Strategy and Stats for 01/09/25 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

Welcome to an electrifying evening of NBA action, with eight thrilling games on the docket, all commencing at 08:00 PM EST. Fantasy enthusiasts, brace yourselves as the spotlight game features the Atlanta Hawks soaring into Phoenix to battle the Suns at the Footprint Center, with a tip-off set for 10:00 PM EST. This marquee matchup, boasting an Over/Under of 239.0, promises a fantasy goldmine, likely dominated by high-octane offense. As you set your lineups, consider key players who are poised to exploit their matchups and rack up fantasy points. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each game, providing you with all the insights needed to make informed decisions and potentially dominate your daily fantasy sports contests.

Point Guard Fantasy Insights

Cade Cunningham ($10200), Detroit Pistons – Projected 58 pts

As we dive into the daily fantasy sports potential of Cade Cunningham, it’s clear that his recent performances have solidified his status as a key player for fantasy lineups. Over the last five games, Cunningham has averaged 45.7 daily fantasy points, showing a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 52.1 points. Despite this, his scoring remains robust at 24.4 points per game, complemented by 7.4 assists and 6.0 rebounds. His shooting accuracy is impressive, with a field goal percentage of 51.5% and an even more striking 43.3% from three-point range. The upcoming game against the Warriors, who rank #1 in defense against point guards, presents a challenging matchup for Cunningham. However, his ability to maintain high efficiency in scoring and playmaking keeps his DFS value high. With a DraftKings salary of $10200 and a projected point total of 58.0, Cunningham holds a DFS value score of 5.7, marking him as a strong value pick in today’s fantasy slate. His recent uptick in three-point shooting and consistent all-around production make him a compelling choice, despite the tough opposition.

Shooting Guard Spotlight

Malik Beasley ($5600), Detroit Pistons – Projected 31 pts

Malik Beasley’s recent performances have been a mixed bag, but there’s an upward trend that fantasy managers should not overlook. Over his last five games, Beasley has averaged 23.6 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he posted 28.2 points per game. Despite the decrease, his scoring remains solid at 13.0 points per game, and his assists have stabilized at 2.2 per game. A notable improvement in his game has been his rebounding, up from 2.5 to 3.0, and a significant increase in field goal accuracy from 30.0% to a robust 57.9%. However, his three-point shooting has seen a downturn, dropping to 25.0% from a previous 40.9%. Facing the Warriors, who rank last in defense against SGs, Beasley’s matchup is more than favorable. This positions him as a potentially undervalued asset in daily fantasy lineups, especially considering his increased court time, averaging 29.7 minutes over the recent stretch. With a DraftKings salary of $5600 and a projected point total that suggests a 5.5 DFS value score, Beasley stands out as a strong value pick for the upcoming slate.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

RJ Barrett ($8700), Toronto Raptors – Projected 38 pts

As we dive into RJ Barrett’s recent performances, it’s evident that he’s a pivotal player for the Raptors and a significant figure in daily fantasy sports. Over his last five games, Barrett has averaged 40.6 fantasy points per game, a slight dip from his previous five-game average of 42.4. Despite this minor decline, his contributions across the board remain solid. He’s scoring 19.6 points per game and has improved his playmaking, averaging 6.2 assists, up from 4.2. His rebounding remains consistent at 8.0 per game. Barrett’s shooting efficiency from the field is robust at 52.5%, although it has seen a decrease from an exceptional 63.0% in the earlier games. His three-point shooting at 30.4% could be a concern, especially considering a previous better rate of 36.4%. Despite playing slightly fewer minutes, averaging 31.7 per game, Barrett has increased his shot attempts to 16.4 per game, indicating a more aggressive offensive role. Facing the Cavaliers, who rank #11 in defense against SFs, Barrett’s matchup is moderately challenging. With a DraftKings salary of $8700 and a DFS value score of 4.4, he stands out as a core value pick in today’s slate. His ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories makes him a valuable asset for DFS lineups, despite the slight fluctuations in his shooting percentages.

Power Forward Analysis

Tobias Harris ($6300), Detroit Pistons – Projected 31 pts

As we delve into the daily fantasy sports potential of Tobias Harris, it’s clear that his recent performances have made him a noteworthy candidate for your DFS lineup. Over his last five games, Harris has been on a tear, averaging 33.9 fantasy points per game, a substantial increase from the 19.7 points in the previous set of five games. This surge is highlighted by his scoring jump to 16.6 points per game and his impressive shooting efficiency, hitting 54.3% from the field and an exceptional 55.0% from three-point range. His contributions aren’t just limited to scoring; Harris has also been active on the boards with 7.4 rebounds per game and has dished out 3.0 assists per game. These stats are supported by his robust average of 33.5 minutes on the court per game, indicating his crucial role in the Pistons’ game plan. Looking ahead, Harris faces the Warriors, who are ranked #12 in defense against power forwards. Considering his current form and his team’s reliance on him, Harris’s DraftKings salary of $6300 reflects a 4.9 DFS value score, positioning him as a core value pick in upcoming DFS contests.

Center Position Analysis

Deandre Ayton ($6000), Portland Trail Blazers – Projected 39 pts

Deandre Ayton’s recent performances have shown a mix of highs and lows, but his upcoming matchup against the Mavericks, who rank #21 defensively against centers, positions him as a potentially lucrative pick in daily fantasy sports. Over his last five games, Ayton has averaged 28.4 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 39.5 points. Despite this decrease, his field goal efficiency has impressively increased to 68.3% from 57.1%. His rebounds have seen a decrease, moving from 13.0 to 9.8 per game, which might concern some. However, his consistent assist numbers and a significant matchup advantage could make him a strong candidate for rebounding in DFS performance. With a DraftKings salary of $6000 and a DFS value score of 6.5, Ayton stands out as an elite value pick for the upcoming slate.