3 NBA DraftKings Studs to Target on 1/5/18

Jusuf Nurkic, C, Portland Trail Blazers

DraftKings Salary: $7,300

There are a lot of centers to like on this slate, which may keep the ownership on Jusuf Nurkic subdued. The status of Andre Drummond could really swing center ownership as well because, if he sits, Boban Marjanovic ($4,600) would become a popular play. While there are tons of centers in good spots, don't let Nurkic get lost in the shuffle. He is in arguably the best spot of any of them and is one of the strongest tournament plays on the board at any position.

After an extended cold streak, Nurkic has been much better recently, averaging 40.3 DraftKings points over his past four games. More importantly, his minutes have been more secure during that time frame, with foul trouble being the only thing holding him under the 30-minute mark on a day-to-day basis. That was the case last time he faced this Atlanta Hawks team, as Nurkic played just 24 minutes due to foul trouble.

If Nurkic can keep his hands to himself tonight, he should smash in this spot. The Hawks ranks 28th in rebounding rate and 27th in defensive efficiency, and without Dewayne Dedmon, they have one of the softest defensive frontcourts in the league. They have no answer for Nurkic down low, and he has the chance to go for a very big game in this spot.