NBA DFS Picks For Fanduel 1/18/21

After a brief two day break from NBA articles due to the NFL playoffs and the smaller slate sizes, I am back today with another article, as you have obviously seen by now! Last night's posted article finished right on the border of cashing in 50-50s and GPPs, so whether you won or not all depended on the contests you were in. Personally, I broke even. Regardless, my NBA lineups have been trending in the right direction after a poor start, so I am gaining my confidence back as we go. Today, there are only four games on the slate, so we have another slate with limited options to choose from. Since there are limited players available today, my player pool below will be smaller than usual. Anyways, let's start the breakdown of the NBA main slate on Fanduel today!

Top Play:

Luka Doncic - $11,200:

The point guard position is very weak on this slate aside from Luka, so he should be a lock for most lineups. There are some other decent risky options, but none with the expected return for value that Luka has. Most models project Luka to be the highest scoring player on the slate, and I am siding with the data tonight. The Raptors are in the bottom half of the league in fantasy points allowed to point guards, and we know Luka's usage will be insane, especially with the depleted roster that the Mavericks currently have.

Best Value:

Joe Harris - $4,500:

On a small slate with limited options, Joe Harris stands out as the clear best value option to me. At just $4,500 you are asking for just over 20 FD points from Harris, and his season average is just short of 24 points. Even though Harden is now on the team, Irving, LeVert, and Allen are no longer (or not playing in the case of Irving), which should free up some additional minutes for Harris. Joe Harris is not a player who needs the ball in his hands to see points, and should continue to see plenty of shots with him being the number three scoring option tonight. Also, the BKN-MIL has the highest implied total on the slate.

Fade:

Zach LaVine - $9,300:

If I am being completely honest, there is no real 'fade' play on this slate since the options are so limited, but I decided to label that player as Zach LaVine. LaVine is a fine play for GPP as he has the chance to boom against a Houston backcourt that is below average at defending guards in terms of fantasy production, but $9,300 is just too much for me to pay for him in cash formats. I much prefer Harden at just $1,000 more.

Main Player Pool:

Point Guard:

Luka Doncic - $11,200

Kyle Lowry - $7,400

Trey Burke - $4,300

Other great plays: Stephen Curry - $9,800, Jrue Holiday - $7,600, Jalen Brunson - $3,900

Shooting Guard:

James Harden - $10,300

Victor Oladipo - $7,500

Donte DiVincenzo - $4,400

Other great plays: Andrew Wiggins - $6,700, Bruce Brown - $4,100, Wes Iwundu - $3,500 (punt), Josh Green - $3,500 (punt)

Small Forward:

OG Anunoby - $5,800

Eric Gordon - $5,200 (if no restrictions)

Joe Harris - $4,500

Other great plays: Kevin Durant - $10,500, LeBron James - $9,500, Khris Middleton - $8,000, Kelly Oubre - $5,400, Garrett Temple - $3,800 (if he plays), Denzel Valentine - $3,600 (punt)

Power Forward:

Giannis Antetokounmpo - $11,300

Lauri Markkanen - $6,100

James Johnson - $4,700

Other great plays: Anthony Davis - $9,500, Chris Boucher - $8,100, Kristaps Porzingis - $6,900, Draymond Green - $5,400, Patrick Williams - $4,600, Jeff Green - $4,000, Thaddeus Young - $3,800

Center:

Brook Lopez - $5,300

DeAndre Jordan - $4,500

James Wiseman - $4,400

Other great plays: Wendell Carter - $5,900, Montrezl Harrell - $5,400, Willie Cauley-Stein - $5,100, DeMarcus Cousins - $4,500, Marc Gasol - $3,700

Core/Lineup:

My core 3 are Luka Doncic, James Harden, and Joe Harris.

If you would like the lineup that I will be using, RT the article post on twitter for at @SportsVerseHQ, DM @Excyphir, and follow them both. Since my lineups usually change with injury news, be sure to check DMs before lock in case of a change. Likewise, if you enjoy these articles, please follow @SportsVerseHQ and @Excyphir on twitter! Stay up to date there in case of potential news or changes.