Welcome to Wednesday’s NBA DFS Playbook for January 29th! We have a massive slate on tap, with nine games featured on DraftKings’ main slate and 11 games on FanDuel. With a loaded player pool and plenty of injury news to monitor, lineup construction will be key. Studs like Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Cade Cunningham could dominate, while value plays will emerge as teams rest players or adjust rotations. Be sure to keep an eye on late-breaking news, as it could shake up the slate. Let’s dive into the top plays and strategies for tonight’s action!

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 29th

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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 - 5:50 PM ET

NBA Injuries, News & Updates Today, 1/29

 

 

 

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.

Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards

  • Raptors -6
  • Total: 230

Detroit Pistons vs Indiana Pacers

  • Pacers -6.5
  • Total: 231.5

Denver Nuggets vs New York Knicks

  • Knicks -2.5
  • Total: 242.5

Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans

  • Mavericks -1
  • Total: 233.5

Los Angeles Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs

  • Clippers -4
  • Total: 220.5

 

 

 

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.

High

Mid

Value

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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)
PGCade CunninghamDET @ IND Wed 7:001020051.51000049.2

Not much needs to be said about Cade Cunningham this season. Finally healthy and showing why he was the top overall pick in the draft a few years ago. He is a triple-double threat each night he takes the floor and we are looking at a matchup against the Pacers which should be a competitive matchup.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGTyrese MaxeySAC @ PHI Wed 7:30980052.11010051.7

The dude doesn't come off the floor, playing 36 minutes last night against the Lakers, going for 43 actual points on his way to his fifth straight 50+ fantasy point game. Sure, the Sixers are underdogs to the Kings tonight but that doesn't mean Maxey won't get it done. 

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGScottie BarnesTOR @ WAS Wed 7:00930051.7990050.6

I LOVE this matchup for Scottie Barnes tonight. I talked highly of him in the preview show and the back-to-back 50+ fantasy point outings should certainly continue tonight against this woeful Washington team. The LONE worry of course would be the blowout.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGJalen BrunsonDEN @ NYK Wed 7:30870047.3900045.2

Get yourself some exposure to this game today. The highest game total on the board with the Knicks a slight home favorite. We haven't seen the biggest of ceilings from Brunson this season which makes sense given the lineup around him but Brunson could easily pop for 50 in this type of environment.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGJamal MurrayDEN @ NYK Wed 7:30730038.3800038.1

Same game, opposite sides. Murray isn't too far from his 50 actual point game and while the Knicks have some good defenders, notably, OG Anunoby, we should still expect full minutes and a high ceiling here.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGJordan PooleTOR @ WAS Wed 7:00710037.3750035.7

Poole is a popular mid-tier play today. The Raptors are not a good defensive team and Poole shoots a ton of three-pointers which gives him a very high ceiling in this competitive games.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGChris PaulLAC @ SAS Wed 8:00600031640030.6

Safe for cash games. When he shoots well he gives us 40+ fantasy point potential. The price is nice and the matchup isn't too bad here either.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGJrue HolidayCHI @ BOS Wed 7:30510027.1530026.3

Just a good price and a good matchup for point guards. I get the Celtics are in a bit of a slide here but if Holiday is good to go and Tatum ends up sitting out then he will be an interesting play.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGTy JeromeCLE @ MIA Wed 7:30440028.2470028.2

Chalkiest play of the day. Darius Garland ruled out and Jerome has been incredible off the bench for the Cavaliers lately with Caris LeVert out of the lineup. If you want to pivot off of the chalk today then go to TJ McConnell who is now interesting with Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin ruled out.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGDonovan MitchellCLE @ MIA Wed 7:30840043.6850042.2

No Darius Garland so we are likely looking at “Point Donny” here today. Mitchell has popped for 50+ fantasy points a few times over the last handful of games and while Miami plays slow they are not the same defensive team they were in previous seasons.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGNorman PowellLAC @ SAS Wed 8:00740037.7740035.7

Even with Kawhi Leonard seeing his minutes bump to 28 we are still getting elite numbers from Norm Powell. The scoring just seems here to stay and if he can give you a few rebounds, assists and steals we are looking at 40 fantasy points.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGDevin VassellLAC @ SAS Wed 8:00630035.3710034.6

