NBA DFS Picks Breakdown on DraftKings (Wednesday, January 22)

Use the BetMGM bonus code to sign up and bet on Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and the Thunder-Cavaliers game which is part of the Wednesday NBA slate.

Wednesday features a seven-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

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out as a massive value on DraftKings, where his $10,500 salary comes with a Bargain Rating of 93%. He’s been one of the top producers in fantasy all season, and he’s taken his production to another level recently. He’s averaged 1.69 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, and he’s scored at least 56.75 DraftKings points in back-to-back games despite playing less than 30 minutes in both.

Minutes are really the only potential concern with SGA on Wednesday. His matchup vs. the Jazz is elite – he owns an Opponent Plus/Minus of +2.7 – but it comes with plenty of blowout risk. OKC is currently favored by 17.5 points, so there’s a good chance this one gets out of hand. However, if it is more competitive than expected, SGA’s ceiling is as high as anyone’s on this slate.


Value

Rob Dillingham was the No. 8 pick in the 2024 Draft, and he was shipped from the Spurs to the Timberwolves on draft night. He hasn’t had a ton of opportunities to crack the rotation for a talented squad, but the injury to Donte DiVincenzo has created a role for him recently. He’s played at least 17.1 minutes in back-to-back games, and he’s posted a positive Plus/Minus in both.

Dillingham is projected for another 18 minutes on Wednesday, and while that’s not a ton of playing time, it’s enough for him to return value at just $3,100. He’s averaged a strong 0.91 DraftKings points per minute for the year, and he’s increased that figure to 1.08 over the past month. He’s coming off 23.25 DraftKings points in his last outing, and similar production could be in store vs. the Mavericks. He ultimately leads the position in projected Plus/Minus, and he opens up a ton of options for the rest of your lineup at a near-minimum salary.


Fast Break

Darius Garland has been a pretty consistent source of production recently, scoring at least 34.75 DraftKings points in all but one game over the past month. He’s increased his production to 1.33 DraftKings points per minute over that time frame, but his salary has remained pretty constant.

Cason Wallace has finally started to get priced a bit more aggressively, but he remains a solid target at $4,400. He’s posted an average Plus/Minus of +5.75 over his past 10 outings, and he’s scored at least 25.5 DraftKings points in four of his past five games. OKC ranks second on the slate in implied team total, and while there’s some blowout potential vs. the Jazz, Wallace should be productive for as long as he’s on the floor.

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

No team on Wednesday stands out more than the Grizzlies. Memphis has been an offensive machine all season, ranking first in pace and fifth in offensive efficiency, and they draw an elite matchup vs. the Hornets. It gives them even more upside than usual, and their 126.75 implied team total is the top mark on the slate by a comfortable margin.

Desmond Bane has turned in some big performances from Memphis of late. He’s increased his production to 1.29 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, and he’s scored as many as 57.5 DraftKings points in a game over that stretch. He ultimately has the fourth-highest ceiling projection at shooting guard despite a modest $7,600 price tag, making him the best value in the stud tier.


Value

Jaden Ivey has missed the past 10 games for the Pistons, which has allowed Malik Beasley to take on a larger role off the bench. He’s a bit one-dimensional for fantasy purposes, with most of his value derived from scoring, but he has an excellent ceiling on nights when his shot is falling. He’s gone for at least 30.5 DraftKings points in four of his past nine games, which is excellent for someone with a $5,100 price tag.

Beasley brings more scoring potential to the table than usual on Wednesday. He’s taking on the Hawks, who have played at the second-fastest pace this season. The total in this contest sits at 233.5 points, and the Pistons’ 115.25 implied team total represents an increase from their season average (112.2).


