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

Welcome to an electrifying evening of NBA action as we dive into today’s 7-game slate, kicking off at 08:00 PM EST. Fantasy managers, get your lineups ready as the spotlight shines on the New Orleans Pelicans visiting the Chicago Bulls at the United Center at 09:00 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 239.5, this game promises to be a fantasy goldmine. As we dissect the matchups, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, whose performances tonight are crucial for those high-stakes fantasy points. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your DFS contests.

Point Guard Fantasy Insights

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

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be a linchpin for both the Oklahoma City Thunder and daily fantasy sports enthusiasts. Over his last five games, he’s averaged 49.8 daily fantasy points, maintaining robust scoring with 31.8 points per game. While his assists and rebounds have seen a slight dip—recording 5.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game—his overall performance remains strong. His shooting efficiency stands at 52.8% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range, reflecting a slight decrease compared to his phenomenal 67.9% field goal percentage in the previous set of games. Despite a challenging upcoming matchup against the 76ers, who rank #8 in defense against PGs, Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to adapt and score heavily makes him a valuable asset. With a DraftKings salary of $10500 and a DFS value score of 5.0, he is poised to be a strong player in your fantasy lineup.

Shooting Guard Spotlight: DFS Analysis

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

Kelly Oubre Jr. has been on a notable upward trajectory in his recent performances for the Philadelphia 76ers. Over his last five games, he has averaged 34.8 daily fantasy points, a significant improvement from the 27.4 points in the previous set of five games. This surge is highlighted by his scoring jump to 17.8 points per game, up from 11.8, and an increased shot volume from 8.0 to 14.2 per game. While his rebounding slightly dipped from 7.8 to 6.2, his field goal efficiency remains robust at 58.8%. Despite a less impressive 20.0% from the three-point line, Oubre’s overall impact on the floor is substantial, reflected in his increased court time (37.4 minutes per game). However, his next matchup poses a challenge against the Thunder, who rank #2 in defense against SGs. Considering his DraftKings salary of $6300 and a projected point tally of 34.0, Oubre holds a DFS value score of 5.4, categorizing him as a strong value pick in the upcoming slate.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

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

Trey Murphy III has been on a tear recently, showcasing his ability to rack up fantasy points with an impressive average of 43.1 over his last five games. This surge is a significant improvement from his previous set of games, where he averaged 37.4 points, indicating a solid upward trend. His scoring has been particularly potent, with an average of 26.8 points per game on a strong 53.8% shooting from the field. Despite a slight dip in his three-point shooting from his extraordinary 63.9% in earlier games, he still maintains a reliable 40.4% from beyond the arc. Murphy’s contributions aren’t just limited to scoring; he’s also been effective in distributing the ball and grabbing rebounds, with 4.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. His increased court time, now at 37.8 minutes per game, underscores his crucial role in the Pelicans’ lineup, especially in their upcoming matchup against the Bulls, who rank #18 in defense against SFs. Given his current form and a DraftKings salary of $7500, Murphy’s DFS value score stands at 4.8. While this places him in the core value category, his recent performances suggest he could very well exceed expectations and provide tremendous value in today’s fantasy contests.

Power Forward Analysis

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

Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder continues to be a significant figure in daily fantasy sports, especially looking at his recent performances. Over his last five games, Williams has averaged 37.6 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous set of games where he averaged 39.8. Despite this minor decrease, his scoring remains robust at 19.8 points per game, supported by a solid field goal percentage of 57.1%. However, his three-point shooting has seen a downturn, currently at 23.8%. His assists and rebounds have also seen a slight decrease, which might concern some DFS players considering his $8100 salary on DraftKings. With a DFS value score of 4.8, Williams sits at the core value tier. His next matchup against the 76ers, who rank #17 in defense against PFs, suggests a potentially favorable scenario for Williams to possibly exceed or at least meet his projected fantasy points. Given his consistent playing time and overall contribution, Williams remains a solid pick in the PF position for the upcoming slate.

Center Position Analysis

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

In the realm of daily fantasy sports, few players offer the consistent high-ceiling performance that Nikola Jokic does. Over his last five games, Jokic has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 73.6 daily fantasy points. This is a significant uptick from his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 60.8 points, showcasing a robust improvement of 12.8 points per game. His scoring has also seen a rise from 29.0 to 32.8 points per game, coupled with increases in assists and rebounds, making him a triple-threat on the court. Despite a slight decrease in shooting efficiency from the field and beyond the arc, Jokic’s overall contributions remain unmatched. He’s been on the court for an average of 37.3 minutes per game, taking more shots and dominating play, which is critical for fantasy scoring. His next matchup against the Mavericks, who rank #19 defensively against centers, positions him favorably to exploit these weaknesses and potentially exceed his projected 66 fantasy points. With a DFS Value Score of 5.4, Jokic stands out as a strong value pick for the upcoming slate, promising substantial returns on the high investment of a $12200 DraftKings salary.