Same game, other side. They just do not move the price on Devin Vassell. He is going to play 30+ minutes and has 40 fantasy point upside.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGMikal BridgesDEN @ NYK Wed 7:30640028.1660027.7

We've talked a lot about the Knicks and how to go about their rotation pieces. So far this year we know that you can rely on Towns and Josh Hart but lately, due to the crazy high scoring, we've gotten big games from Mikal Bridges. If you want to get different with your exposure then Bridges could be a play.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGKelly OubreSAC @ PHI Wed 7:30610035.1720035.2

He started slow last night but he got there for us by the game was over. With Paul George and Joel Embiid out of the lineup he is live for a double-double and 15 shot attempts.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGChristian BraunDEN @ NYK Wed 7:30480025.8560026.3

This dude has been locked in and while the minutes have sat in the mid-20s due to blowouts, we aren't often looking at Braun for his scoring yet he's gone for 20+ actual points in five of the last seven games.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGEric GordonSAC @ PHI Wed 7:30420018.8450019.2

He keep starting and keeps shooting for the 76ers. If the opportunities to score are going to be there at this price tag then we need to give him some serious consideration with him playing 38, 29 and 31 minutes over the last three games.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFRJ BarrettTOR @ WAS Wed 7:00780038.2810036.5

I've repeated over and over again that Barrett is due for a 50 fantasy point game at this price tag. He's just too cheap for what he can bring to the table and we got 19 shot attempts the other night against the Pelicans. We get another 19 shots against the Wizards tonight and 50 fantasy points are coming.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFJaylen BrownCHI @ BOS Wed 7:30760040.1810038.8

Under $8,000 Jaylen Brown has been sooo good for us. Add in the fact that Jayson Tatum may not even play today and Brown could end up as the highest rostered player on the slate. With this game not starting until after roster lock, make sure you leave some pivot leverage so Brown can swap into your lineup today.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFJosh HartDEN @ NYK Wed 7:30770042.1810041.7

He's questionable to play today with the injury but assuming he is good to go we know he is as live as anyone on this slate for a triple-double while playing 40 minutes.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFOG AnunobyDEN @ NYK Wed 7:30630027.3680027.9

Just copy and paste what I put with Mikal Bridges and enter here. 42, 50 and 38 fantasy points over the last three games. He has elite upside when the shot is dropping and how about the fact he's taken 18 shots in two of the last three games while playing no less than 34 minutes.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFMax StrusCLE @ MIA Wed 7:30460027.1520025.9

Should be pretty popular today. No Darius Garland, already in the starting lineup with Caris LeVert ruled out as well. There is some nice upside here when the shot drops and we also have some revenge game narrative.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFBruce BrownDAL @ NOP Wed 8:004500050000

Grande has talked a lot how Brown has benefited from Gradey Dick foul trouble but now we've gotten a mid-day injury downgrade for Dick.  If he ends up being ruled out we likely see 25+ minutes from Bruce Brown tonight and he's been really good of late.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFJosh OkogieBKN @ CHA Wed 7:00430028.6540029.2

He likely starts tonight for the Hornets but even if he comes off the bench the minutes should be over 30 here for Okogie. We need to forget about the player Okogie was on the Suns because the Hornets have him playing a completely different role where he is actually asked to score the basketball.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFJustin EdwardsSAC @ PHI Wed 7:30390025.8420025.4

Edwards started last  night and was not very good. Those who played him were bailed out with three steals and some late fourth quarter production. He likely starts again and you can go there if you want but know the floor is low.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFJayson TatumCHI @ BOS Wed 7:30960049.9970047.9

Tatum is averaging nearly 70 fantasy points in three games against the Bulls this season. Yes, he is questionable and yes his fantasy production has not been there over the last few games but man he has owned this matchup.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFZion WilliamsonDAL @ NOP Wed 8:00860044.9920044.3

Does he finally get to 30 minutes? In 27 minutes against the Raptors he went for 47 fantasy points. Since returning from injury we've gotten 43, 57, 48 and 47 fantasy points while maxing out at 27 minutes.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFMiles BridgesBKN @ CHA Wed 7:00820042770040.6

