NBA

3 NBA DraftKings Studs to Target on 1/14/19

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James Harden, PG/SG, Houston Rockets

DraftKings Price: $12,400

In most circumstances, it would be perfectly reasonable to shy away from using players who are playing against the Memphis Grizzlies. Not only is the team giving up an NBA-low 102.7 points per game to opponents, they are playing top-five fantasy defense at four of five positions.

Tonight's game also has a total set at just 207 points, lowest on the slate. As such, you might be reluctant to drop 24.8% of your salary cap on one player. When that one player has been as incendiary as Houston Rockets guard James Harden, however, then you might want to reconsider.

The reigning MVP is in the midst of one of the greatest -- if not the greatest -- fantasy stretches ever. He's topped 70.0 DraftKings points in six of his past eight games. Perhaps the most impressive of these came when he scored 88.0 DraftKings points in just 30 minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He's scoring at will and is now averaging 34.2 points per game, the best mark since Kobe Bryant averaged 35.4 in the 2005-06 season. He's faced Memphis twice this year. Despite their defensive reputation, Harden has averaged a triple-double versus the Grizz, putting up 37.5 points, 11.5 assists, 11.0 boards, and 75.8 DraftKings points.

Could he have a dud? Sure. But are you going to be the one to bet against him?