Happy Tuesday, January 28th! While we have a small, 4-game slate on tap for tonight, there are still a bunch of injuries affecting how we'll have to play our cards. Just about half of the slate is on the first or second leg of a back-to-back set, so we certainly can't rule out a few more surprises as we get closer to 7:30 ET. 

Make sure to check our Discord out and tune into the live show at 5 p.m. ET!

 

 

 

Before actually diving into the meat and potatoes, welcome to the NBA DFS season. If this is your first time reading our column on NBA DFS picks, I just want to welcome you and give you a few tips and tricks on what you should be looking for each night.

  • News outlets: reliable sources that give us injury news & starting lineups
  • Pace of play: who's playing fast vs. who's playing slow. Which teams get a pace-up spot (more possessions) vs. pace-down (fewer possessions)
  • Usage rates: is a percentage of how many plays that player is being used in
  • NBA DFS Projections
  • Lineup Generator
  • NBA Ownership

NBA DFS Picks & Daily Fantasy Playbook Today, January 28th

Be sure to like and subscribe to the Fantasy Alarm YouTube channel!

 

 

 

Pre-Lock Update

This section will be used for anything that changes from the morning until right up to roster lock. 

Injury updates, players we’re higher on than we were in the morning and so much more.

UPDATE - 4:08 p.m. ET

  • Jordan Clarkson - OUT
  • John Collins - OUT
  • Lauri Markkanen - OUT
  • Walker Kessler - OUT
  • Johnny Juzang - OUT

UPDATE - 5:20 p.m. ET

  • Trae Young - IN
  • Bogdan Bogdanovic - OUT

UPDATE - 5:32 p.m. ET

  • Zaccharie Risacher - Q
  • Steven Adams - OUT

UPDATE - 5:42 p.m. ET

  • Zaccharie Risacher - OUT

NBA Injuries, News & Updates Today, 1/28

  • Jalen Johnson - OUT
  • Joel Embiid - OUT
  • Paul George - OUT
  • Andre Drummond - OUT
  • Caleb Martin - OUT
  • Tari Eason - OUT
  • Gabe Vincent - OUT
  • Cody Williams - OUT
  • Trae Young - Q
  • Walker Kessler - Q
  • John Collins - Q
  • Cam Whitmore - Q
  • AJ Green - Q
  • Bobby Portis - Doubtful

 

 

 

NBA DFS Slate & Game Overviews

In the section below, I’m listing the most notable things we need to look at in Las Vegas, including notable O/U and spreads. Not every game is listed, but every game listed has the pace and defensive numbers listed.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. L.A. Lakers

  • Total: 218.5
  • Spread: LAL -4.5

Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets

  • Total: 226
  • Spread: HOU -6

Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz

  • Total: 229.5
  • Spread: GSW -12

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Milwaukee Bucks

  • Total: 229
  • Spread: MIL -5

 

 

 

NBA DFS Core Player Pool & Lineup Picks

Here are the core players I’m looking at for my NBA DFS picks tonight. You can see the full analysis of tonight’s NBA DFS projections and player pool below or skip ahead to building the best lineups possible by locking these into the aforementioned lineup generator now.

UPDATED 6:48 p.m. ET

High

  • Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Maxey, Alperen Sengun

Mid

  • Amen Thompson, Damian Lillard (DK), Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Oubre (more so DK), Collin Sexton

Value

  • Isaiah Collier, Svi Mykhailiuk, Vit Krejci (FD), Drew Eubanks (more so DK), Brandin Podziemski (more so DK), Justin Edwards, RIcky Council, Kyle Filipowski, Cam Whitmore (if active, GPP)

Don't Miss The NBA DFS Playbook Live Show At 5:00 PM ET

Pos
(Click to sort ascending)
Player
(Click to sort ascending)
Matchup
(Click to sort ascending)
DK
(Click to sort ascending)
DK Pts
(Click to sort ascending)
FD
(Click to sort ascending)
FD Pts
(Click to sort ascending)
PGTyrese MaxeyLAL @ PHI Tue 7:30980053.41000053

Maxey has been sensational, and he'll be without Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Caleb Martin tonight. With those guys (and Jared McCain) off the floor, Maxey has a 35% usage rate across 249 minutes this season. This game will be slow, and I hate that, but this situation is too good for Maxey and some of the value options we'll have. LAL ranks just 19th in DRTG across the last 10 games.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGDamian LillardMIL @ POR Tue 10:00870049.2980046.7

In addition to the big ol' narrative we have, Dame might finally be all the way back. He's recorded three straight games with usage rates over 30%, and that's the first time he has done so this season.Bob Portis is doubtful, and there is just a 5-point spread slapped on this one. His price is fantastic on DraftKings. Although he is more of a GPP play on FD, he could serve as a really nice pivot to Maxey – if he comes in at higher pOWN%.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGStephen CurryUTA @ GSW Tue 10:008800089000

