a $7,400 price tag. Murray also stands out as a solid value on DraftKings, where his salary comes with an 81% Bargain Rating.


Value

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has not produced at a high level for the Magic this season, averaging just 0.64 DraftKings points per minute. However, his production has ticked up slightly over the past month, and he’s been asked to do a bit more with the team dealing with injuries. He posted a 19.5% usage rate in his last outing, and while that’s not an eye-popping figure, it represents a solid increase compared to his 13.2% season average.

KCP remains a solid value target at just $4,000. He’s currently projected for 32 minutes in our NBA Models, and that number could be even higher if some of Orlando’s questionable players are unable to suit up. Either way, players with comparable salaries and minute projections have historically averaged a Plus/Minus of +3.67 (per the Trends tool).


Fast Break

Gradey Dick is another potential value target. He’s not projected for quite as many minutes as Caldwell-Pope, but he makes up for it with superior per-minute production. He’s averaged 0.86 DraftKings points per minute for the year, and he’s coming off 28.5 minutes in his last outing.

Jordan Poole has a wide range of outcomes every time he takes the floor. He’s gone for as many as 54.75 DraftKings points and as few as 17.25 in recent games, so he’s the definition of a feast-or-famine player. Still, the upside is all we really care about for tournaments, and Poole has that in bunches. He has a strong ceiling in a matchup vs. the Lakers, who rank 24th in defensive efficiency for the year.

Be sure to check out all the pick’ems Sleeper has to offer with Sleeper promo code LABS1.

 

NBA DFS Small Forward Picks

Stud

The Raptors will have to navigate a brutal matchup vs. the Magic on Tuesday, and they’re implied for just 106.5 points. However, they could still provide a bit of value. They’re currently playing without Immanuel Quickley, which opens up some minutes and usage for the rest of the roster.

R.J. Barrett has been one of the biggest beneficiaries with Quickley off the floor this season. He’s increased his production to 1.28 DraftKings points per minute in that split while serving as one of the team’s primary distributors. He’s handed out at least eight dimes in back-to-back games, and he’s finished with at least 45.0 DraftKings points in both. He did that despite playing less than 30 minutes in a blowout loss to the Bucks in his last outing. Barrett should see closer to 35 minutes if Tuesday’s game is more competitive, giving him appeal at $7,700.


Value

Max Christie is showing up in the optimal lineup simulations at the highest frequency at both shooting guard and small forward. Christie isn’t a huge part of the Lakers’ offense, but he’s seen plenty of minutes for the team of late. He’s logged at least 30.4 minutes in seven of the team’s past eight outings, with his last game being the lone exception.

That’s caused his salary to dip slightly to just $4,300, making him a prime bounce-back target in an elite matchup. Christie doesn’t bring a huge ceiling to the table, but he’s a good bet to return value.


Fast Break

Deni Avdija has been outstanding for the Blazers of late. He’s posted an average Plus/Minus of +7.48 over his past 10 games, and he’s scored at least 40.5 DraftKings points in five of his past seven contests. He’s increased his production to 1.15 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, and he’s currently projected for 32 minutes in our NBA Models. Avdija’s ownership could also be a bit lower than usual in a tough matchup vs. the Heat, but he still has the second-highest optimal rate at small forward.

Bruce Brown is another potential option for the Raptors. Brown has always been a high-impact player on a per-minute basis, and he’s put that on display for Toronto of late. He has two games with at least 25 DraftKings points in his past four, despite failing to crack 20.2 minutes in either contest. He’s dirt-cheap at $3,400, so he’s an interesting punt play for tournaments.

NBA DFS Power Forward Picks

Stud

LeBron James continues to astound in his 22nd professional season. He might not be quite as dominant as he was in his prime, but he’s still stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis. He’s averaged 23.8 points, 8.9 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game this season while shooting 51.4% from the field and 40.0% from 3-point range. Ultimately, it’s the type of numbers that make me wonder how we can both be from the same species.

LeBron has averaged 1.42 DraftKings points per minute for the year, and he’s increased that figure to 1.46 over the past month. He’s scored at least 55.25 DraftKings points in back-to-back games, making him a viable option at a sub-$10k price tag vs. the Wizards. He’d also get a boost if Davis is unable to go: he’s increased his usage rate to 32.9% with Davis off the floor this season.


Value

Kel’el Ware is an excellent value option for the Raptors on Tuesday. He’s been an elite per-minute producer all season, and he’s increased his production to 1.19 DraftKings points per minute over the past month. The only issue has been a lack of consistent playing time.

