Strategy and Stats for 01/14/25 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

Tonight’s NBA fantasy slate is packed with action as seven games kick off at 08:00 PM EST, promising a thrilling evening for fantasy enthusiasts. Among the highlights, all eyes will be on the United Center where the New Orleans Pelicans face off against the Chicago Bulls at 09:00 PM EST. This particular matchup, with an Over/Under set at a whopping 239.5, is expected to be a veritable feast of points, making it a critical focus for those looking to maximize their fantasy scores. Top projected players at each position are set to make significant impacts, ensuring that every pass, shot, and rebound is more crucial than ever. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with expert analysis and strategic insights to help you dominate your fantasy leagues.

Point Guard Fantasy Insights

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10500), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 52 pts

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be a dominant force in daily fantasy sports, particularly in the point guard slot for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over his last five games, he has maintained an impressive average of 49.8 fantasy points per game. Despite a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 54.9 fantasy points, his consistent scoring ability, averaging 31.8 points per game, remains a significant asset. While his assists and rebounds have seen a minor decline, with assists dropping to 5.0 from 6.2 and rebounds to 4.4 from 6.0, his overall performance remains robust. His shooting accuracy stands at 52.8% from the field, although it has seen a decrease from an exceptional 67.9%. His three-point shooting remains relatively stable at 36.8%. Facing the 76ers, who rank #8 in defense against point guards, poses a challenge. However, Shai’s ability to adapt and his high usage rate, highlighted by an increase in shots per game to 21.6 from 16.2, underscore his potential to overcome tough matchups. With a DraftKings salary of $10500 and a projected point tally of 52, he holds a DFS value score of 5.0, marking him as a strong value pick for the upcoming slate.

Shooting Guard Spotlight

Kelly Oubre Jr. ($6300), Philadelphia 76ers – Projected 34.0 pts

As we dive into the daily fantasy sports potential of Kelly Oubre Jr., it’s clear that his recent surge in performance has made him a noteworthy pick for the upcoming slate. Over his last five games, Oubre Jr. has impressively averaged 34.8 daily fantasy points, a significant uptick from the 27.4 points in the previous set of five games. His scoring ability has been robust, with an average of 17.8 points per game on a stellar field goal percentage of 58.8%. However, his three-point shooting has dipped to 20.0%, which might be a concern against the Thunder’s strong defense against SGs, ranked #2 in the league. Despite this, Oubre Jr.’s overall contributions on the court—averaging 37.4 minutes and 6.2 rebounds per game—underscore his critical role in the 76ers’ lineup. His DraftKings salary of $6300 reflects a 5.4 DFS value score, positioning him as a strong value pick. Fantasy managers should consider his recent upswing and pivotal role when setting their lineups, especially given his ability to outperform expectations in challenging matchups.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Lineup

Trey Murphy III ($7500), New Orleans Pelicans – Projected 36 pts

Trey Murphy III has been on a tear lately, making him a player to watch in today’s DFS slate. Over his last five games, Murphy has averaged 43.1 daily fantasy points, a significant increase from his previous set of games where he averaged 37.4 points. His scoring ability has been impressive, with an average of 26.8 points per game on 53.8% shooting from the field and a solid 40.4% from three-point range. Despite a slight dip in rebounding from 5.2 to 4.6, his assists have seen a notable rise from 2.5 to 4.4 per game. Murphy’s increased court time, up to 37.8 minutes per game, correlates with his uptick in production, especially in shot attempts, jumping from 13.4 to 18.2 per game. Facing the Bulls, who rank #18 against SFs, Murphy’s matchup looks favorable. His DraftKings salary of $7500 and a DFS value score of 4.8 position him as a core value pick for today’s games. His recent performance trend and the upcoming favorable matchup make him a strong candidate for any DFS lineup.

Power Forward Analysis

Jalen Williams ($8100), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 39 pts

Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder continues to be a noteworthy contender in daily fantasy sports, especially looking at his recent performances. Over the last five games, Williams has averaged 37.6 daily fantasy points. Despite a slight dip compared to his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 39.8 points, his current form remains solid. His scoring has slightly decreased from 21.8 points to 19.8 points per game, and there’s been a similar trend in assists and rebounds. However, his field goal efficiency has impressively increased to 57.1% from 47.5%, showcasing his ability to make the most of his opportunities on the court. The upcoming game against the 76ers, who rank 17th in defense against PFs, presents a favorable matchup for Williams. His ability to maintain high efficiency in shooting could be crucial for exploiting this defensive gap. With a DraftKings salary of $8100 and a projected point tally of 39.0, Williams holds a DFS value score of 4.8, positioning him as a core value pick in your fantasy lineup. His consistent playing time, averaging 31.6 minutes per game, further solidifies his role as a reliable asset in DFS circles.

Center Position Daily Fantasy Analysis

Nikola Jokic ($12200), Denver Nuggets – Projected 66 pts

As we delve into the fantasy landscape, Nikola Jokic stands out not just as a premier center but as a titan in the realm of daily fantasy sports. Over his last five games, Jokic has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 73.6 daily fantasy points. His scoring ability is robust, with an average of 32.8 points per game, complemented by his playmaking prowess with 11.6 assists. Jokic’s rebounding remains elite at 14.8 per game, ensuring he dominates multiple facets of the game. Despite a slight dip in shooting efficiency recently—54.5% from the field and 36.4% from three, down from his previous stretches—his overall contributions have not waned. His upcoming matchup against the Mavericks, who rank #19 defensively against centers, positions him favorably to exploit these defensive gaps. Considering his high DraftKings salary of $12200, Jokic’s projected points stand at 66.0, translating to a DFS value score of 5.4. This places him firmly in the category of strong value, making him an essential cornerstone for any DFS lineup, particularly in a slate where maximizing every point is crucial.