This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.
Here we go with a six-game slate on Thursday, January 31.
The rivalry game between the Lakers and the Clippers features one of the highest over/unders on the night, checking in at 228.0 as of Thursday morning. After all, it features two teams that rank top ten in pace and below average in team defensive efficiency. We'll need to see how the injuries turn out, but Tobias Harris, Montrezl Harrell, Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley and Brandon Ingram appear as confident plays on the surface.
Per usual, we have several injuries to monitor with potential for more while moving closer to tip-off. You'll want to stay in the loop with Rotowire's NBA News Feed before setting your final lineups. As of Thursday morning, these are the situations we are looking at:
Reggie Bullock is questionable. Luke Kennard stepped up with 27 FP in 27 minutes with Bullock out last game, so he could be a bargain to consider.
Kyle Kuzma is questionable. He has missed the past two games with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope serving as the primary beneficiary while averaging 27 FP in 31 minutes over that span.
These notable players will continue to miss time: LeBron James, Lonzo Ball, Victor Oladipo, Danilo Gallinari, likely Tyreke Evans, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jonas Valanciunas
With that, I'll be breaking down the best fantasy choices on DraftKings for Thursday. The following write-ups contain a blend of cash game staples, bargain fillers, and tournament pivots.
GUARDS
Stephen Curry – GS vs. PHI ($8,900): Curry isn't a 100% necessity on this slate, but I do believe he's underpriced on DraftKings. Though the matchup doesn't look perfect against Philadelphia, this is a high-scoring (239.5) home contest on national television. Curry has posted 44-plus fantasy points in eight of his past ten games, and he's in a good spot to approach his current 48 FPPG average on the season.
Patrick Beverley – LAC vs. LAL ($5,300): Beverley has really stepped up in the absence of Danilo Gallinari, who doesn't expect to return this evening. That has resulted in 35-plus fantasy points in four of the past six games for Beverley, who is posting some well-rounded lines while flirting with triple-doubles. His playing time is through the roof, which should continue, especially with Avery Bradley questionable as well. Expect Beverley to keep it going in this high-scoring draw.
Reggie Jackson – DET vs. DAL ($4,700): Backup point guard Ish Smith has been ruled out, and Bullock is questionable. That shrinks the Detroit backcourt, promoting Jackson to more minutes. The Detroit point guard has run with the extended workload, averaging 30 fantasy points and 34 minutes over his past three. That includes a strong 40 FP outing in 37 minutes despite a tough matchup against Milwaukee on Tuesday. I like Jackson regardless tonight, but he would gain even more DFS traction if Bullock is out. The matchup looks good against a Dallas team that ranks below average in defensive efficiency to opposing backcourts.
Other guards to consider: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – LAL at LAC ($4,600), Lou Williams – LAC vs. LAL ($7,200), Shabazz Napier – BKN at SA ($5,300)
FORWARDS
LaMarcus Aldridge – SA vs. BKN ($8,300): Aldridge has been amazing lately, with 47-plus fantasy points in three straight games including 55-plus FP in back-to-back contests. DeMar DeRozan is set to return, so that may take some usage away from the San Antonio big man. Despite that, I believe Aldridge is underpriced and ready to lock in another strong performance. The draw looks good against a Brooklyn team that ranks 21st in defensive efficiency to opposing frontcourts and 26th in rebound rate. As a result, Aldridge is one of my favorite overall plays of the night.
Brandon Ingram – LAL at LAC ($7,300): Ingram becomes a much better play if Kuzma, who is questionable, remains sidelined. The versatile forward took on an expanded role to tally 48.25 fantasy points Tuesday against Philadelphia, and he would have room to thrive against a fast-paced Clippers squad that ranks bottom ten in team defensive efficiency. Keep your eye on the injury report.
Draymond Green – GS vs. PHI ($6,200): Some people were concerned that DeMarcus Cousins would take away production from Green, but the Golden State forward has been solid with 36-plus FP in three of his past four with Cousins in the mix. I believe Green's salary is underpriced at this level, making him a solid filler in one of your utility spots. The matchup looks good against a Philly team that ranks 18th to power forwards with a high over/under.
Other forwards to consider: Giannis Antetokounmpo – MIL at TOR ($10,600), Tobias Harris – LAC vs. LAL ($8,500), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson – BKN at SA ($4,200)
CENTERS
Montrezl Harrell – LAC vs. LAL ($6,800): As mentioned earlier, I really like this Lakers-Clippers game from a DFS perspective. Harrell should have room to thrive within that while facing a Lakers team who ranks third in pace and 23rd in defensive efficiency against opposing centers. He has been somewhat up-and-down lately, but this looks like the perfect breakout spot.
JaVale McGee – LAL at LAC ($4,500): McGee is more of a tournament play, as you never really know what his role will be on a nightly basis. Having said that, McGee may have earned himself more playing time with a beautiful 43-fantasy-point gem in 27 minutes against Philly on Tuesday. Of course, that always depends on foul trouble. If he stays on the floor, McGee could thrive against a Clippers team that ranks dead last in defensive efficiency to opposing centers.
Other centers to consider: Andre Drummond – DET vs. DAL ($8,100), DeMarcus Cousins – GS vs. PHI ($6,700)