However, Ware has seen a slight uptick in that department of late, and he’s responded with a positive Plus/Minus in six straight games. He’s played 30+ minutes in two of his past four outings, and he’s eclipsed 40 DraftKings points in both. Ware isn’t expected to see quite as much playing time vs. the Magic, but his 22 projected minutes should be good enough to return value.


Fast Break

Alex Sarr is another player who has a wide range of outcomes, but he’s shown a bit more consistency of late. He did disappoint in his last outing, but he posted at least 30.25 DraftKings points in each of his three previous contests. Overall, he’s averaged 1.09 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, so he doesn’t need a ton of playing time to potentially pay off his $5,500 salary.

Paolo Banchero has been capped at around 30 minutes per game since returning from injury, but he’s not going to play limited minutes forever. The Magic have played in two straight blowouts, so it’s even possible that his minute restriction has already been lifted and we just don’t know about it. Once Bachero starts playing more, he’s going to be a smash at his current salary. He’s averaged 1.43 DraftKings points per minute this season, and he’s the team’s clear offensive focal point with Wagner and Suggs out of the lineup.

NBA DFS Center Picks

Stud

There are a limited number of true studs on this slate, which makes Nikola Jokic potentially even more valuable than usual. He doesn’t even need a true “ceiling” performance to be the highest scorer on the slate by a comfortable margin.

Of course, Jokic is capable of a ceiling performance every time he takes the floor. He’s been nothing short of a fantasy monster this season, and he’s somehow been even better over the past month. He’s averaged 1.92 DraftKings points per minute over that time frame, and the only thing that has been able to slow him down has been a lack of playing time. Jokic has logged 30.6 minutes or fewer in three straight games, yet he’s still managed at least 60.0 DraftKings points in two of them.

Jokic’s price tag has also dipped down to $12,000 on DraftKings. That’s still a ton of money, but it’s a steal for him. It results in an 86% Bargain Rating, and Jokic has managed an absurd +8.11 Plus/Minus with a comparable price tag this season.


Value

The Magic are currently down two centers in Bitadze and Mo Wagner, leaving Wendell Carter Jr. as the last man standing at the position. As a result, he’s seen a solid spike in playing time of late. He’s logged at least 32.3 minutes in three straight games, and he’s scored at least 30.75 DraftKings points in each. That includes 49.75 DraftKings points in his last outing. Ultimately, WCJ has averaged 1.01 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, so it’s no surprise he’s thriving with extra playing time. His price tag has yet to adjust to his increased role, making him a clear value at $5,900.


Fast Break

Jakob Poeltl has posted a positive Plus/Minus in five straight games, and he remains priced at a discount on DraftKings. His $6,200 salary comes with a Bargain Rating of 92%, so he’s another solid value at the position.

Davis hasn’t popped off for a true ceiling game in nearly a month, but that could certainly be in the cards if he’s available vs. the Wizards. The matchup results in an Opponent Plus/Minus of +4.08, which is the top mark at the center position. His ceiling trails only Jokic’s on this slate, and he’s available at a solid discount compared to the Nuggets’ star big man.

Tuesday features a five-game main slate starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Let’s dive into some of the top plays on the slate using the FantasyLabs tools and projections.

Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 300 lineups or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.

You can also use our SimLabs Lineup Generator, a tool that creates the most user-friendly lineup generation process.

Note: Projections and Leverages Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly. 

Consult the NBA Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.

Become an All-Access Member Today

Lineup builder and optimizer

Real-time DFS models & projections

Data-driven analysis & tutorials
 

Stud

The Lakers stand out as one of the clear top teams on Tuesday’s slate. They’re taking on the Wizards, who have been one of the best possible matchups this season. They’re dead last in defensive efficiency and fourth in pace, and the Lakers are implied for 120.5 points on this slate. That represents a massive increase from their season average of 111.2.

There’s also a chance that the team could be without Anthony Davis, who is currently listed as questionable. Davis is no stranger to the injury report, and he’s played through ample questionable tags over the past few seasons. However, with this being an “easier” matchup for the Lakers, it’s possible that they give their star big man the night off.

Even if Davis is active, Austin Reaves stands out as a potential pay-up option at $8,000. Reaves has been phenomenal ever since the team traded away D’Angelo Russell. He’s increased his assist rate by +5.95% in nine games without Russell, and he’s averaged more than 41 DraftKings points per game. His salary has crept up significantly, but he’s still a viable target in an elite matchup.


Value

Anthony Black has the potential to be one of the strongest value options on the slate, depending on how things shake out with the injury report. The team has already ruled out Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, and Goga Bitadze, while a host of other players are listed as questionable. That includes Cole Anthony, who has started the past eight games at point guard.

If Anthony is ruled out, Black would likely take over as the team’s starter. He’s averaged a respectable 0.83 DraftKings points per minute, so he could take advantage of any additional playing time.

