Strategy and Stats for 01/19/25 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 04:00 PM EST today, the NBA presents a thrilling lineup of 7 games, promising a spectacle of high-octane basketball. Fantasy players, take note as today’s slate is highlighted by a marquee matchup where the Chicago Bulls will clash with the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center, tipping off at 10:00 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 235.5, this game is expected to be a fantasy goldmine. Whether you’re setting your sights on dominant guards, versatile forwards, or towering centers, today’s games are packed with top-tier talent poised to rack up fantasy points. This primer sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of each game, helping you craft winning lineups and navigate through today’s exciting basketball action.

Point Guard Fantasy Insights

Tyrese Maxey ($9700), Philadelphia 76ers – Projected 51 pts

Tyrese Maxey has been a revelation for fantasy managers, especially over his last five games where he’s averaged a robust 47.6 daily fantasy points. His scoring ability has been particularly impressive, with an average of 29.8 points per game on 52.7% shooting from the field. While his three-point shooting has dipped to 25.0%, his overall contributions across assists and rebounds have compensated for fantasy purposes. Maxey’s increased court time, now averaging 40.5 minutes per game, underscores his critical role in the 76ers’ setup. This uptick in minutes has translated into higher usage and more shots per game, doubling from 12.2 to 24.4. Against the Bucks’ ninth-ranked defense against point guards, Maxey’s matchup is tough but his recent form suggests he can still deliver significant value. With a DraftKings salary of $9700 and a DFS value score of 5.3, Maxey is positioned as a strong value pick in daily fantasy sports lineups.

Shooting Guard Daily Fantasy Analysis

Kelly Oubre Jr. ($6900), Philadelphia 76ers – Projected 32 pts

Kelly Oubre Jr. has been a consistent performer for the Philadelphia 76ers, especially in his recent outings. Over his last five games, Oubre Jr. has maintained an average of 30.4 daily fantasy points, demonstrating solid reliability in his role. Scoring an average of 15.0 points per game during this stretch, along with 6.6 rebounds, his contributions on the court are substantial, albeit with a slight dip in field goal accuracy to 48.8% compared to a previous scorching 65.5%. His three-point shooting has seen a significant improvement, now at 30.0%, up from a lowly 8.3%. Despite facing the Bucks, who rank #7 in defense against SGs, Oubre Jr.’s increased court time, averaging 37.5 minutes per game recently, suggests he can handle tough matchups. His DraftKings salary of $6900 reflects a fair market price, considering his output and the tough opposition. With a DFS Value Score of 4.6, he stands as a core value pick in today’s fantasy lineup, likely to perform around his projected 32 points. Fantasy managers should consider Oubre Jr. a robust option, particularly for his rebounding and scoring consistency, which can be pivotal in DFS scoring.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

DeMar DeRozan ($7000), Sacramento Kings – Projected 35 pts

DeMar DeRozan has been a beacon of consistency and excellence for the Sacramento Kings, particularly in his recent performances. Over the last five games, DeRozan has elevated his game, averaging 40.7 daily fantasy points, a significant increase from his previous set of games where he averaged 31.1. His scoring prowess is evident with an average of 27.2 points per game during this stretch, up from 19.0, complemented by a robust 4.8 assists and 3.6 rebounds. Despite a slight dip in field goal percentage from 61.2% to 46.2%, DeRozan has improved his three-point shooting dramatically, hitting 40.0% from beyond the arc, up from 25.0%. His increased court time, now averaging 39.6 minutes per game, allows him more opportunities to impact the game, which is crucial for fantasy output. Facing off against the Wizards, who rank last in the league at defending small forwards, DeRozan’s matchup is as favorable as it gets. With a DraftKings salary of $7000 and a DFS value score of 5.0, DeRozan is poised to be a strong value pick in today’s fantasy slate.

Power Forward Analysis: Top Picks for Today’s Slate

LeBron James ($9600), Los Angeles Lakers – Projected 50 pts

LeBron James, currently playing as a power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, continues to be a dominant force in daily fantasy sports. Over his last five games, LeBron has maintained an impressive average of 45.7 fantasy points per game. Despite a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 48.3 points, his overall performance remains robust. Notably, his shooting efficiency has seen a significant uptick, boasting a field goal percentage of 68.6% and a three-point shooting at 50.0%. His assist numbers have slightly increased to 8.2 per game, up from 7.5, complemented by a rebounding average that has improved to 6.0 per game. These statistics are crucial, especially considering his substantial playing time of 34.0 minutes per game. Looking ahead, LeBron faces the Clippers, who are ranked 16th against PFs, suggesting a favorable matchup. With a DraftKings salary set at $9600 and a projected point tally of 50.0, LeBron’s DFS value score stands at 5.2, categorizing him as a strong value pick for today’s games.

Center Position Analysis

Victor Wembanyama ($11200), San Antonio Spurs – Projected 59.0 pts

Victor Wembanyama, the towering center for the San Antonio Spurs, continues to be a dominant force in daily fantasy sports. Over his last five games, Wembanyama has averaged 50.1 daily fantasy points, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories. His scoring average of 17.6 points per game, combined with 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists, underlines his all-around game. Despite a slight dip in shooting efficiency recently, with a field goal percentage of 46.8% and a three-point percentage of 35.0%, his overall impact remains significant. Wembanyama’s upcoming matchup against the Miami Heat, which ranks #8 in defensive efficiency against centers, presents a challenging but valuable opportunity for fantasy managers. His DraftKings salary of $11200 reflects his elite status and, with a projected point total of 59.0, his DFS value score stands at 5.3. This positions him as a strong value pick in the upcoming slate, particularly given his consistent playing time, averaging 34.0 minutes per game. Fantasy managers should consider Wembanyama a pivotal part of their roster, especially in a slate where high-performing centers can make the difference.