Fast Break

Caris LeVert missed the Cavs’ last outing with a wrist sprain, and he’s questionable to return to the lineup on Wednesday. However, if he does come back, there’s a good chance that he’ll be in the starting lineup. He started in his last outing with Evan Mobley sidelined, and he’ll remain out of the lineup vs. the Rockets. LeVert is currently projected for 25 minutes in our NBA Models, which would make him a value at just $4,000: he’s historically averaged a Plus/Minus of +1.48 with a comparable salary and minute projection (per the Trends tool).

This spot was initially reserved for D’Angelo Russell, but he’s been ruled out on the second leg of a back-to-back. Ben Simmons is also doubtful, so there are plenty of minutes available in the Nets’ backcourt. Reece Beekman stands out as the team’s top value option at $3,000, while Tyrese Martin and Tosan Evbuomwan are also viable targets.

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

 

NBA DFS Small Forward Picks

Stud

Small forward stands out as one of the weaker positions on this slate. Only four players are priced above $6,000 on DraftKings, and none of them stands out as a particularly strong value.

D’Andre Hunter is available at a slight discount at $5,900, making him the preferred “pay up” target. His price tag has come down significantly in recent weeks, dipping from a peak of $6,900 earlier this month. He’s not seeing a ton of minutes at the moment – he’s currently projected for 29 in our NBA Models – but he makes up for it with his average of 1.04 DraftKings points per minute.

He’s an interesting buy-low target in a solid matchup vs. the Pistons. Detroit has been improved this season, but the Hawks’ implied team total still ranks fourth on the slate.


Value

Nick Smith stands out as one of the top values of the day at just $3,200 on DraftKings. He’s seen an increased role for the Hornets following the injury to Brandon Miller, and he’s coming off 30.2 minutes in his last outing. Smith has averaged a healthy 0.85 DraftKings points per minute this season, and that figure is up to 0.96 over the past month. He’s the type of player who can do some damage with increased playing time, and he’s expected to see around 30 minutes once again vs. the Grizzlies. He’s eligible at both SF and SG, and he leads the entire slate in projected Plus/Minus.


Fast Break

Lu Dort is coming off a disappointing showing in his last outing, but he had at least 33.25 DraftKings points in his prior two contests. That gives him a solid ceiling for his $4,500 price tag in a great matchup.

Grayson Allen isn’t the most exciting DFS option, but his minutes have been a bit more consistent of late. He’s also increased his production to 0.94 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, giving him some appeal against the Nets.

NBA DFS Power Forward Picks

Stud

Jaren Jackson Jr. has seen his price tag plummet in recent games. He got as high as $9,600 earlier this month, but he’s posted a negative Plus/Minus in four of his past five games. That’s caused his price tag to dip back down to just $8,400 for Wednesday’s matchup vs. the Hornets.

That’s a much more appealing price tag for a player with a massive ceiling on a nightly basis. Jackson is capable of stuffing the stat sheet in nearly every category across the board, resulting in an average of 1.39 DraftKings points per minute over the past month. His matchup vs. the Hornets results in an Opponent Plus/Minus of +2.11, making him an outstanding buy-low target.


Value

Evbuomwan leads the way from a value standpoint at power forward. He’s currently projected for 27 minutes in our NBA Models, and players with comparable salaries and minute projections have historically averaged a Plus/Minus of +2.36. Evuomwan has also averaged 0.84 DraftKings points per minute this season, so he’s a bit better than the typical producer in this price range.


Fast Break

Miles Bridges is another player who should benefit from the absence of Miller for the Hornets. He’s seen a +2.02% bump to his usage rate with Miller off the floor this season, which is the highest mark among the team’s regulars. He’s already been a solid source of production of late, averaging 1.26 DraftKings points per minute, so he’s in play in a massive pace-up spot vs. the Grizzlies.

It’s hard to argue with what Naz Reid has been doing recently. He’s posted an average Plus/Minus of +9.46 over his past 10 outings, and he’s scored at least 34.5 DraftKings points in three straight games. Reid’s salary has climbed to $5,500, but he’s seeing enough minutes at this point to still pay off that elevated figure.

