NBA DFS Show DraftKings Daily Fantasy Basketball Preview January 1
Published: Dec 31, 2023
NBA DFS Strategy & DraftKings Top Picks 1/1
We have a six-game NBA DFS main slate on Monday, New Years Day, on DraftKings and FanDuel. There are elite options everywhere with Nikola Jokic, Tyrese Haliburton, Alperen Sengun, and Giannis Antetokounmpo taking the floor. Let's dive into the NBA DFS podcast for 1/1 and break down our top NBA DFS plays of the day. Jon Impemba and James Grande break down the main slate by going position-by-position and bringing an example lineup into the fold at the end. Be sure to check out our NBA DFS projections, powered by FanJections, NBA DFS Lineup Generator, and all of the rest of our NBA DFS content and tools.
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Devin Carter amassed 17 points (7-of-12 FGs, 0-of-2 FTs), two rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block and three three-pointers in Monday’s win over the Suns.
While Carter wasn’t as explosive offensively as on Saturday, the second-year guard still produced an efficient stat line. Not only did he shoot over 50 percent from the field, but Carter also provided value as a playmaker and defender. Being consistent in those two categories will significantly impact how much he plays next season. Dennis Schröder was signed to be the starting point guard, but the Kings need depth behind him. Carter has the potential to help fill that void, especially if he can carry over his play in Sacramento’s last two games into training camp.
Nique Clifford recorded 19 points (7-of-8 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), three rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block and three three-pointers in Monday’s win over the Suns.
Clifford and the Kings pulled away during the second quarter of Monday’s rout, as they outscored Phoenix by a 27-11 margin. And the rookie wing’s versatility will be an asset for Sacramento, especially when considering the words of general manager Scott Perry. During an in-game interview, he said the Kings envision Clifford being able to fill in at all three perimeter positions. If that’s how things play out, Clifford’s fantasy value will be enhanced, even with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine in the rotation.
John Tonje recorded 16 points (5-of-9 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs), three rebounds, three assists, one steal and four three-pointers in Monday’s loss to the Spurs.
After missing time with a sprained right ankle, Tonje made his summer league debut on Monday. And the efficient scoring that made him one of the best wings in college basketball last season was on display, with the second-round pick shooting over 50 percent from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Utah has a lot of questions to answer regarding its young wings, which may result in Tonje receiving immediate opportunities to prove himself once training camp begins. He isn’t a must-draft player, but dynasty league managers should keep an eye on the former Wisconsin standout, especially as Cody Williams continues to struggle.
Isaiah Collier accounted for 12 points (5-of-17 FGs, 1-of-3 FTs), three rebounds, 12 assists, one block and one three-pointer in Monday’s loss to the Spurs.
Collier’s shooting struggles continued on Monday, as he shot 5-of-17 from the field in the two-point lead. The good news is that he dished out 12 assists, and setting up others was a strength of his last season. While Kyle Filipowski has looked like a player who should be shut down, Collier and Cody Williams (10/4/4/3/2 with one three-pointer) appear to need more game reps based on their play in Las Vegas. Utah plays again on Wednesday, and it will be interesting to see which experienced players do, or don’t, play.
Kyle Filipowski amassed 35 points (11-of-19 FGs, 8-of-12 FTs), 11 rebounds, one assist, one steal and five three-pointers in Monday’s loss to the Spurs.
Given how well Filipowski has played in Utah’s three games in Las Vegas, Monday’s overtime defeat may be the last time he plays until the start of the 2025-26 season. The second-year forward/center was outstanding against the Spurs, producing another efficient offensive effort while also grabbing 11 rebounds. Filipowski’s emphatic dunk with 1.9 seconds remaining in overtime tied the game at 91, but a Riley Minix turnaround as time expired gave San Antonio the win.
David Jones-Garcia finished Monday’s win over the Jazz with 28 points (10-of-19 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), six rebounds, four assists, one steal and five three-pointers.
Based on his play in Salt Lake City and now Las Vegas, Jones-Garcia has seemed intent on taking someone’s job this summer. He’s a free agent, and the Spurs have yet to allocate any of their three two-way contracts. Given Jones-Garcia’s productivity, a two-way contract may be selling him short, whether it’s with the Spurs or another team.