He may take 30 shots tonight against the Nets. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller out of the lineup we saw Bridges take 23 shot attempts against the Lakers the other night while finishing with 46 fantasy points.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFEvan MobleyCLE @ MIA Wed 7:30790043.9810043.1

With LeVert and Garland off of the floor this season we see Mobley with a 26.6% usage rate and 1.5 fantasy point per minute. He is in an ELITE spot given the numbers.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFRicky CouncilSAC @ PHI Wed 7:3017.2460017.1

If you watched the 76ers last night you saw Ricky Council nearly DNP the first half and yet still have 15 fantasy points going into half time. He then played 15 minutes in the second half and finished with 33 fantasy points. IF Edwards starts again it may be worth still playing Council given the usage rate and fantasy point per minute output.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFChris BoucherTOR @ WAS Wed 7:00400025.6430025.8

No Kelly Olynyk and no Gradey Dick tonight. Boucher is going to get his 20-to-22 minutes and this matchup for fantasy points against the Wizards has been elite.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CNikola JokićDEN @ NYK Wed 7:301230066.61290064

How about this. Yes, almost every slate this season we've said to play Jokic on DraftKings. The man is a few slates removed from 99.5 fantasy points and he's in a matchup with the highest game total on the board. That said, center is an ELITE position tonight and NOBODY is playing Jokic tonight. If you get a 7% Jokic at 99.5 fantasy points you will win some money tonight.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CVictor WembanyamaLAC @ SAS Wed 8:001110055.71200055

Even less people are playing Wemby who has 10 block upside to go along with 50 actual points. Great in tournaments at 5%.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CKarl-Anthony TownsDEN @ NYK Wed 7:30970052.21020049.3

Towns is slightly more popualr than Jokic tonight. He too has gone for 70+ fantasy points this season and Jokic is not really a good defender. If you like Towns on the other side of that matchup, go for it.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CDaniel GaffordDAL @ NOP Wed 8:00740038.3750039.8

Gafford would have gone for 60 fantasy points against the Wizards if not for the blowout and this matchup against the Pelicans is good one for centers. Gafford is under 5% rostered tonight. Another good tournament play.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CJakob PoeltlTOR @ WAS Wed 7:00660038.2730037.3

Finally some chalk. The Wizards are horrific against opposing centers as and Poeltl is coming off a 50 fantasy point game. There is a lot to like about this matchup.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CJonas ValančiūnasSAC @ PHI Wed 7:305400052000

Sarr is ruled out and a ton of ownership goes right to Valanciunas who has been an insane fantasy point per minute player this season. He went for 40+ fantasy points in 24 minutes just a few games ago and that is very much in his bag.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CMoussa DiabatéBKN @ CHA Wed 7:00370023.9410025.1

The highest rostered center of the slate might not even start. Yes, Diabate got more minutes the other night with Mark Williams out of the lineup but Taj Gibson started. I'd still bet on Diabate here and he has a nice rebounding ceiling and low-end double-double potential. 

Game Type: CASH & GPP
10200 , 51.5
51.5
10000 , 49.2
49.2

Not much needs to be said about Cade Cunningham this season. Finally healthy and showing why he was the top overall pick in the draft a few years ago. He is a triple-double threat each night he takes the floor and we are looking at a matchup against the Pacers which should be a competitive matchup.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
9800 , 52.1
52.1
10100 , 51.7
51.7

The dude doesn't come off the floor, playing 36 minutes last night against the Lakers, going for 43 actual points on his way to his fifth straight 50+ fantasy point game. Sure, the Sixers are underdogs to the Kings tonight but that doesn't mean Maxey won't get it done. 

Game Type: CASH & GPP
9300 , 51.7
51.7
9900 , 50.6
50.6

I LOVE this matchup for Scottie Barnes tonight. I talked highly of him in the preview show and the back-to-back 50+ fantasy point outings should certainly continue tonight against this woeful Washington team. The LONE worry of course would be the blowout.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8700 , 47.3
47.3
9000 , 45.2
45.2

Get yourself some exposure to this game today. The highest game total on the board with the Knicks a slight home favorite. We haven't seen the biggest of ceilings from Brunson this season which makes sense given the lineup around him but Brunson could easily pop for 50 in this type of environment.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7300 , 38.3
38.3
8000 , 38.1
38.1

