Strategy and Stats for 01/24/25 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

Tonight’s NBA fantasy slate, starting at 08:00 PM EST, is brimming with potential as we spotlight three electrifying games, each promising its own set of opportunities and challenges for fantasy enthusiasts. The pinnacle of excitement builds as the New Orleans Pelicans head to the FedEx Forum to battle the Memphis Grizzlies at 09:00 PM EST. With an Over/Under soaring to 244.5, this game is anticipated to be a veritable feast of points, making it a critical focus for those looking to maximize their fantasy scores. As we delve deeper into the matchups, keep an eye on the standout players from each position, whose recent performances and matchups suggest they are poised to dominate their respective categories tonight. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to craft your winning fantasy lineup.

Point Guard Fantasy Insights

LaMelo Ball ($10500), Charlotte Hornets – Projected 55 pts

LaMelo Ball continues to be a pivotal player for the Charlotte Hornets and a significant asset in daily fantasy sports. Over his last five games, Ball has averaged 49.1 fantasy points per game, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he posted 64.8 points. Despite this decline, his current performance includes an average of 24.6 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, coupled with a shooting efficiency of 49.1% from the field. His three-point shooting stands at 29.4%, showing room for improvement. Facing the Trail Blazers next, who rank #15 in defense against point guards, Ball’s matchup is moderately favorable. Given his DraftKings salary of $10500 and a projected point tally of 55.0, his DFS value score comes in at 5.2. This positions him as a strong value pick for the upcoming slate, particularly for those looking to invest in a player with the potential to significantly outperform his recent averages.

Shooting Guard Spotlight

Desmond Bane ($7900), Memphis Grizzlies – Projected 37 pts

Desmond Bane has been a beacon of consistency and efficiency for the Memphis Grizzlies, making him a prime candidate for your DFS lineup. Over his last five games, Bane has maintained an impressive average of 42.4 daily fantasy points, highlighted by his scoring prowess with 22.8 points per game and a stellar shooting accuracy of 63.6% from the field and 57.1% from three-point range. His assist numbers slightly dipped to 6.2 per game from a previous 7.2, but his overall contribution remains substantial. Facing the Pelicans, who rank 24th against SGs, Bane’s matchup is favorable, enhancing his potential to exploit their defensive weaknesses. Despite a slight decrease in his fantasy points and rebounds in the recent games, his improved shooting efficiency, especially from beyond the arc, positions him as a valuable asset. With a DFS value score of 4.7, Bane stands out as a core value pick for the upcoming slate.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Trey Murphy III ($8100), New Orleans Pelicans – Projected 44 pts

Trey Murphy III has been on a remarkable run, making him a pivotal player for DFS lineups. Over his last five games, Murphy has averaged 46.4 daily fantasy points, a notable increase from his previous set of games where he averaged 41.0 points. His scoring has slightly dipped to 25.8 points per game from 27.0, but his rebounding has seen a significant jump, pulling down 6.8 rebounds compared to just 3.5 in the earlier games. His shooting efficiency remains impressive at 63.9% from the field, despite a slight decrease in three-point accuracy to 33.3%. Murphy’s increased court time, now averaging 39.1 minutes per game, allows him more opportunities to impact the game, which is crucial for fantasy scoring. Given his performance and a favorable matchup against the Grizzlies, who rank #21 in defense against SFs, Murphy’s DFS value score stands at 5.4, categorizing him as a strong value pick at a salary of $8100. His consistent performance and potential for high fantasy points make him an elite option for today’s slate.

Power Forward Analysis

Miles Bridges ($7400), Charlotte Hornets – Projected 41 pts

As the NBA season progresses, Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets continues to be a focal point for daily fantasy sports enthusiasts. Over his last five games, Bridges has posted an average of 36.9 daily fantasy points. Despite a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 50.4 points, his current performance still solidifies his role as a key player in DFS lineups. His scoring ability remains robust with an average of 21.4 points per game, complemented by 4.0 assists and 5.8 rebounds. Notably, his shooting accuracy has seen a significant uptick, boasting a field goal percentage of 54.8% and an impressive three-point percentage of 45.5%. Looking ahead to the next game against the Trail Blazers, who rank #17 in defense against PFs, Bridges is well-positioned to exploit this matchup. His DraftKings salary of $7400 reflects a balanced cost given his output, with a DFS value score of 5.5. This positions him as a strong value pick in upcoming DFS contests. Fantasy managers should consider Bridges a top candidate for their rosters, expecting him to leverage his recent form and favorable matchup to deliver substantial fantasy points.

Center Position Daily Fantasy Analysis

Mark Williams ($7800), Charlotte Hornets – Projected 42 pts

Mark Williams of the Charlotte Hornets has been a revelation in recent games, making him a pivotal player in daily fantasy sports. Over his last five games, Williams has averaged a robust 51.4 daily fantasy points, a significant increase from the 35.8 points in the previous set of five games. This surge is highlighted by his scoring jump to 25.0 points per game and an impressive 14.0 rebounds, both substantial increases from his earlier performances. His field goal percentage slightly dipped from 70.0% to 65.3%, but this remains exceptionally high, especially for a center. Despite not contributing from beyond the arc, Williams’s overall efficiency and productivity on the court, where he’s seen an increase in minutes to 32.2 per game, underscore his importance. Facing the Trail Blazers next, who rank #17 against centers, Williams’s matchup looks favorable. His DraftKings salary of $7800 reflects a solid investment, given his recent output and the 5.4 DFS value score projected for the upcoming slate. Fantasy managers should consider Williams a strong play, especially with his ability to dominate inside and rack up points through rebounds and field goals.