NBA DFS Center Picks

Stud

Center is loaded with appealing options on this slate, but it’s tough for me to look past Mark Williams at $7,000. Williams has been nothing short of a monster when on the floor this season, averaging 1.43 DraftKings points per minute. That trails only Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson, and Alperen Sengun among Wednesday’s centers, and Williams is available at a significantly lower price tag.

Williams was playing sparingly to start his 2024-25 campaign, but that has changed recently. The team shipped Nick Richards to the Suns, clearing the path for Williams to handle most of the center minutes. He’s responded with at least 40.25 DraftKings points in four straight games, and he’s had at least 52.0 in three of them.

The only real concern on Wednesday is the potential for this game to turn into a blowout. The Hornets are 12-point underdogs, but as long as Williams gets to his usual 30+ minutes, he provides an elite combination of value and upside.


Value

Onyeka Okongwu has been on a tear recently. He’s posted an average Plus/Minus of +11.72 over his past 10 outings, and he’s starting to seize control of the center position in Atlanta. Clint Capela is still around to siphon off some minutes, but the split is moving more and more in Okongwu’s favor. He’s racked up at least 28.2 minutes in three of his past four outings, and he’s projected for 29 minutes Wednesday vs. the Pistons.

If he can get back to that level, he’s a great bet to pay off his current salary. Okongwu has averaged a stout 1.34 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, and he’s scored at least 45.75 DraftKings points in three of his past four games.


Fast Break

On the other side of that matchup, Jalen Duren checks a lot of the same boxes as Okongwu. He isn’t quite as productive on a per-minute basis, but his average of 1.26 DraftKings points per minute over the past month is still elite. He’s posted a positive Plus/Minus in three straight games, including a massive 50 DraftKings points in his last contest.

Jarrett Allen doesn’t stand out as quite as strong of a value as the other three options mentioned, but his ceiling vs. the Rockets is excellent. He’s another elite per-minute producer, and his matchup comes with a +5.7 Opponent Plus/Minus. He’s showing up in the optimal lineup simulations at the second-highest frequency at the position, though he’s also projected for the most ownership.

Wednesday features a seven-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

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out as a massive value on DraftKings, where his $10,500 salary comes with a Bargain Rating of 93%. He’s been one of the top producers in fantasy all season, and he’s taken his production to another level recently. He’s averaged 1.69 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, and he’s scored at least 56.75 DraftKings points in back-to-back games despite playing less than 30 minutes in both.

Minutes are really the only potential concern with SGA on Wednesday. His matchup vs. the Jazz is elite – he owns an Opponent Plus/Minus of +2.7 – but it comes with plenty of blowout risk. OKC is currently favored by 17.5 points, so there’s a good chance this one gets out of hand. However, if it is more competitive than expected, SGA’s ceiling is as high as anyone’s on this slate.


Value

Rob Dillingham was the No. 8 pick in the 2024 Draft, and he was shipped from the Spurs to the Timberwolves on draft night. He hasn’t had a ton of opportunities to crack the rotation for a talented squad, but the injury to Donte DiVincenzo has created a role for him recently. He’s played at least 17.1 minutes in back-to-back games, and he’s posted a positive Plus/Minus in both.

Dillingham is projected for another 18 minutes on Wednesday, and while that’s not a ton of playing time, it’s enough for him to return value at just $3,100. He’s averaged a strong 0.91 DraftKings points per minute for the year, and he’s increased that figure to 1.08 over the past month. He’s coming off 23.25 DraftKings points in his last outing, and similar production could be in store vs. the Mavericks. He ultimately leads the position in projected Plus/Minus, and he opens up a ton of options for the rest of your lineup at a near-minimum salary.


Fast Break

Darius Garland has been a pretty consistent source of production recently, scoring at least 34.75 DraftKings points in all but one game over the past month. He’s increased his production to 1.33 DraftKings points per minute over that time frame, but his salary has remained pretty constant.

