Daily Fantasy tip sheet for January 24th’s slate of NBA games
Games to Target
Dallas at Houston (Over/Under 208.5): This is the most attractive game on the board for me. Neither team is worth worrying about defensively, and there are plenty of solid options to consider here. James Harden is always a play with Dwight Howard out, and Wes Matthews should benefit from seeing Harden’s defense. Chandler Parsons, Dirk Nowitzki, and Clint Capela are a few other options I am considering from this game.
L.A. Clippers at Toronto (O/U 205.5): This game is pretty close behind the Dallas-Houston tilt, with Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, Kyle Lowry, and DeMar DeRozan all looking like plays that you can build around tonight. If I had to choose two out of this group, I would probably go with DeAndre Jordan and DeMar DeRozan, but any of the four should be productive in this spot.
News and Notes
- Dirk Nowitzki (knee) and Zaza Pachulia (leg) are both questionable versus the Rockets. Both should be good plays if they are able to go, but it will be difficult to trust them in cash games due to lingering injury issues for both.
- Dwight Howard (ankle) is doubtful, while Patrick Beverley (ankle) looks probable to play. Beverley isn’t a bad value on this short slate, and there is a case to be made for the trio of Clint Capela, Terrence Jones, and Josh Smith in place of Howard.
- Blake Griffin (quad) may not return on the team’s road trip. That means he could miss the next three games, though nothing is official.
- Jae Crowder (illness) is questionable. With the Celtics taking on the 76ers, the team could just opt to rest him. If that was the case, I would expect Evan Turner and Marcus Smart to see a bit more action.
- Steven Adams (elbow) is out. The team decided to start Nick Collison last time, but Enes Kanter has the most to gain from Adams’ absence.
Point Guard
Stud to Target
Isaiah Thomas, BOS ($7,800): The Celtics get to square off with the 76ers, who are one of the best matchups for opposing ball handlers. Philly is just good enough to make things somewhat competitive, so Thomas should see enough action to put up a big DK score.
Others to consider: Kyle Lowry, TOR ($8,500) – Chris Paul, LAC ($9,700)
Value Play
Patrick Beverley, HOU ($4,200): If Beverley starts, he is probably the best value on the board at point guard. He isn’t much of a scorer, but his defense keeps him on the floor enough to accumulate enough stats to pay off a salary in this range.
Shooting Guard
Stud to Target
James Harden, HOU ($10,100): With Dwight Howard out, Harden’s usage rate will surely climb, making him one of the best buys in fantasy. He will match up with one of the Mavericks better defenders in Wes Matthews, but Harden’s all-around production makes him a safe bet to produce.
Others to consider: DeMar DeRozan, TOR ($8,300)
Value Play
Wes Matthews, DAL ($5,100): Matthews hasn’t been all that reliable this season, but he continues to receive heavy minutes. Pair his workload and the matchup against the “defense” of James Harden, and there is some serious fantasy potential here.
Small Forward
Stud to Target
Kevin Durant, OKC ($9,500): If you want to spend up at small forward tonight, it’s pretty much Durant or bust. His price has taken a drop, and the matchup is good; the only thing holding me back from going all-in is the fact that the Thunder should demolish the Nets tonight.
Others to consider: Chandler Parsons, DAL ($5,900)
Value Play
Trevor Ariza, HOU ($5,200): On this slate, taking Ariza is a conservative approach that should help cut some salary. The matchup with the Mavericks isn’t terrible, but Ariza should take on more of the scoring work with Dwight Howard likely unavailable.
Power Forward
Stud to Target
Thaddeus Young, BKN ($6,400): With Dirk Nowitzki battling injury, the power forward pool is looking rather sad up top. My favorite of the bunch is Young, who has seen his production drop a bit as of late, but the way this game looks pace-wise should help him see a boost.
Others to consider: Clint Capela, HOU ($6,000) – Serge Ibaka, OKC ($5,700)
Value Play
Terrence Jones, HOU ($5,200): Jones played 33 minutes last game, which almost always equates to big production for the big guy. He is priced well, and provides across-the-board production. There isn’t a big on the Mavericks roster that should be able to give Jones all that much trouble, either.
Center
Stud to Target
DeAndre Jordan, LAC ($7,200): Assuming health, it would be pretty close between Jordan and Zaza Pachulia. With the latter dealing with a reoccurring injury issue, Jordan becomes the primary focus for me at center. The front line of Luis Scola and Jonas Valanciunas should prove no match for Jordan in this one.
Others to consider: Jahlil Okafor, PHI ($6,300) – Brook Lopez, BKN ($7,000)
Value Play
Enes Kanter, OKC ($4,500): Any time you plug Kanter into a lineup it’s somewhat of a risky proposition given that he rarely sees big minutes. However, without Steven Adams and being faced with a game that could be a blowout, Kanter should see his fair share of opportunities.