3 NBA DraftKings Studs to Target on 1/25/21
While building a daily fantasy basketball lineup, it's important to make sure you find the right studs to anchor your team. As the most expensive players in your lineup, they need big-time production to match their high salaries.
You may find it hard to fit some of these guys in while staying under the salary cap, but you can check out our projections to find value players for your rosters. Let's take a look at the top high-salaried DraftKings plays of the day.
Luka Doncic, PG, Dallas Mavericks
DraftKings Salary: $10,700
Really, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic are in a class of their own, not only tonight but this season. And while the two will square off against one another, Doncic is the one at home and facing what has proven to be a soft Denver Nuggets team against the point guard spot.
According to FantasyPros, Jamal Murray and company are allowing the seventh-most DraftKings points per game (51.9), which includes 9.3 assists. The last time these two teams met, Luka dished out 13 assists along with 38 points for a monster 79.3 DK points -- and that was without the assistance of co-star Kristaps Porzingis.
In their previous meeting, the two teams totaled 218 points between them in regulation. This time around Online Sportsbook has them down for a very respectable 222.5 over/under, which won't top the slate but will certainly solidify the ceiling of a do-it-all guy like Luka.
Kyrie Irving, PG, Brooklyn Nets
DraftKings Salary: $9,000
As with most nights, there are a number of great point guard options to choose from. And if you're not into paying top salary for Doncic, Kyrie Irving has a high floor and the ability to go for more than 50 DK points on any given night.
Despite the presence of both James Harden and Kevin Durant, Irving has continued his offensive production. Since returning from his multi-game absence, he's averaged 34.3 points, 5.0 assists and 49.8 DK points a game. His already high efficiency has, in all likelihood, benefited even more from two more stars at his side, as he's shot 56.5% from the floor and 45.5% from three during this time; compared to 50.4% and 42.6% in the seven games prior.
Following Saturday's 252-point game, early signs point to the Nets and Heat coming close to a repeat performance. They have been given an initial over/under of 234.5 points, and with Brooklyn favored by 7.5-points, their 121 implied total should be tops on the slate.
Bam Adebayo, C, Miami Heat
DraftKings Salary: $8,500
Speaking of that juicy game environment in Brooklyn, the Nets aren't the only team that will benefit from a fantasy perspective. Bam Adebayo is fresh off his biggest game of the year, in which he went for 62.75 DK points thanks to a season-best 41 points, coupled with 9 assists and 5 rebounds in 38 minutes.
It's nothing new to see a player pop off against this Brooklyn defense. On the year, they rank 25th in defensive rating, but according to NBA.com their 111.8 points per 100 possessions has grown to 122.2 over the last three contests. That same timeframe has seen them post the fourth-lowest rebound rate and give up the single most points in the paint (60.0) per game. Those are two areas where Bam should be able to shine.
Without Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro for yet another game, Adebayo should also operate as the top playmaker for the Heat. According to NBA Wowy, his 21.8% usage rate with the two jumps to a team-high 28.2% when they are off the floor. Sign me up!
Brett Oswalt is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Brett Oswalt also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username BRO14THEKID. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in his articles are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.