Cason Wallace has finally started to get priced a bit more aggressively, but he remains a solid target at $4,400. He’s posted an average Plus/Minus of +5.75 over his past 10 outings, and he’s scored at least 25.5 DraftKings points in four of his past five games. OKC ranks second on the slate in implied team total, and while there’s some blowout potential vs. the Jazz, Wallace should be productive for as long as he’s on the floor.

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

No team on Wednesday stands out more than the Grizzlies. Memphis has been an offensive machine all season, ranking first in pace and fifth in offensive efficiency, and they draw an elite matchup vs. the Hornets. It gives them even more upside than usual, and their 126.75 implied team total is the top mark on the slate by a comfortable margin.

Desmond Bane has turned in some big performances from Memphis of late. He’s increased his production to 1.29 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, and he’s scored as many as 57.5 DraftKings points in a game over that stretch. He ultimately has the fourth-highest ceiling projection at shooting guard despite a modest $7,600 price tag, making him the best value in the stud tier.


Value

Jaden Ivey has missed the past 10 games for the Pistons, which has allowed Malik Beasley to take on a larger role off the bench. He’s a bit one-dimensional for fantasy purposes, with most of his value derived from scoring, but he has an excellent ceiling on nights when his shot is falling. He’s gone for at least 30.5 DraftKings points in four of his past nine games, which is excellent for someone with a $5,100 price tag.

Beasley brings more scoring potential to the table than usual on Wednesday. He’s taking on the Hawks, who have played at the second-fastest pace this season. The total in this contest sits at 233.5 points, and the Pistons’ 115.25 implied team total represents an increase from their season average (112.2).


Fast Break

Caris LeVert missed the Cavs’ last outing with a wrist sprain, and he’s questionable to return to the lineup on Wednesday. However, if he does come back, there’s a good chance that he’ll be in the starting lineup. He started in his last outing with Evan Mobley sidelined, and he’ll remain out of the lineup vs. the Rockets. LeVert is currently projected for 25 minutes in our NBA Models, which would make him a value at just $4,000: he’s historically averaged a Plus/Minus of +1.48 with a comparable salary and minute projection (per the Trends tool).

This spot was initially reserved for D’Angelo Russell, but he’s been ruled out on the second leg of a back-to-back. Ben Simmons is also doubtful, so there are plenty of minutes available in the Nets’ backcourt. Reece Beekman stands out as the team’s top value option at $3,000, while Tyrese Martin and Tosan Evbuomwan are also viable targets.

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

 

NBA DFS Small Forward Picks

Stud

Small forward stands out as one of the weaker positions on this slate. Only four players are priced above $6,000 on DraftKings, and none of them stands out as a particularly strong value.

D’Andre Hunter is available at a slight discount at $5,900, making him the preferred “pay up” target. His price tag has come down significantly in recent weeks, dipping from a peak of $6,900 earlier this month. He’s not seeing a ton of minutes at the moment – he’s currently projected for 29 in our NBA Models – but he makes up for it with his average of 1.04 DraftKings points per minute.

He’s an interesting buy-low target in a solid matchup vs. the Pistons. Detroit has been improved this season, but the Hawks’ implied team total still ranks fourth on the slate.


Value

Nick Smith stands out as one of the top values of the day at just $3,200 on DraftKings. He’s seen an increased role for the Hornets following the injury to Brandon Miller, and he’s coming off 30.2 minutes in his last outing. Smith has averaged a healthy 0.85 DraftKings points per minute this season, and that figure is up to 0.96 over the past month. He’s the type of player who can do some damage with increased playing time, and he’s expected to see around 30 minutes once again vs. the Grizzlies. He’s eligible at both SF and SG, and he leads the entire slate in projected Plus/Minus.


Fast Break

Lu Dort is coming off a disappointing showing in his last outing, but he had at least 33.25 DraftKings points in his prior two contests. That gives him a solid ceiling for his $4,500 price tag in a great matchup.

