Strategy and Stats for 12/31/24 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

Welcome to today’s exhilarating NBA fantasy slate, featuring six dynamic games kicking off at 04:00 PM EST. As the evening progresses, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated clash at the Footprint Center, where the Memphis Grizzlies take on the Phoenix Suns at 10:00 PM EST. This marquee matchup, with an Over/Under set at a whopping 236.5, promises a flurry of fantasy points, making it the focal point for DFS enthusiasts. Top projected players are poised to make significant impacts across the board, with standout performances expected in each position. As we dive deeper into individual game breakdowns, keep an eye on these key players who are set to dominate the hardwood and potentially your fantasy lineups.

Point Guard Fantasy Insights

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($11000), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 53 pts

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be a dominant force in daily fantasy sports, especially evident from his recent performances. Over his last five games, he’s averaged a stellar 55.8 daily fantasy points, significantly up from the 50.8 in the previous set of five games. His scoring ability remains impressive with an average of 32.4 points per game, and he’s not just a scorer; his all-around contributions include 6.2 assists and 5.6 rebounds. Despite a slight dip in field goal accuracy from 70.4% to 67.5%, his efficiency on the court is still exceptionally high. Facing the Timberwolves next, who rank #15 against PGs, Gilgeous-Alexander’s matchup looks favorable. However, with a DraftKings salary of $11000 and a projected point tally of 53, his DFS value score sits at 4.8, categorizing him as a core value pick for the upcoming slate. His consistent performance and slight improvements in key areas like three-point shooting (up 1.2% to 33.3%) make him a crucial player to consider for your DFS lineups.

Shooting Guard Daily Fantasy Analysis

Gradey Dick ($5700), Toronto Raptors – Projected 29.0 pts

Gradey Dick of the Toronto Raptors has shown a consistent performance in his recent outings, making him a noteworthy option for daily fantasy sports enthusiasts. Over the last five games, Dick has averaged 27.1 daily fantasy points, a slight improvement from his previous set of games where he averaged 26.3 points. His scoring has seen a minor dip from 17.2 to 15.0 points per game, but his contributions in assists have significantly increased from 0.8 to 2.8 per game, indicating a growing role in playmaking. Rebounds have also seen a slight increase, and his shooting efficiency remains robust at 48.6% from the field. However, his three-point shooting has slightly decreased, which could be a concern against the Celtics’ strong perimeter defense, ranked #6 against SGs. Despite these challenges, Dick’s increased involvement in the Raptors’ offense and his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories give him a 5.1 DFS value score on DraftKings at a salary of $5700. This positions him as a strong value play in upcoming matchups, particularly for those looking to balance cost with potential output.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jaden McDaniels ($4100), Minnesota Timberwolves – Projected 27.0 pts

Jaden McDaniels, priced at a modest $4100 on DraftKings, has shown a mix of fluctuating performances and potential in his recent outings. Over his last five games, McDaniels has averaged 22.9 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he posted 25.8. Despite the decrease in fantasy points and a notable drop in scoring from 12.0 points per game to 7.4, McDaniels has improved in other areas such as rebounds and assists, moving from 5.2 to 6.8 rebounds per game and 1.2 to 1.8 assists per game. His shooting efficiency has seen a decline, particularly from beyond the arc, dropping from 40.0% to 22.2%. However, his increased shot volume from 8.0 to 9.0 attempts per game suggests a willingness to stay aggressive. Given his average of 29.2 minutes on the court and a matchup against the Thunder, who rank #9 in defense against SFs, McDaniels’ role and involvement hint at a promising upside. With a DFS value score of 6.6, he stands out as an elite value pick in today’s slate, potentially offering significant returns on a relatively low investment.

Power Forward Analysis: Daily Fantasy Sports Insights

LeBron James ($9700), Los Angeles Lakers – Projected 49.0 pts

LeBron James, playing as a power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, continues to defy expectations with his high-level performance. Over his last five games, LeBron has been a fantasy powerhouse, averaging 55.2 daily fantasy points. This significant increase from his previous five-game average of 37.4 points illustrates a sharp uptick in his on-court production. His scoring has surged to 27.8 points per game, coupled with consistent playmaking at 8.4 assists per game. Despite a slight dip in rebounds and assists, his shooting accuracy remains stellar at 53.9% from the field and an impressive improvement to 39.4% from three-point range. LeBron’s upcoming matchup against the Cavaliers, who rank #21 defensively against power forwards, positions him favorably for continued success. Given his current form and the opponent’s defensive struggles, his DraftKings salary of $9700 reflects a 5.1 DFS value score, categorizing him as a strong value pick for the upcoming slate. Fantasy managers should consider capitalizing on LeBron’s recent performances and favorable matchup to maximize their points potential.

Center Position Daily Fantasy Analysis

Anthony Davis ($10900), Los Angeles Lakers – Projected 56 pts

Anthony Davis continues to be a dominant force at the center position for the Los Angeles Lakers. Over his last five games, Davis has impressively averaged 49.0 daily fantasy points. His scoring ability remains robust with an average of 21.4 points per game, complemented by a strong presence on the boards, pulling down 13.4 rebounds per game. Notably, his field goal efficiency has seen a significant uptick to 55.4%, a marked improvement from his previous five-game stretch. Despite a slight decrease in minutes, down to 30.4 from 34.5, Davis has optimized his performance during his time on the court. His upcoming matchup against the Cavaliers, who rank #17 defensively against centers, positions him well to exploit this matchup. With a DraftKings salary set at $10900 and a projected point tally of 56.0, Davis holds a 5.1 DFS value score, making him a strong value pick for your daily fantasy lineup.