The Jazz have pulled the rug, and it looks like Collin Sexton and Keyonte George may be the only typical starters we see tonight. As long as GSW doesn't go up 30 in the first half, it's an elite matchup on paper for Curry vs. a bunch of G-League-type talent. Utah ranks 24th in DRTG – and that's across the entire season when most of their NBA-caliber talent has been active on most nights.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGIsaiah CollierUTA @ GSW Tue 10:00520027.8520027

Without Clarkson, Collins, and Kessler, Collier averages a tick over .9 FP per minute. he should be locked into a large role.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGJalen GreenHOU @ ATL Tue 7:30730035.4700033.7

Green is pretty scoring-dependent, but if Whitmore is out, they might need to lean on Green more. This is more of a large-field play.

Game Type: GPP
SGFred VanVleetHOU @ ATL Tue 7:30740035.2680035.2

FVV has been pretty bad scoring the ball lately, but he minutes have been great. Houston might be really shorthanded without Eason, and it's possible Whitmore misses. HOU has a very healthy team total, and it's a big pace-up spot for them.

Game Type: GPP
SGKeyonte GeorgeUTA @ GSW Tue 10:00670031.6700029.2

Can Utah keep this fairly close? If so, George should be a big part of it. With JUST Clarkson, Collins, and Kessler off the floor (82 minutes), George saw a 30% usage rate.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGKelly OubreLAL @ PHI Tue 7:30620035.6720035.8

Oubre's price is much better on DK. Still, he might be the forgotten man on this slate (on FanDuel), while I am assuming more folks will flock to a stars-and-scrubs approach with the Utah value opening up. Philly is missing many important bodies, and Oubre should play big minutes if the game is fairly close.

Game Type: GPP
SGCollin SextonUTA @ GSW Tue 10:00700033.1630031.3

Can Utah keep this fairly close? If so, George should be a big part of it. With JUST Clarkson, Collins, and Kessler off the floor (118 minutes), Sexton saw a 29% usage rate.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGSvi MykhailiukUTA @ GSW Tue 10:00450017.8420017

SVi has surprisingly been pretty consistent in January, tallying 22+ DKP in 5 of his 6 games. He tallied form impressive usage rates in a few of those games, and he is probably one of my favorite value plays right now.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGBrandin PodziemskiUTA @ GSW Tue 10:00390025.4480025.1

It's really hard to trust Steve Kerr, but Podz is a really nice play at $3,900 on DK. Much tougher ask on FanDuel, but he still has a ceiling against a bad Utah team. His floor is just much lower at a much higher price on FD.

Game Type: GPP
SFAmen ThompsonHOU @ ATL Tue 7:30800045880044.5

Thompson has turned into a real freak, and it's great to see him play ~40 minutes in competitive games. His usage creeps into the 20s sometimes, but when it doesn't, he can fill it up with rebounds, dimes, and multiple steals. In fact, Thompson has recorded multiple steals in 7 of 13 games that he's logged 36+ minutes in this year. He's a machine.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFDeni AvdijaMIL @ POR Tue 10:00720036.9760036.6

Much like Oubre, Deni feels like the perfect large-field GPP play that the public may pass on. There's just a 5-point spread on this game, and Deni has been playing big-time minutes. Jerami Grant continues to be terrible, and Avdija has been stepping up. 44+ DKP in 4 of his last 5 games – and some of them were brutal matchups. He's like the lite version of Thompson, with less upside for steals and a slightly lower ceiling.

Game Type: GPP
SFBrice SensabaughUTA @ GSW Tue 10:00500024.5450022.7

Should have a nice role tonight. He's a better price on FD, but you may not have anywhere to pivot to if you don't like the possibility of him coming off the bench.

Game Type: GPP
SFMoses MoodyUTA @ GSW Tue 10:00390024.2450022.9

Moody's minutes are very hard to trust, but without Draymond and Kuminga, he could get some extended run if it gets ugly. I like him for large-field GPPs on DK, where the price is much better.

Game Type: GPP
SFGary TrentMIL @ POR Tue 10:00410020.1420019.3

With all of the value opening up in Utah (and Philly), it's possible Trent gets squeezed. He could be a very interesting dart throw sans Bobby Portis against a pretty small Portland team.

Game Type: GPP
SFCam WhitmoreHOU @ ATL Tue 7:30380024.4450024.1

Whitmore will be a VERY interesting GPP play if he's active.

Game Type: GPP
PFGiannis AntetokounmpoMIL @ POR Tue 10:001170062.41190060.4

Just a 5-point spread and his usage has been off the charts lately.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFAndrew Wiggins6800066000

Great matchup, and Wiggins is the bonafide second option against a Jazz team that should be in a world of hurt.

