3 NBA DraftKings Studs to Target on 1/11/18

LeBron James, SF/PF, Cleveland Cavaliers

DraftKings Salary: $11,300

LeBron James comes into this game with three days of rest and his most recent game being an embarrassing blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, in which he played just 27 minutes. This game should stay more competitive, as his Cleveland Cavaliers are favored by just four points on the road against the Toronto Raptors. With a full complement of minutes at his disposal, James should have no trouble getting back into the dominant form he put on display prior to that dud.

Game script is certainly working in James' favor, as this game easily has the highest over/under on the slate, and the Cavs' implied team total (111.75) leads all teams. LeBron has been unbelievable in projected shootouts that didn't turn into blowouts this season. In 12 games with an over/under of 220 or more that finished with a point differential under 20 points, James has averaged 65.3 DraftKings points. He's gone for over six-times his salary-implied value (68 DraftKings points) in five of those 12 games, so his upside in this up-tempo matchup is through the roof.

James should also benefit from the absence of Serge Ibaka, who is suspended. With Ibaka off the court, James has far less opposition at the rim, and the Raps are a far worse rebounding team. Per nbawowy.com, they have a 51.4% rebounding rate with Ibaka, which would rank ninth in the league. Without Ibaka, their rebounding rate has dropped to 48.9%, which would rank 24th.

James should get whatever he wants against this depleted Raptors team, and as long as the game stays competitive, he won't have any problem paying off his salary. He is a tough fade candidate on a slate full of value plays.