Strategy and Stats for 01/12/25 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

Today’s NBA fantasy slate is packed with action as nine thrilling games tip off starting at 04:00 PM EST, promising a spectacle of high-octane basketball. Highlighting today’s matchups, the Indiana Pacers are set to clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse at 07:00 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 239.0, this game is anticipated to be a veritable feast of points, making it a goldmine for fantasy players. As you set your lineups, keep an eye on the top projected players across all positions who are poised to turn in stellar performances. This comprehensive breakdown will guide you through each game, ensuring you have all the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy contests.

Point Guard Fantasy Insights

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10700), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 49.0 pts

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be a dominant force in daily fantasy sports, especially notable in his recent performances for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over his last five games, he has impressively averaged 51.8 fantasy points per game. This slight dip from his previous five-game average of 54.0 points is mitigated by his increased scoring efficiency, with a notable rise in field goals made per game from 17.6 to 22.8. His shooting accuracy remains high at 58.5% from the field and an improved 45.0% from three-point range. Despite a slight decrease in assists and rebounds, Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring ability and shooting precision make him a formidable opponent, especially against the Wizards who rank last in defense against point guards. With a DFS value score of 4.6, he stands as a core value pick in your lineup, promising substantial returns given his consistent performance and the favorable matchup.

Shooting Guard Spotlight

Kelly Oubre Jr. ($6600), Philadelphia 76ers – Projected 28 pts

Kelly Oubre Jr. has been a beacon of consistency for the 76ers, especially in his latest performances. Over the past five games, Oubre Jr. has not only increased his scoring average to 17.2 points per game from 13.8 but also improved his field goal percentage to an impressive 60.9%. Despite a dip in three-point accuracy to 19.0%, his overall contribution on the court remains substantial, averaging 36.6 minutes per game. His fantasy points have seen a rise to 33.5 per game, up from 30.3, indicating a positive trend. However, facing the Magic’s robust defense against SGs could be challenging. With a DFS value score of 4.2, Oubre Jr. stands as a core value pick in your daily fantasy lineup.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Trey Murphy III ($7200), New Orleans Pelicans – Projected 33 pts

As we dive into today’s DFS analysis, Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans stands out, especially considering his recent performances. Over the last five games, Murphy has averaged an impressive 40.2 daily fantasy points, a notable increase from his previous set of games where he averaged 34.6 points. This uptick is highlighted by his scoring jump to 25.0 points per game and a significant improvement in assists, moving from 1.8 to 4.0 per game. Despite a slight decrease in field goal accuracy from 64.5% to 48.7%, his three-point shooting has seen a marginal improvement, which is crucial for DFS scoring. Playing an average of 36.0 minutes per game, Murphy’s involvement on the court is undeniable, and he’s taking more shots recently, with an increase to 18.0 attempts per game. However, facing the Celtics next, who rank #6 in defense against SFs, could be challenging. This matchup might impact his efficiency, reflected in a projected DFS value score of 4.6. At a $7200 DraftKings salary, Murphy represents a core value pick, where his recent surge in performance could potentially outweigh the tough defensive matchup ahead.

Power Forward Analysis

Miles Bridges ($7600), Charlotte Hornets – Projected 42 pts

Miles Bridges has been a powerhouse for the Charlotte Hornets, especially in his recent performances. Over the last five games, Bridges has averaged a stellar 48.1 daily fantasy points, a significant increase from his previous set of games where he averaged 35.4 points. His scoring has seen a notable uptick to 22.6 points per game, coupled with an impressive 10.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Despite a slight dip in shooting efficiency from the field (48.2%) and beyond the arc (28.6%), his overall contributions have been immense. Given his current form and a DraftKings salary of $7600, Bridges holds a DFS value score of 5.5, categorizing him as a strong value pick. His upcoming matchup against the Suns, who rank #10 in defense against PFs, might pose some challenges, but given his recent surge and high court time averaging 36.9 minutes per game, Bridges is poised to be a crucial pick for your daily fantasy lineup.

Center Position Analysis

Joel Embiid ($9700), Philadelphia 76ers – Projected 54 pts

Joel Embiid continues to be a dominant force at the center position for the Philadelphia 76ers. Over his last five games, Embiid has averaged an impressive 51.1 daily fantasy points, a significant increase from the 40.6 points in the previous set of five games. This uptick is highlighted by his scoring jump to 30.4 points per game, up from 22.2, and a remarkable improvement in his three-point shooting, skyrocketing from 20.0% to 56.2%. While his assists have slightly decreased, his rebounds and overall shooting attempts have seen an increase, indicating more involvement in the play, which is crucial for fantasy scoring. Despite facing the Magic, who rank #1 in defense against centers, Embiid’s recent performance and increased court time (32.2 minutes on average) suggest he can overcome tough matchups. His DraftKings salary of $9700 reflects his elite status, and with a DFS value score of 5.6, Embiid remains a strong choice for any DFS lineup.