Game Type: GPP
PFRicky CouncilLAL @ PHI Tue 7:3013.8430013.7

Should be in line for a big role without PG13 and Caleb Martin.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFJustin EdwardsLAL @ PHI Tue 7:30380020.6410020.4

Should be in line for a big role without PG13 and Caleb Martin.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFMicah PotterUTA @ GSW Tue 10:00350017390016.3

Potter won't project well, but we have no idea what this game flow will look like. Although it's unlikely he will start, what if he does? What if it's a 25-point blowout in the 4th, and he plays 12 straight minutes? We've seen him post DKP totals of 26, 28, 27, 24, and 35 when he's logged between 21-31 minutes this season – but the production has been very volatile. He is especially interested on FD because Both big 76ers' value pieces play just one position, and so do most of the Jazz pieces. I like Edwards more (PF only), but if you are multi-entering, you could get a drastic ownership discount going from Edwards to Potter in large-field GPPs, if you're willing to risk a lineup with a similar core.

Game Type: GPP
CAnthony Davis105000114000

Doesn't always feel great clicking this button on the second leg of a back-to-back set, but Davis has been unreal across the last couple of weeks. No Embiid, no Drummond, and probably no answer for AD.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CAlperen ŞengünHOU @ ATL Tue 7:30900045.3870044.2

Atlanta has surprisingly been pretty good defensively this year across the last 10 games, but they're still playing at an elite pace. I'm not sure Okongwu is ready to keep a very polished Sengun in check on the other side. I like Sengun a lot for GPPs.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
COnyeka OkongwuHOU @ ATL Tue 7:30660033.8740034.3

Much better price on DK. While I don't know if he can keep Sengun in check, he might be capable of doing damage in his own right – he's been great on a point-per-minute basis this year, and he's finally getting the run.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CDrew Eubanks4100049000

Eubanks should project as one of the best per-dollar plays on DK and a near lock. You have to think a bit about it on FanDuel. I'm indifferent at $4,900, but he'll probably wind up in the pool.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CKyle FilipowskiUTA @ GSW Tue 10:00430027.3440026.7

Should have a big role without Collins, Kessler, Clarkson, and others.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
9800 , 53.4
53.4
10000 , 53
53

Maxey has been sensational, and he'll be without Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Caleb Martin tonight. With those guys (and Jared McCain) off the floor, Maxey has a 35% usage rate across 249 minutes this season. This game will be slow, and I hate that, but this situation is too good for Maxey and some of the value options we'll have. LAL ranks just 19th in DRTG across the last 10 games.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8700 , 49.2
49.2
9800 , 46.7
46.7

In addition to the big ol' narrative we have, Dame might finally be all the way back. He's recorded three straight games with usage rates over 30%, and that's the first time he has done so this season.Bob Portis is doubtful, and there is just a 5-point spread slapped on this one. His price is fantastic on DraftKings. Although he is more of a GPP play on FD, he could serve as a really nice pivot to Maxey – if he comes in at higher pOWN%.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8800 , 0
0
8900 , 0
0

The Jazz have pulled the rug, and it looks like Collin Sexton and Keyonte George may be the only typical starters we see tonight. As long as GSW doesn't go up 30 in the first half, it's an elite matchup on paper for Curry vs. a bunch of G-League-type talent. Utah ranks 24th in DRTG – and that's across the entire season when most of their NBA-caliber talent has been active on most nights.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5200 , 27.8
27.8
5200 , 27
27

Without Clarkson, Collins, and Kessler, Collier averages a tick over .9 FP per minute. he should be locked into a large role.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7300 , 35.4
35.4
7000 , 33.7
33.7

Green is pretty scoring-dependent, but if Whitmore is out, they might need to lean on Green more. This is more of a large-field play.

Game Type: GPP
7400 , 35.2
35.2
6800 , 35.2
35.2

FVV has been pretty bad scoring the ball lately, but he minutes have been great. Houston might be really shorthanded without Eason, and it's possible Whitmore misses. HOU has a very healthy team total, and it's a big pace-up spot for them.

Game Type: GPP
6700 , 31.6
31.6
7000 , 29.2
29.2

Can Utah keep this fairly close? If so, George should be a big part of it. With JUST Clarkson, Collins, and Kessler off the floor (82 minutes), George saw a 30% usage rate.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6200 , 35.6
35.6
7200 , 35.8
35.8

Oubre's price is much better on DK. Still, he might be the forgotten man on this slate (on FanDuel), while I am assuming more folks will flock to a stars-and-scrubs approach with the Utah value opening up. Philly is missing many important bodies, and Oubre should play big minutes if the game is fairly close.

