3 NBA DraftKings Studs to Target on 1/9/18

DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF, Toronto Raptors

DraftKings Salary: $8,300

With news that Lowry is confirmed out for tonight's game, DeMar DeRozan will step in as the clear top dog for the Toronto Raptors.

In 200-plus minutes without Lowry this season, DeRozan's numbers have skyrocketed -- with his usage rate climbing from 31.6% to 43.5% and his DraftKings points per minute up from 1.18 to 1.57. For reference, Westbrook has a usage rate of 37.0% while producing 1.52 DraftKings points per minute, and he is priced $3,200 more than DeRozan.

The matchup against the Miami Heat is far from ideal, as Miami plays down in pace, has an excellent individual defender (Josh Richardson) to throw at DeRozan, and has terrific rim protection (Hassan Whiteside). When you combine those things with the fact that DeRozan played 42 minutes in an overtime game last night, it could be enough to talk yourself off of him in tournaments.

That is probably overthinking things, though, as DeRozan needs just 41.5 DraftKings points to hit value at this salary, and he is averaging 55.1 DraftKings points in four January games with Lowry in the lineup. Lock and load DeRozan in cash games, and fade him at your own risk in tournaments.