Same game, opposite sides. Murray isn't too far from his 50 actual point game and while the Knicks have some good defenders, notably, OG Anunoby, we should still expect full minutes and a high ceiling here.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7100 , 37.3
37.3
7500 , 35.7
35.7

Poole is a popular mid-tier play today. The Raptors are not a good defensive team and Poole shoots a ton of three-pointers which gives him a very high ceiling in this competitive games.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6000 , 31
31
6400 , 30.6
30.6

Safe for cash games. When he shoots well he gives us 40+ fantasy point potential. The price is nice and the matchup isn't too bad here either.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5100 , 27.1
27.1
5300 , 26.3
26.3

Just a good price and a good matchup for point guards. I get the Celtics are in a bit of a slide here but if Holiday is good to go and Tatum ends up sitting out then he will be an interesting play.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4400 , 28.2
28.2
4700 , 28.2
28.2

Chalkiest play of the day. Darius Garland ruled out and Jerome has been incredible off the bench for the Cavaliers lately with Caris LeVert out of the lineup. If you want to pivot off of the chalk today then go to TJ McConnell who is now interesting with Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin ruled out.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8400 , 43.6
43.6
8500 , 42.2
42.2

No Darius Garland so we are likely looking at “Point Donny” here today. Mitchell has popped for 50+ fantasy points a few times over the last handful of games and while Miami plays slow they are not the same defensive team they were in previous seasons.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7400 , 37.7
37.7
7400 , 35.7
35.7

Even with Kawhi Leonard seeing his minutes bump to 28 we are still getting elite numbers from Norm Powell. The scoring just seems here to stay and if he can give you a few rebounds, assists and steals we are looking at 40 fantasy points.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6300 , 35.3
35.3
7100 , 34.6
34.6

Same game, other side. They just do not move the price on Devin Vassell. He is going to play 30+ minutes and has 40 fantasy point upside.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6400 , 28.1
28.1
6600 , 27.7
27.7

We've talked a lot about the Knicks and how to go about their rotation pieces. So far this year we know that you can rely on Towns and Josh Hart but lately, due to the crazy high scoring, we've gotten big games from Mikal Bridges. If you want to get different with your exposure then Bridges could be a play.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6100 , 35.1
35.1
7200 , 35.2
35.2

He started slow last night but he got there for us by the game was over. With Paul George and Joel Embiid out of the lineup he is live for a double-double and 15 shot attempts.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4800 , 25.8
25.8
5600 , 26.3
26.3

This dude has been locked in and while the minutes have sat in the mid-20s due to blowouts, we aren't often looking at Braun for his scoring yet he's gone for 20+ actual points in five of the last seven games.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4200 , 18.8
18.8
4500 , 19.2
19.2

He keep starting and keeps shooting for the 76ers. If the opportunities to score are going to be there at this price tag then we need to give him some serious consideration with him playing 38, 29 and 31 minutes over the last three games.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7800 , 38.2
38.2
8100 , 36.5
36.5

I've repeated over and over again that Barrett is due for a 50 fantasy point game at this price tag. He's just too cheap for what he can bring to the table and we got 19 shot attempts the other night against the Pelicans. We get another 19 shots against the Wizards tonight and 50 fantasy points are coming.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7600 , 40.1
40.1
8100 , 38.8
38.8

Under $8,000 Jaylen Brown has been sooo good for us. Add in the fact that Jayson Tatum may not even play today and Brown could end up as the highest rostered player on the slate. With this game not starting until after roster lock, make sure you leave some pivot leverage so Brown can swap into your lineup today.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7700 , 42.1
42.1
8100 , 41.7
41.7

He's questionable to play today with the injury but assuming he is good to go we know he is as live as anyone on this slate for a triple-double while playing 40 minutes.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6300 , 27.3
27.3
6800 , 27.9
27.9

Just copy and paste what I put with Mikal Bridges and enter here. 42, 50 and 38 fantasy points over the last three games. He has elite upside when the shot is dropping and how about the fact he's taken 18 shots in two of the last three games while playing no less than 34 minutes.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4600 , 27.1
27.1
5200 , 25.9
25.9

Should be pretty popular today. No Darius Garland, already in the starting lineup with Caris LeVert ruled out as well. There is some nice upside here when the shot drops and we also have some revenge game narrative.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4500 , 0
0
5000 , 0
0