Game Type: GPP
7000 , 33.1
33.1
6300 , 31.3
31.3

Can Utah keep this fairly close? If so, George should be a big part of it. With JUST Clarkson, Collins, and Kessler off the floor (118 minutes), Sexton saw a 29% usage rate.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4500 , 17.8
17.8
4200 , 17
17

SVi has surprisingly been pretty consistent in January, tallying 22+ DKP in 5 of his 6 games. He tallied form impressive usage rates in a few of those games, and he is probably one of my favorite value plays right now.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
3900 , 25.4
25.4
4800 , 25.1
25.1

It's really hard to trust Steve Kerr, but Podz is a really nice play at $3,900 on DK. Much tougher ask on FanDuel, but he still has a ceiling against a bad Utah team. His floor is just much lower at a much higher price on FD.

Game Type: GPP
8000 , 45
45
8800 , 44.5
44.5

Thompson has turned into a real freak, and it's great to see him play ~40 minutes in competitive games. His usage creeps into the 20s sometimes, but when it doesn't, he can fill it up with rebounds, dimes, and multiple steals. In fact, Thompson has recorded multiple steals in 7 of 13 games that he's logged 36+ minutes in this year. He's a machine.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7200 , 36.9
36.9
7600 , 36.6
36.6

Much like Oubre, Deni feels like the perfect large-field GPP play that the public may pass on. There's just a 5-point spread on this game, and Deni has been playing big-time minutes. Jerami Grant continues to be terrible, and Avdija has been stepping up. 44+ DKP in 4 of his last 5 games – and some of them were brutal matchups. He's like the lite version of Thompson, with less upside for steals and a slightly lower ceiling.

Game Type: GPP
5000 , 24.5
24.5
4500 , 22.7
22.7

Should have a nice role tonight. He's a better price on FD, but you may not have anywhere to pivot to if you don't like the possibility of him coming off the bench.

Game Type: GPP
3900 , 24.2
24.2
4500 , 22.9
22.9

Moody's minutes are very hard to trust, but without Draymond and Kuminga, he could get some extended run if it gets ugly. I like him for large-field GPPs on DK, where the price is much better.

Game Type: GPP
4100 , 20.1
20.1
4200 , 19.3
19.3

With all of the value opening up in Utah (and Philly), it's possible Trent gets squeezed. He could be a very interesting dart throw sans Bobby Portis against a pretty small Portland team.

Game Type: GPP
3800 , 24.4
24.4
4500 , 24.1
24.1

Whitmore will be a VERY interesting GPP play if he's active.

Game Type: GPP
11700 , 62.4
62.4
11900 , 60.4
60.4

Just a 5-point spread and his usage has been off the charts lately.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6800 , 0
0
6600 , 0
0

Great matchup, and Wiggins is the bonafide second option against a Jazz team that should be in a world of hurt.

Game Type: GPP
, 13.8
13.8
4300 , 13.7
13.7

Should be in line for a big role without PG13 and Caleb Martin.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
3800 , 20.6
20.6
4100 , 20.4
20.4

Should be in line for a big role without PG13 and Caleb Martin.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
3500 , 17
17
3900 , 16.3
16.3

Potter won't project well, but we have no idea what this game flow will look like. Although it's unlikely he will start, what if he does? What if it's a 25-point blowout in the 4th, and he plays 12 straight minutes? We've seen him post DKP totals of 26, 28, 27, 24, and 35 when he's logged between 21-31 minutes this season – but the production has been very volatile. He is especially interested on FD because Both big 76ers' value pieces play just one position, and so do most of the Jazz pieces. I like Edwards more (PF only), but if you are multi-entering, you could get a drastic ownership discount going from Edwards to Potter in large-field GPPs, if you're willing to risk a lineup with a similar core.

Game Type: GPP
10500 , 0
0
11400 , 0
0

Doesn't always feel great clicking this button on the second leg of a back-to-back set, but Davis has been unreal across the last couple of weeks. No Embiid, no Drummond, and probably no answer for AD.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
9000 , 45.3
45.3
8700 , 44.2
44.2

Atlanta has surprisingly been pretty good defensively this year across the last 10 games, but they're still playing at an elite pace. I'm not sure Okongwu is ready to keep a very polished Sengun in check on the other side. I like Sengun a lot for GPPs.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6600 , 33.8
33.8
7400 , 34.3
34.3

Much better price on DK. While I don't know if he can keep Sengun in check, he might be capable of doing damage in his own right – he's been great on a point-per-minute basis this year, and he's finally getting the run.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4100 , 0
0
4900 , 0
0

Eubanks should project as one of the best per-dollar plays on DK and a near lock. You have to think a bit about it on FanDuel. I'm indifferent at $4,900, but he'll probably wind up in the pool.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4300 , 27.3
27.3
4400 , 26.7
26.7

Should have a big role without Collins, Kessler, Clarkson, and others.

Game Type: CASH & GPP