jason mezrahi 
In this column, I’ll highlight five NBA DFS 1/31 difference-makingplays in GPPs, from studs with a huge upside to value plays who could hit8x-10x.
These are risky playswho won’t always make the most sense for cash game builds, so buyer beware!
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NBA DFS 1/31— PG
JalenBrunson, DAL (@ HOU) – DK $3,800
Brunson is alock-and-load in all formats with Luka Doncic (out Friday, ankle) not travelingwith the team and possibly out for multiple games. There’s still reason to becautious, because we just don’t have a lot of data with Luka off the court thisseason – just a couple of games in December. In that small sample, we sawincreased usage for both Brunson and Kristaps Porzingis – two players I’ll be focusingon in GPPs.
Pivot/Stack:J.J. Barea/Russell Westbrook
NBA DFS 1/31— SG
Jrue Holiday,NO (vs. MEM) – DK $8,100
He’s flourishingwith Zion Williamson in the lineup as he did when Anthony Davis was with thePelicans, and this is a dream matchup for this hardworking combo guard. Therewill be plenty of chances at both ends for Holiday to contribute and haveanother huge game where he registers 7x or more value. You could start off alineup with Brunson and either Westbrook or Jams Harden, add in Holiday, andstill have over $5,500 per on DK to fill out your Forwards, center and utilityspots.
Pivot/Stack:James Harden/Dillon Brooks
NBA DFS 1/31— SF
Trevor Ariza,POR (@ LAL) – DK $5,000
The price hascome up on Ariza, but with Carmelo Anthony already ruled out, there’s still aclear path to 7x or more with Ariza playing against his old team in the StaplesCenter. The Lakers would be remiss not to focus their defensive efforts onstopping Damian Lillard, so expect a few more shots for the veteran defender anda busy day on both ends. Plenty of DFS folks will scoff at the new prices andlook elsewhere, and I’ll be fearlessly investing in another 35+ DK points at anaffordable price. There’s even a way to get the aforementioned players withboth Ariza and LBJ and still have $4K per if you want to take a crack at some stars/scrubsbuilds in multi-entry GPP.
Pivot/Stack:Will Barton/LeBron James
NBA DFS 1/31— PF
Brandon Clarke, MEM (@ NO) – DK $4,800
With Jaren Jackson Jr. suspended for a game following the fracas in the Garden on Wednesday night, we could see Clarke (also center eligible) getting the start against Zion and the Pels – making him a top-notch tournament play given his immense upside and point-per-minute fantasy efficiency. This is a game we’re going to need exposure to, and Clarke fits our GPP builds if he’s in the starting five and getting over 25-30 minutes. If you need even more value, Giannis Antetokounmpo is out again.
**UPDATE: With Brandon Clarke now listed doubtful to play on Friday, we can pivot to more Jonas Valanciunas and Jae Crowder. And since Clint Capela is not going tonight for Houston, we can use a lot more Isaiah Hartenstein, who is minimum salary on DK at just $3,000 and will be matched up with Porzingis.
Pivot/Stack: Eryan Ilyasova (if starting and Giannis out)/Zion Williamson
NBA DFS 1/31 — C
HassanWhiteside, POR (@ LAL) – DK $8,400
We’ve discussed plenty of high-priced guys in the Fearless Five so far, but if you want to roster a guaranteed low-owned, huge-upside center and find some value elsewhere, I think tonight could be the night for Whiteside to shine. The matchup is a terrible one on paper, but we could a few more minutes – and points, blocks, and rebounds – from the Blazers center in a tough matchup against the Lakers and their big frontcourt. The red number matchup is guaranteed to scare off the cautious DFS masses, and this is one of those nights where 55+ DK points are definitely in play.
