NBA DFS Show DraftKings Daily Fantasy Basketball Preview January 23
Published: Jan 22, 2024
NBA DFS Strategy & DraftKings Top Picks 1/23
We have a five-game NBA DFS main slate on Tuesday, January 23rd, on DraftKings and FanDuel. We have elite options that are hitting the floor with Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic, Jalen Brunson, and Tyrese Haliburton playing. Unfortunately, the slate will be without LeBron James as he's already been ruled out. Let's dive into the NBA DFS podcast for 1/23 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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Yang Hansen amassed 10 points (4-of-8 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, three assists and one blocked shot.
After recording a complete 10/4/5/1/3 stat line in his summer debut on Friday, Yang was not as impactful on Saturday. The rookie recorded five turnovers, a reminder that there will be nights like this for the 20-year-old as he gets acclimated to the NBA game. However, Yang’s abilities as a facilitator were still evident, and that’s an area where he can offer value. Portland moving on from Deandre Ayton helped free minutes for Donovan Clingan, who will be the starting center, and Yang. However, Robert Williams III is also on the roster, and his presence may allow Portland to take a more conservative approach to Yang’s playing time next season.
Caleb Love shot 7-of-21 from the field and 1-of-2 from the foul line in Saturday’s loss to the Grizzlies, scoring 18 points with one rebound, one assist, one block and three three-pointers.
While Love finished Saturday’s defeat with a solid point total, this was not one of the rookie’s best efforts. He did not provide much value outside of points and three-pointers, and the undrafted rookie was inefficient as a scorer and playmaker. Love is on a two-way deal for the 2025-26 season, and becoming more consistent as a floor general will be critical for the former Arizona standout as he looks to solidify his place in the NBA.
Sidy Cissoko accumulated 20 points (7-of-14 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), four rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block and three three-pointers in Saturday’s loss to the Grizzlies.
Cissoko is on a two-way contract, so his fantasy value for the 2025-26 season is virtually non-existent. However, players on those deals can earn opportunities throughout the season. Cissoko, who was traded twice before the February deadline, played well against the Grizzlies, but he’ll have to do a lot to crack a deep forward rotation in Portland.
Armando Bacot accounted for 14 points (4-of-9 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs), 12 rebounds, two assists, one steal and four blocks.
The Grizzlies have used two of their three available two-way contract spots, meaning the competition for the final slot should be fierce. Bacot is among the candidates, and his performance against first-round pick Yang Hansen was solid. The former North Carolina standout recorded a double-double and blocked four shots, with the rim protection not being something he was known for as a collegian or during his 2024-25 season in the G League.
Jaylen Wells finished Saturday’s win over the Trail Blazers with 23 points (7-of-16 FGs, 7-of-8 FTs), seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and two three-pointers.
While Wells was one of the most impressive players in last season’s rookie class, he only had two games in which he scored 23 points or more. With Desmond Bane no longer in the picture in Memphis, Wells is one of the players with more opportunities to contribute offensively. Saturday’s performance was excellent, as the second-year wing’s scoring did not diminish his defensive value. With the Grizzlies having played in Salt Lake City last weekend, it’s fair to wonder if Wells will be shut down soon. Regardless of what happens, he’ll offer solid fantasy upside next season.
Spencer Jones accumulated 19 points (8-of-12 FGs, 0-of-1 FTs), six rebounds, two steals and three three-pointers.
Jones is on a two-way contract, and the moves made by the Nuggets this offseason likely limit his opportunities to change that. However, the Nuggets had to be pleased with his performance on Saturday, as Jones shot 66.7 percent from the field and grabbed six rebounds. There’s no need to consider Jones for fantasy leagues, but injuries can present opportunities throughout the season.