DFSGhost 
This article discusses a core for DFS players to build around for today’s FanDuel NBA slate. While there are many different sports and various contests pertaining to DFS along with their respective strategies, we focus on the main approaches to build both reliable cash and GPP lineups for a successful NBA night including pace, the projected over/under, one on one matchups, and a team’s defensive rating. Make sure to stay active when building NBA lineups – if you cannot be in front of a computer, tablet, or on your phone an hour before lock do not throw your money away! NBA DFS lineups can change at the blink of an eye and are the most variable compared to any other sport in DFS; players get injured, some sit for load management, and others find themselves on the DNP list for other reasons; any of which can sway your lineup and where to find value. Stay alert on the WinDaily Discord chat to follow along with our updated plays. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
PointGuard: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks ($10,200)
This was already a good matchup for Trae Young, to begin with, but it just got better with Kyrie Irving looking to make his return tonight. Without Kevin Durant, the Nets have relied on their guard play to run their offense, leaving them exposed to opposing point guards. Throughout the season, the Nets have been decimated by primary ball handlers; Brooklyn allows 50.05 FanDuel points per game at the ‘1’, with only the Cleveland Cavaliers being worse. In 2 previous meetings this season, Trae Young has put up 59.1 NBA FanDuel points per game, including averaging a scoring line of 43/5.5/8/1/0. If Young is forced to miss this game due to his hamstring issue, Kyle Lowry ($8,300) and Ja Morant ($7,500) would be my main pivots and make for good options regardless if you’re looking for a more balanced approach tonight.
ShootingGuard: D’Angelo Russell, Golden State Warriors ($7,000)
Probable to return from his shoulder injury tonight for the Golden State Warriors, D’Angelo Russell is in a great spot versus the Memphis Grizzlies. Barring that he won’t be facing any minutes restriction, Russell faces a Grizzlies team that allows 49.04 FanDuel points per game to opposing point guards and simply cannot defend as a team. The Grizzlies are top-5 in the NBA in pace per game but turn over the ball plenty, beginning with Russell’s opponent Ja Morant at 3.3 times per game. Look for DLo to pick up a few steals and pile up the transition points.
Small Forward: Kelly Oubre Jr., Phoenix Suns ($7,000)
There are few viable small forwards on tonight’s NBA slate and rather than chasing a punt option, I prefer to secure the floor that Kelly Oubre Jr. carries. Averaging 41.17 FanDuel points per game in his last 7, Oubre faces a Hornets team that turns the ball over at a 15.5% rate, good for 24th in the NBA. Oubre averages 1.4 steals and nearly a block per game and should get plenty of opportunities to get both tonight; the Suns’ breakout candidate had 35.6 FanDuel points last time they faced each other this season, including 2 steals and a block.
PowerForward: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers ($9,700)
The Clippers will be without Paul George again tonight which means Kawhi Leonard will be leaned on to carry the load. Without his All-NBA teammate, Kawhi averages 27.4/8.8/5.6/2.2/0.9 across 11 games. Despite being known for their defensive talent, the Nuggets haven’t looked unbeatable in the new year, losing games to the lowly Wizards and Cavaliers. Look for Kawhi to score in bunches and pile up steals and blocks.
Center:DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns ($7,800)
With his price still in a reasonable range, DeAndre Ayton is one of my favorite NBA plays tonight. Playing a Charlotte Hornets team that we love to attack through the frontcourt, Ayton is in a smash spot; the Hornets allow 49.49 FanDuel points per game to opposing power forward and a league-high 59.30 FanDuel points per game to centers. Whether he shares the floor with Aaron Baynes or not, Ayton will feast.
Gamesto Target
- Golden State Warriors vs Memphis Grizzlies(224 over/under)
- Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets (228.5over/under)
- Charlotte Hornets vs Phoenix Suns (218.5over/under)
