Strategy and Stats for 01/13/25 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

Welcome to an exhilarating evening of NBA action as we dive into today’s fantasy slate featuring six captivating games, all starting at 08:00 PM EST. Highlighting tonight’s lineup is a high-octane clash at the Toyota Center, where the Memphis Grizzlies square off against the Houston Rockets at 09:00 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 236.0, fantasy managers can anticipate a scoring feast. This game not only promises to be a pivotal battleground for daily fantasy dominance but also sets the stage for identifying top-tier players across all positions. Stay tuned as we break down the key players who are projected to make a significant impact, ensuring your lineups are primed for success.

Top PG Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Cade Cunningham ($10300), Detroit Pistons – Projected 52 pts

Amidst the bustling world of daily fantasy sports, Cade Cunningham emerges as a beacon of 5.0 value for today’s games. Over his last five outings, Cunningham has dazzled with an average of 53.9 fantasy points per game, a notable increase from his previous set of games where he averaged 46.1. His scoring ability has been particularly impressive, with an average of 27.8 points on a stellar 56.5% shooting from the field, and his three-point accuracy sits comfortably at 41.9%. Despite a slight dip in assists, down by 0.4 to 9.6 per game, his rebounding has seen a significant rise, pulling down 6.6 boards compared to the prior 3.8. The increase in his shooting volume, from 15 to 20 shots per game, underscores his growing role in the Pistons’ offensive schemes. Facing off against the Knicks, who rank 10th in defense against point guards, Cunningham’s recent form and increased court time—up to 35.5 minutes per game—suggest he’s poised to overcome these challenges and remain a top fantasy contributor. His projected point tally of 52 underpins his robust 5.0 DFS value score, making him a strong candidate for any roster.

Shooting Guard Spotlight

Anthony Edwards ($9000), Minnesota Timberwolves – Projected 46 pts

Anthony Edwards has been on a tear in recent games, making him a pivotal player in daily fantasy sports. Over his last five outings, Edwards has averaged a robust 50.0 fantasy points per game, significantly up from the 38.1 points in his previous set of five games. His scoring prowess is evident with an average of 31.6 points per game during this stretch, boosted by a remarkable 49.1% success rate from three-point land. Despite a slight dip in field goal accuracy to 37.9%, his volume shooting, including an increase to 22.6 shots per game, compensates for the lower efficiency. Edwards’ contributions aren’t just limited to scoring; he’s also dishing out 5.2 assists and pulling down 6.0 rebounds per game. His all-around performance is further highlighted by his extensive playing time, averaging 39.1 minutes on the floor. The upcoming matchup against the Wizards, who rank last in defending against SGs, positions Edwards as a potentially game-changing pick. His DFS value score of 5.1 underscores a strong value at a $9000 DraftKings salary, making him a top consideration for your fantasy lineup.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

RJ Barrett ($8200), Toronto Raptors – Projected 39 pts

As we delve into the fantasy prospects of RJ Barrett, his recent performances have shown a mixed bag of results. Over his last five games, Barrett has averaged 33.0 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous five-game average of 40.5 points. Despite this decrease, his scoring remains solid at 17.6 points per game, though it has seen a slight decrease from 19.5 points. His assists and rebounds also experienced declines, moving from 5.2 to 3.8 assists and 8.5 to 6.2 rebounds respectively. What stands out, however, is Barrett’s shooting efficiency. His field goal percentage has impressively increased to 59.2% from 47.1%, although his three-point shooting has dropped to 21.4% from 30.4%. These statistics are crucial as they highlight his potential to capitalize on scoring opportunities, especially from inside the arc. Looking ahead, Barrett’s next matchup is against the Warriors, who rank #28 in defense against SFs. This positions him favorably to exploit a weaker defensive unit. With a DraftKings salary of $8200 and a projected point total of 39.0, Barrett’s DFS value score sits at 4.8, categorizing him as a core value pick for today’s games. His ability to maintain high field goal efficiency and the favorable matchup could make him a valuable asset in DFS lineups.

Power Forward Analysis: Top Picks for Today’s Slate

LeBron James ($9500), Los Angeles Lakers – Projected 52 pts

LeBron James, currently positioned as the #23 PF in NBA fantasy rankings, continues to demonstrate why he’s an indispensable asset in daily fantasy sports. Over his last five games, LeBron has maintained an impressive average of 48.6 fantasy points per game. Despite a slight dip from his previous five-game average of 52.4 points, his scoring ability remains robust with an average of 28.0 points per game, recently boosted by a remarkable field goal percentage of 59.7% and an even more striking 51.7% from three-point range. His playmaking is also noteworthy with an average of 8.2 assists. However, there’s a slight concern in his rebounding, which has seen a decrease to 4.8 per game from 7.2. This could be a critical factor to watch, especially against the Spurs, who rank 9th in defense against PFs. Given his DraftKings salary of $9500 and a projected point tally of 52.0, LeBron’s DFS value score stands at 5.5, categorizing him as a strong value pick for today’s games. His consistent performance and slight improvements in shooting efficiency make him a compelling choice for any DFS lineup.

Center Position Analysis

Victor Wembanyama ($11300), San Antonio Spurs – Projected 58 pts

Victor Wembanyama has been a towering presence for the San Antonio Spurs, especially in his recent performances. Over the last five games, Wembanyama has averaged 55.8 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he posted 65.5 points. Despite the decrease, his scoring remains robust at 23.0 points per game, with a notable improvement in rebounds, jumping from 9.5 to 14.8 per game. His field goal efficiency stands strong at 62.0%, though his three-point shooting has seen a decrease to 31.7%. Facing the Lakers, who rank #11 in defense against centers, presents a challenging matchup, yet Wembanyama’s ability to dominate both ends of the floor should not be underestimated. His DraftKings salary of $11300 reflects his elite status and, with a DFS value score of 5.1, he holds strong value for the upcoming slate. Fantasy managers should consider his recent uptick in rebounding and consistent scoring when setting their lineups.