3 NBA FanDuel Studs to Target on 1/24/18

Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers

Price: $9,400

While he's a viable option regardless of Jimmy Butler's status, Damian Lillard becomes a terrific play if Butler sits.

Lillard has seen a ton of run in recent games, playing at least 38 minutes in each of his last three, as well as at least 36 in five of his last six. He has also been getting up a bunch of offensive volume in those games, attempting at least 18 field goals in four of the six and notching no fewer than 7 assists in any of those contests.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a good fantasy matchup all season for point guards, allowing the league's eighth-most fantasy points per game to the position. This comes partially thanks to a bottom-10 defensive rating.

As touched on briefly above, Butler -- who has been an achor for what success this defense has had -- is questionable tonight. Just looking at the minutes he has been off the floor, the Wolves' defensive rating falls nearly 10 points (to 116.7). For context, the worst mark any team has posted for the full season is 110.0. Butler won't be the guy guarding Dame even if he suits up, but his absence would absolutely be felt, giving the whole Portland offense a big boost.