Grande has talked a lot how Brown has benefited from Gradey Dick foul trouble but now we've gotten a mid-day injury downgrade for Dick.  If he ends up being ruled out we likely see 25+ minutes from Bruce Brown tonight and he's been really good of late.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4300 , 28.6
28.6
5400 , 29.2
29.2

He likely starts tonight for the Hornets but even if he comes off the bench the minutes should be over 30 here for Okogie. We need to forget about the player Okogie was on the Suns because the Hornets have him playing a completely different role where he is actually asked to score the basketball.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
3900 , 25.8
25.8
4200 , 25.4
25.4

Edwards started last  night and was not very good. Those who played him were bailed out with three steals and some late fourth quarter production. He likely starts again and you can go there if you want but know the floor is low.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
9600 , 49.9
49.9
9700 , 47.9
47.9

Tatum is averaging nearly 70 fantasy points in three games against the Bulls this season. Yes, he is questionable and yes his fantasy production has not been there over the last few games but man he has owned this matchup.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8600 , 44.9
44.9
9200 , 44.3
44.3

Does he finally get to 30 minutes? In 27 minutes against the Raptors he went for 47 fantasy points. Since returning from injury we've gotten 43, 57, 48 and 47 fantasy points while maxing out at 27 minutes.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8200 , 42
42
7700 , 40.6
40.6

He may take 30 shots tonight against the Nets. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller out of the lineup we saw Bridges take 23 shot attempts against the Lakers the other night while finishing with 46 fantasy points.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7900 , 43.9
43.9
8100 , 43.1
43.1

With LeVert and Garland off of the floor this season we see Mobley with a 26.6% usage rate and 1.5 fantasy point per minute. He is in an ELITE spot given the numbers.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
, 17.2
17.2
4600 , 17.1
17.1

If you watched the 76ers last night you saw Ricky Council nearly DNP the first half and yet still have 15 fantasy points going into half time. He then played 15 minutes in the second half and finished with 33 fantasy points. IF Edwards starts again it may be worth still playing Council given the usage rate and fantasy point per minute output.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4000 , 25.6
25.6
4300 , 25.8
25.8

No Kelly Olynyk and no Gradey Dick tonight. Boucher is going to get his 20-to-22 minutes and this matchup for fantasy points against the Wizards has been elite.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
12300 , 66.6
66.6
12900 , 64
64

How about this. Yes, almost every slate this season we've said to play Jokic on DraftKings. The man is a few slates removed from 99.5 fantasy points and he's in a matchup with the highest game total on the board. That said, center is an ELITE position tonight and NOBODY is playing Jokic tonight. If you get a 7% Jokic at 99.5 fantasy points you will win some money tonight.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
11100 , 55.7
55.7
12000 , 55
55

Even less people are playing Wemby who has 10 block upside to go along with 50 actual points. Great in tournaments at 5%.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
9700 , 52.2
52.2
10200 , 49.3
49.3

Towns is slightly more popualr than Jokic tonight. He too has gone for 70+ fantasy points this season and Jokic is not really a good defender. If you like Towns on the other side of that matchup, go for it.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7400 , 38.3
38.3
7500 , 39.8
39.8

Gafford would have gone for 60 fantasy points against the Wizards if not for the blowout and this matchup against the Pelicans is good one for centers. Gafford is under 5% rostered tonight. Another good tournament play.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6600 , 38.2
38.2
7300 , 37.3
37.3

Finally some chalk. The Wizards are horrific against opposing centers as and Poeltl is coming off a 50 fantasy point game. There is a lot to like about this matchup.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5400 , 0
0
5200 , 0
0

Sarr is ruled out and a ton of ownership goes right to Valanciunas who has been an insane fantasy point per minute player this season. He went for 40+ fantasy points in 24 minutes just a few games ago and that is very much in his bag.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
3700 , 23.9
23.9
4100 , 25.1
25.1

The highest rostered center of the slate might not even start. Yes, Diabate got more minutes the other night with Mark Williams out of the lineup but Taj Gibson started. I'd still bet on Diabate here and he has a nice rebounding ceiling and low-end double-double potential. 

Game Type: CASH & GPP