NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Thursday (1/11)

That Wednesday card was wild, but it’s leaving us with a short slate here. We only have five games on Thursday, with four of them making up the main card. We already had Luka Doncic ruled out, and it’s sad to watch these injuries alter these slates every night. It does make our jobs a bit easier, though, so let’s dive into the slate!

View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet

NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer:

Schedule and Odds

• BOS at MIL (MIL -6) O/U: 239
• POR at OKC (OKC -13.5) O/U: 232
• NYK at DAL (NYK -3.5) O/U: 230
• PHX at LAL (LAL -1.5) O/U: 237

Check out our consensus game odds as well as the odds from each sportsbook at BettingPros

Injury Report

• Luka Doncic (ankle) OUT
• Dereck Lively (ankle) OUT
• Kristaps Porzingis (knee) OUT
• Deandre Ayton (knee) Doubtful
• Dante Exum (heel) OUT
• Rui Hachimura (calf) Questionable
• Jabari Walker (knee) Questionable

Core Plays

Anthony Davis (PF/C – LAL): $10,300 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel
I never thought we’d see AD return to the player we saw in New Orleans, but he looks like that guy right now. The big man has scored at least 44 DraftKings points in 17 straight games, dropping at least 60 fantasy points in over half of those. That’s one of the highest totals in the NBA, averaging 55 DK points per game. We also don’t mind that Phoenix posts a 23rd OPRK against opposing centers, with AD averaging 52 DK points per game in their three matchups.

Kyrie Irving (PG/SG – DAL): $9,000 DraftKings, $10,100 FanDuel
Everyone is going to use Irving on this slate, and you need to too. He’s already been great with Luka Doncic, but it’s scary to think what his usage will look like without the superstar. We anticipate Irving looking at 40 minutes, 25 shots, and a 40 percent usage rate. We’ve seen Irving showcase 70-point gems with that type of role in the past, and you know he’ll be hungry against a big-market team like the Knicks. He’s got at least 51 fantasy points in three consecutive meetings with NY!

Cash Game Considerations

Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF/C – MIL): $12,000 DraftKings, $12,300 FanDuel
Giannis isn’t talked about enough in the MVP race, but he’s right in it with his recent play. The Greek Freak has scored at least 57 DraftKings points in 18 of his last 21 games, generating a 63-point average in that span. That’s why he’s the highest-priced player on this slate and the best cash game option. Facing the Celtics is concerning, but Giannis should be motivated in this potential Eastern Conference Finals preview.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG/SG – OKC): $10,400 DraftKings, $11,300 FanDuel
SGA is also throwing his hat in the MVP race, ranked as the highest-rated player in roto formats. He’s scored at least 54 DraftKings points in 10 of his last 11 games, averaging nearly 60 DK points per game in that span. That’s terrifying for this pitiful Portland team, ranked 21st in total defense. OKC blew out Portland in their one matchup, but SGA scored 39 DK points, despite playing just 23 minutes. Imagine what that would look like across 35-40 minutes!

GPP Targets

Brook Lopez (C – MIL): $6,200 DraftKings, $6,500 FanDuel
Bro-Lo has been all over the map in terms of consistency, but he’s got a massive upside. This defensive stud averaged nearly 40 fantasy points per game between November and December, showcasing a 50-point ceiling numerous times. That’s all you want from a GPP player in this price range, especially since Lopez has at least 30 DK points in six of his last 11 games. He also bludgeoned Boston earlier in the year, dropping 43 fantasy points!

Dwight Powell (C – DAL): $4,200 DraftKings, $4,800 FanDuel
Powell is far from an exciting option, but it’s tough to fade a $4K player who might play 30 minutes. The injuries have destroyed this Dallas team, but Powell has started the last three games for Dereck Lively. When this guy plays 25-30 minutes a night, Powell averages 25-30 fantasy points per game. That would be a godsend from such an affordable player, and he’ll have to play big minutes to oppose Isaiah Hartenstein.

Value Plays

Isaiah Hartenstein (C – NYK): $6,500 DraftKings, $7,700 FanDuel
Nothing feels better than flowing one write-up into the next because we love Hartenstein as the opposition. This guy has been a beast since taking over as the starting center, scoring at least 34 DraftKings points in five straight fixtures. He’s also regularly playing 35-40 minutes a night and shouldn’t be avoided against a 23rd-ranked Dallas defense.

Scoot Henderson (PG/SG – POR): $6,000 DraftKings, $6,400 FanDuel
We have been waiting for this rookie to get going, and it looks like it’s finally happening. They’ve decided to start him over Malcolm Brogdon over the last three weeks, scoring at least 34 DraftKings points in five of his last eight games. All we need is 30-35 minutes for this Top 3 pick to be an elite DFS option, and that should be a normal thing since Portland is officially in rebuild mode. Not to mention, OKC owns a 22nd OPRK against opposing guards.

OG Anunoby (SG/SF – NYK): $6,100 DraftKings, $6,200 FanDuel
The Knicks took a home run swing when acquiring Anunoby for two key players, but it looks like they hit it out of the park. He has the best plus-minus in the NBA since joining NY, scoring at least 27 DraftKings points in six of his last nine games. He hasn’t had many massive games in that span, but getting 30 fantasy points is all you can ask for from a $6K player. We love the matchup with Dallas because he had nearly 40 fantasy points against them earlier in the year.

Advantageous Pricing

• Anthony Davis (PF/C – LAL): $10,300 DraftKings, $11,400 FanDuel
• Kyrie Irving (PG/SG – DAL): $9,000 DraftKings, $10,100 FanDuel
• Isaiah Hartenstein (C – NYK): $6,500 DraftKings, $7,700 FanDuel
• Tim Hardaway Jr.(SG/SF – DAL): $5,300 DraftKings, $6,300 FanDuel

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