Grayson Allen isn’t the most exciting DFS option, but his minutes have been a bit more consistent of late. He’s also increased his production to 0.94 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, giving him some appeal against the Nets.

NBA DFS Power Forward Picks

Stud

Jaren Jackson Jr. has seen his price tag plummet in recent games. He got as high as $9,600 earlier this month, but he’s posted a negative Plus/Minus in four of his past five games. That’s caused his price tag to dip back down to just $8,400 for Wednesday’s matchup vs. the Hornets.

That’s a much more appealing price tag for a player with a massive ceiling on a nightly basis. Jackson is capable of stuffing the stat sheet in nearly every category across the board, resulting in an average of 1.39 DraftKings points per minute over the past month. His matchup vs. the Hornets results in an Opponent Plus/Minus of +2.11, making him an outstanding buy-low target.


Value

Evbuomwan leads the way from a value standpoint at power forward. He’s currently projected for 27 minutes in our NBA Models, and players with comparable salaries and minute projections have historically averaged a Plus/Minus of +2.36. Evuomwan has also averaged 0.84 DraftKings points per minute this season, so he’s a bit better than the typical producer in this price range.


Fast Break

Miles Bridges is another player who should benefit from the absence of Miller for the Hornets. He’s seen a +2.02% bump to his usage rate with Miller off the floor this season, which is the highest mark among the team’s regulars. He’s already been a solid source of production of late, averaging 1.26 DraftKings points per minute, so he’s in play in a massive pace-up spot vs. the Grizzlies.

It’s hard to argue with what Naz Reid has been doing recently. He’s posted an average Plus/Minus of +9.46 over his past 10 outings, and he’s scored at least 34.5 DraftKings points in three straight games. Reid’s salary has climbed to $5,500, but he’s seeing enough minutes at this point to still pay off that elevated figure.

NBA DFS Center Picks

Stud

Center is loaded with appealing options on this slate, but it’s tough for me to look past Mark Williams at $7,000. Williams has been nothing short of a monster when on the floor this season, averaging 1.43 DraftKings points per minute. That trails only Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson, and Alperen Sengun among Wednesday’s centers, and Williams is available at a significantly lower price tag.

Williams was playing sparingly to start his 2024-25 campaign, but that has changed recently. The team shipped Nick Richards to the Suns, clearing the path for Williams to handle most of the center minutes. He’s responded with at least 40.25 DraftKings points in four straight games, and he’s had at least 52.0 in three of them.

The only real concern on Wednesday is the potential for this game to turn into a blowout. The Hornets are 12-point underdogs, but as long as Williams gets to his usual 30+ minutes, he provides an elite combination of value and upside.


Value

Onyeka Okongwu has been on a tear recently. He’s posted an average Plus/Minus of +11.72 over his past 10 outings, and he’s starting to seize control of the center position in Atlanta. Clint Capela is still around to siphon off some minutes, but the split is moving more and more in Okongwu’s favor. He’s racked up at least 28.2 minutes in three of his past four outings, and he’s projected for 29 minutes Wednesday vs. the Pistons.

If he can get back to that level, he’s a great bet to pay off his current salary. Okongwu has averaged a stout 1.34 DraftKings points per minute over the past month, and he’s scored at least 45.75 DraftKings points in three of his past four games.


Fast Break

On the other side of that matchup, Jalen Duren checks a lot of the same boxes as Okongwu. He isn’t quite as productive on a per-minute basis, but his average of 1.26 DraftKings points per minute over the past month is still elite. He’s posted a positive Plus/Minus in three straight games, including a massive 50 DraftKings points in his last contest.

Jarrett Allen doesn’t stand out as quite as strong of a value as the other three options mentioned, but his ceiling vs. the Rockets is excellent. He’s another elite per-minute producer, and his matchup comes with a +5.7 Opponent Plus/Minus. He’s showing up in the optimal lineup simulations at the second-highest frequency at the position, though he’s also projected for the most ownership.