Tonight we’ve got a mini two-game slate on tap. The TNT special. It’s time for you to sit back, fall asleep on your couch/bed/or wherever you watch TV, and wake up to the sweet sounds of Charmed re-runs (1998-2006) in the morning. There are only so many combinations and permutations we can actually tackle with so few options, so expect a relatively low optimal score, and expect it to be you! Let’s get it!
Playing NBA DFS can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also make your head spin. It’s our job to make sure you’re winning as much as possible! There are countless variables that can lead to a player’s individual performance, but I’ve found it’s best to focus on just a few that can lead to better predictability.
My favorite factors to track for NBA DFS targets: Matchups (Offensive/Defensive Ratings), Opportunity (expected player minutes, game pace), and Recent Form.
This is the AM VERSION of a living article that will be updated throughout the day, as news comes through the wire.
LET’S GET INTO THE SLATE!!!!
NBA DFS Targets and Preview for January 27
Lakers (24-24) vs. 76ers (28-19)
Offensive Rating: 24th vs. 11th in the league
Defensive Rating: 17th vs. 11th in the league
Net Rating: 23rd vs. 9th in the league
Pace: 3rd vs. 28th in the league
Predicted Outcome: Well, well, well… if it isn’t Mr. Anthony Davis making a return to the fold. The Lakers are coming off of a nice win against a (depleted) Nets team, but it was good to see the Lakers win a game that they should win. Especially with Anthony Davis back in the mix. I was worried there would be cohesion issues, but they weren’t on display. That said, Embiid has been playing like the best player in the world lately, and with his ability to get to the line, I tend to believe an Anthony Davis (on a minutes restriction) is going to be largely a non-factor. It will be LeBron vs. Embiid, and I think the 76ers have the better supporting cast in a matchup that won’t allow the Lakers to play at the pace they’d like to. The 76ers should take this one at home.
DFS Targets: The way he’s been playing, you are required to roster Joel Embiid at any price. Particularly on a two-game slate, where your potential substitutions are few and far between. With the pace that the Sixers play at, I’m only interested in bigs, and players that put up points in a half-court offense. The rest of that list is Drummond, Tobias Harris, and Seth Curry. Only LeBron is rosterable in my eyes for the Lakers. I’ll look to the late game to build out my roster.
Timberwolves (24-23) vs. Warriors (35-13)
Offensive Rating: 17th vs. 12th in the league
Defensive Rating: 10th vs. 1st in the league
Net Rating: 12th vs. 1st in the league
Pace: 4th vs. 13th in the league
Predicted Outcome: This game should be a lot more fun that I would’ve guessed before the season started. We’ve got two top ten defenses going up against each other, and both teams play a fast-paced offense with as many possessions as they can make happen. Steph isn’t having a great shooting year, but he’s still putting up numbers. Klay is still getting his footing on both ends of the ball, but he’s the type to heat up if you let him. KAT and Ant are working well with each other, and D’Angelo Russell is one of the most underrated point guards in the game, by my estimation. I think in the end, there’s a reason the Warriors are the best team in the league, and it’s because they don’t have many problems beating teams that are 1 game over .500. Take the Warriors at home.
DFS Targets: Frankly, there isn’t much to think about here. The players that are in the best position to provide points above their value are in this matchup, despite the defensive prowess on the court. Klay is capable of a ceiling game every night, and he’s priced below $6500. Steph is always an option, but if Pat Beverley is playing, I’ll probably be underweight Steph. I like Andrew Wiggins, sub $8000, as he’s capable of giving 25/5, or more, but he provides great leverage to the field, considering he’s usually owned at 25% or less. Jordan Poole is a great bench option, but I wouldn’t have him in lineups with Klay. On the Wolves, I like KAT the most, with a great matchup against Kevon Looney. Ant is probably someone I’ll fade, considering he’ll have Klay guarding him primarily. Russell should feast against Steph, and he’ll be required to score with Ant having an off night. Don’t forget to have some Jared Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley shares either!
Don’t forget to check back later in the day as Bradlee will be updating his NBA DFS preview with all the info you need to turn tonight’s slate into a resounding success!
More Fantasy Basketball Goodness: Waiver Wire | Weekly Schedule Preview | Fantasy Basketball Stock Report | NBA DFS Picks
Fantrax was one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites of 2021, and we’re not stopping now. With multi-team trades, designated commissioner/league managers, and drag/drop easy click methods, Fantrax is sure to excite the serious fantasy sports fan – sign up now for a free year at Fantrax.com.