If Anthony is in, Black should still see a healthy number of minutes off the bench. He’s played at least 28.1 minutes in four straight games, and he’s scored at least 24.5 DraftKings points in three of them. Ultimately, he’s underpriced at just $4,400 on DraftKings, resulting in a 74% Bargain Rating.


Fast Break

No backcourt option stands out as a better pure value on DraftKings than D’Angelo Russell. He owns a 96% Bargain Rating for the Nets, and he’s produced at a high level since being traded to Brooklyn. He’s averaged 1.27 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, but he simply hasn’t seen a ton of minutes since suffering an injury. He’s logged 27.9 minutes or fewer in six straight games, but that hasn’t stopped him from scoring at least 37.75 DraftKings points in four of them. He has the potential to provide value in a reduced role, and if his minutes ever increase, he provides a tremendous ceiling for his price tag.

If Anthony is active for the Magic, he’s another potential option in their backcourt. He’s posted an average Plus/Minus of +4.09 over his past 10 outings, and he’s averaged 1.07 DraftKings points per minute for the year. The Magic are another team with a quality matchup on Tuesday, with the Raptors ranking 28th in defensive efficiency this season.

Don’t forget to check out our NBA SimLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineups using the power of simulation:

NBA DFS Shooting Guard Picks

Stud

The Nuggets own the top implied team total of the day, checking in at 122 points for their matchup vs. the 76ers. That’s a big number, and it makes Jamal Murray an intriguing option.

Murray is a bit of a “boom-or-bust” player, but he’s displayed an immense ceiling of late. He’s racked up 59.75 and 60.5 DraftKings points in two of his past four games, and it’s tough to find that type of production at a $7,400 price tag. Murray also stands out as a solid value on DraftKings, where his salary comes with an 81% Bargain Rating.


Value

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has not produced at a high level for the Magic this season, averaging just 0.64 DraftKings points per minute. However, his production has ticked up slightly over the past month, and he’s been asked to do a bit more with the team dealing with injuries. He posted a 19.5% usage rate in his last outing, and while that’s not an eye-popping figure, it represents a solid increase compared to his 13.2% season average.

KCP remains a solid value target at just $4,000. He’s currently projected for 32 minutes in our NBA Models, and that number could be even higher if some of Orlando’s questionable players are unable to suit up. Either way, players with comparable salaries and minute projections have historically averaged a Plus/Minus of +3.67 (per the Trends tool).


Fast Break

Gradey Dick is another potential value target. He’s not projected for quite as many minutes as Caldwell-Pope, but he makes up for it with superior per-minute production. He’s averaged 0.86 DraftKings points per minute for the year, and he’s coming off 28.5 minutes in his last outing.

Jordan Poole has a wide range of outcomes every time he takes the floor. He’s gone for as many as 54.75 DraftKings points and as few as 17.25 in recent games, so he’s the definition of a feast-or-famine player. Still, the upside is all we really care about for tournaments, and Poole has that in bunches. He has a strong ceiling in a matchup vs. the Lakers, who rank 24th in defensive efficiency for the year.

Be sure to check out all the pick’ems Sleeper has to offer with Sleeper promo code LABS1.

 

NBA DFS Small Forward Picks

Stud

The Raptors will have to navigate a brutal matchup vs. the Magic on Tuesday, and they’re implied for just 106.5 points. However, they could still provide a bit of value. They’re currently playing without Immanuel Quickley, which opens up some minutes and usage for the rest of the roster.

R.J. Barrett has been one of the biggest beneficiaries with Quickley off the floor this season. He’s increased his production to 1.28 DraftKings points per minute in that split while serving as one of the team’s primary distributors. He’s handed out at least eight dimes in back-to-back games, and he’s finished with at least 45.0 DraftKings points in both. He did that despite playing less than 30 minutes in a blowout loss to the Bucks in his last outing. Barrett should see closer to 35 minutes if Tuesday’s game is more competitive, giving him appeal at $7,700.


Value

Max Christie is showing up in the optimal lineup simulations at the highest frequency at both shooting guard and small forward. Christie isn’t a huge part of the Lakers’ offense, but he’s seen plenty of minutes for the team of late. He’s logged at least 30.4 minutes in seven of the team’s past eight outings, with his last game being the lone exception.

That’s caused his salary to dip slightly to just $4,300, making him a prime bounce-back target in an elite matchup. Christie doesn’t bring a huge ceiling to the table, but he’s a good bet to return value.


