Strategy and Stats for 01/16/25 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

Tonight’s NBA fantasy slate, kicking off at 08:00 PM EST, promises fireworks across five thrilling matchups, with the spotlight firmly on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ visit to the Paycom Center, where they’ll clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder at 08:30 PM EST. This particular game, boasting an Over/Under of 232.5, is anticipated to be a high-scoring affair, making it a goldmine for fantasy points. Fantasy managers should keep a keen eye on key players from each position, as top performers are expected to emerge from this scoring fest. As we delve deeper into today’s games, we’ll break down player stats, potential sleepers, and matchup advantages to help you craft your winning DFS lineup.

Point Guard Fantasy Insights

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10500), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 56 pts

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be a beacon of consistency and high performance for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over his last five games, he has averaged 50.7 daily fantasy points, demonstrating his elite ability to contribute across the board. With an average of 32.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game during this stretch, his all-around game is evident. Despite a slight dip in his shooting efficiency to 57.3% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range compared to his previous five games, Gilgeous-Alexander remains a potent offensive threat. His upcoming matchup against the Cavaliers, who rank fifth in defensive efficiency against point guards, poses a challenge. However, his ability to adapt and perform under pressure, combined with a substantial increase in shot attempts (21.2 per game over the last five games), underscores his potential to overcome tough defenses. With a DraftKings salary of $10500 and a DFS value score of 5.3, Gilgeous-Alexander represents strong value and is poised to be a pivotal player in daily fantasy lineups.

Shooting Guard Spotlight

Jalen Green ($7400), Houston Rockets – Projected 39 pts

Jalen Green has been on a tear recently, making him a tantalizing option for DFS players. Over his last five games, Green has averaged a robust 46.4 daily fantasy points, significantly up from the 32.0 in the previous five-game stretch. His scoring has been particularly impressive, with an average of 31.8 points per game on a scorching 58.7% shooting from the field and an even more impressive 51.9% from three-point range. Despite his assists and rebounds holding steady, his increased scoring and shooting efficiency are what truly set him apart. Facing the Kings next, who rank #23 against SGs, Green’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score of 5.3 reflects a strong value at a $7400 salary, making him a compelling pick for the upcoming slate.

Top SF Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

DeMar DeRozan ($7000), Sacramento Kings – Projected 34 pts

DeMar DeRozan’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, making him a pivotal player in today’s DFS lineup. Over his last five games, DeRozan has averaged a robust 40.4 daily fantasy points, significantly up from the 25.7 in the previous set of five games. His scoring ability has been particularly impressive, with an average of 26.4 points per game on 45.9% shooting from the field and an excellent 43.5% from three-point range. Despite a slight drop in rebounding, his assists are up, contributing to his all-around game. DeRozan’s increased court time, now averaging 39.6 minutes per game, underscores his critical role for the Kings, especially in the upcoming game against the Rockets, who rank 14th in defense against SFs. Although his field goal percentage has seen a dip compared to his previous five-game stretch, his increased volume in shots per game (21.6) shows a clear trust in his offensive capabilities. Given his DraftKings salary of $7000 and a projected point total of 34.0, DeRozan’s DFS value score sits at 4.9, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s fantasy contests.

Power Forward Analysis

Jalen Williams ($8000), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 42 pts

Jalen Williams has been a standout performer for the Oklahoma City Thunder, especially in his recent outings. Over the last five games, Williams has notched an impressive average of 40.0 daily fantasy points, a notable increase from his previous set of games where he averaged 37.2 points. His scoring ability has seen a sharp uptick, with an average of 21.0 points per game recently, up from 17.0. Although there has been a slight decrease in assists and rebounds, dropping to 5.4 and 4.6 respectively, his overall efficiency on the court remains high. His shooting accuracy is particularly commendable, with a field goal percentage of 56.4% and a significant improvement in his three-point shooting to 26.1%. Facing the Cavaliers next, who rank #4 in defense against PFs, presents a challenging matchup. However, Williams’ recent form and increased shooting efficiency suggest he can overcome tough defenses. With a DraftKings salary of $8000 and a projected point tally of 42.0, Williams holds a 5.2 DFS value score, positioning him as a core value pick in your daily fantasy lineup.

Center Position Analysis

Domantas Sabonis ($9800), Sacramento Kings – Projected 50.0 pts

Domantas Sabonis continues to be a powerhouse in the center position for the Sacramento Kings, especially in the realm of daily fantasy sports. Over his last five games, Sabonis has impressively averaged 53.9 daily fantasy points, a notable increase from his previous set of games where he averaged 47.9 points. This surge in performance is highlighted by his scoring, where he’s upped his points per game from 16.8 to 19.8, and his field goal shooting has dramatically improved from 46.7% to 57.8%. Even more impressive is his three-point shooting, skyrocketing from 30.0% to an astonishing 68.8%. His playmaking ability remains strong, averaging 7.4 assists per game in his recent outings, up from 5.8. Although there’s a slight decrease in rebounds, dropping a minimal 0.8 to average 16.2, his overall impact on the floor remains monumental, reflected in his increased court time from 31.9 to 40.3 minutes per game. Facing the Rockets next, who rank #3 defensively against centers, poses a challenge. However, Sabonis’s recent form and ability to adapt and overcome tough defenses make him a valuable pick. With a DraftKings salary of $9800 and a projected point tally of 50.0, his DFS value score stands at 5.1, categorizing him as a strong value pick for the upcoming slate.