Fast Break

Deni Avdija has been outstanding for the Blazers of late. He’s posted an average Plus/Minus of +7.48 over his past 10 games, and he’s scored at least 40.5 DraftKings points in five of his past seven contests. He’s increased his production to 1.15 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, and he’s currently projected for 32 minutes in our NBA Models. Avdija’s ownership could also be a bit lower than usual in a tough matchup vs. the Heat, but he still has the second-highest optimal rate at small forward.

Bruce Brown is another potential option for the Raptors. Brown has always been a high-impact player on a per-minute basis, and he’s put that on display for Toronto of late. He has two games with at least 25 DraftKings points in his past four, despite failing to crack 20.2 minutes in either contest. He’s dirt-cheap at $3,400, so he’s an interesting punt play for tournaments.

NBA DFS Power Forward Picks

Stud

LeBron James continues to astound in his 22nd professional season. He might not be quite as dominant as he was in his prime, but he’s still stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis. He’s averaged 23.8 points, 8.9 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game this season while shooting 51.4% from the field and 40.0% from 3-point range. Ultimately, it’s the type of numbers that make me wonder how we can both be from the same species.

LeBron has averaged 1.42 DraftKings points per minute for the year, and he’s increased that figure to 1.46 over the past month. He’s scored at least 55.25 DraftKings points in back-to-back games, making him a viable option at a sub-$10k price tag vs. the Wizards. He’d also get a boost if Davis is unable to go: he’s increased his usage rate to 32.9% with Davis off the floor this season.


Value

Kel’el Ware is an excellent value option for the Raptors on Tuesday. He’s been an elite per-minute producer all season, and he’s increased his production to 1.19 DraftKings points per minute over the past month. The only issue has been a lack of consistent playing time.

However, Ware has seen a slight uptick in that department of late, and he’s responded with a positive Plus/Minus in six straight games. He’s played 30+ minutes in two of his past four outings, and he’s eclipsed 40 DraftKings points in both. Ware isn’t expected to see quite as much playing time vs. the Magic, but his 22 projected minutes should be good enough to return value.


Fast Break

Alex Sarr is another player who has a wide range of outcomes, but he’s shown a bit more consistency of late. He did disappoint in his last outing, but he posted at least 30.25 DraftKings points in each of his three previous contests. Overall, he’s averaged 1.09 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, so he doesn’t need a ton of playing time to potentially pay off his $5,500 salary.

Paolo Banchero has been capped at around 30 minutes per game since returning from injury, but he’s not going to play limited minutes forever. The Magic have played in two straight blowouts, so it’s even possible that his minute restriction has already been lifted and we just don’t know about it. Once Bachero starts playing more, he’s going to be a smash at his current salary. He’s averaged 1.43 DraftKings points per minute this season, and he’s the team’s clear offensive focal point with Wagner and Suggs out of the lineup.

NBA DFS Center Picks

Stud

There are a limited number of true studs on this slate, which makes Nikola Jokic potentially even more valuable than usual. He doesn’t even need a true “ceiling” performance to be the highest scorer on the slate by a comfortable margin.

Of course, Jokic is capable of a ceiling performance every time he takes the floor. He’s been nothing short of a fantasy monster this season, and he’s somehow been even better over the past month. He’s averaged 1.92 DraftKings points per minute over that time frame, and the only thing that has been able to slow him down has been a lack of playing time. Jokic has logged 30.6 minutes or fewer in three straight games, yet he’s still managed at least 60.0 DraftKings points in two of them.

Jokic’s price tag has also dipped down to $12,000 on DraftKings. That’s still a ton of money, but it’s a steal for him. It results in an 86% Bargain Rating, and Jokic has managed an absurd +8.11 Plus/Minus with a comparable price tag this season.


Value

The Magic are currently down two centers in Bitadze and Mo Wagner, leaving Wendell Carter Jr. as the last man standing at the position. As a result, he’s seen a solid spike in playing time of late. He’s logged at least 32.3 minutes in three straight games, and he’s scored at least 30.75 DraftKings points in each. That includes 49.75 DraftKings points in his last outing. Ultimately, WCJ has averaged 1.01 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, so it’s no surprise he’s thriving with extra playing time. His price tag has yet to adjust to his increased role, making him a clear value at $5,900.


Fast Break

Jakob Poeltl has posted a positive Plus/Minus in five straight games, and he remains priced at a discount on DraftKings. His $6,200 salary comes with a Bargain Rating of 92%, so he’s another solid value at the position.

Davis hasn’t popped off for a true ceiling game in nearly a month, but that could certainly be in the cards if he’s available vs. the Wizards. The matchup results in an Opponent Plus/Minus of +4.08, which is the top mark at the center position. His ceiling trails only Jokic’s on this slate, and he’s available at a solid discount compared to the Nuggets’ star big man.