NBA DFS Picks: DraftKings Plays and Strategy for Sunday, January 11

NBA DFS Picks: DraftKings Plays and Strategy for Sunday, January 11

This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.

This article is part of our DraftKings NBA series.

Slate Overview

SAS at MIN: The T'Wolves have won 12 of their last 16 matchups with the Spurs. 

MIA at OKC: The Thunder have won four straight against the Heat. 

MIL at DEN: These teams have split season series against one another in five straight years. 

WAS at PHX: The Suns have won five straight against the Wizards. 

ATL at GSW: These teams have traded off wins and losses in nine straight matchups. 

HOU at SAC: The Kings have won four of their last five fixtures against the Rockets. 

For the latest spreads and over/unders, visit RotoWire's NBA Odds page. There you can also find player props, futures, picks, articles and sportsbook bonus codes.

Injuries to Monitor  

For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report

SAS - Devin Vassell (thigh)

MIN - Terrence Shannon (foot)

MIA - Tyler Herro (B2B)

OKC - Isaiah Hartenstein (calf)

MIL - Kevin Porter Jr (hip)

DEN - Nikola Jokic (knee), Jonas Valanciunas (calf), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Jamal Murray (ankle), Cameron Johnson (knee)

WAS - Trae Young (quad), Cam Whitmore (shoulder)

PHX - Jalen Green (hamstring)

ATL - Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles), Zaccharie Risacher (knee)

GSW - NONE

HOU - Fred VanVleet (knee), Alperen Sengun (ankle)

SAC - Domantas Sabonis (knee), Dennis Schroder (suspension), Keegan Murray (ankle)

Elite Players

Guards

Jamal Murray, Nuggets ($9,900) vs. Bucks

Most expected Denver to struggle after losing Nikola Jokic, but Murray had other ideas. He's completely taken over this offense in the absence of the three-time MVP, averaging 27.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 8.4 assists across his last 16 outings. He's also scored at least 40 DraftKings points in 15 of those 16 games while averaging over 50 DK points per game. That sensational stretch is likely to continue against Milwaukee because the Bucks own a 24th OPRK against opposing PGs. 

Devin Booker, Suns ($8,500) vs. Wizards

The Suns had some low expectations coming into the season, but Booker's play has them right in the thick of it in the Western Conference. The former All-Star is averaging 42 DraftKings points per game this season while establishing a 30-point floor. That's no surprise since he's flirting with a 30 percent usage rate and 20 shots a night as Phoenix's primary playmaker. Our favorite part about it is the matchup with Washington, though, with the Wizards ranked 29th in points allowed and defensive efficiency. 

Forwards/Centers

Jalen Johnson, Hawks ($10,800) at Warriors

The Young injury and subsequent trade were a sad saga for Hawks fans, but it's JJ's time in Atlanta. He's the primary reason why they were comfortable offloading Young, with Johnson developing into one of the best point forwards in the NBA. Johnson is averaging 24.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 1.3 steals over his last 28 outings. That directly correlates with Young's absence, and it appears JJ will be a triple-double threat in every game in this new role. 

Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves ($6,700) vs. Spurs

Gobert has been in nearly every article of mine over the last month, and he continues to provide elite value. The Frenchman has hovered below $7K all season, and he's outperformed that level in nearly every game. The big man has at least 25 DraftKings points in 17 straight outings while posting a 38-point average in that span. That's typically the floor and average you see from a $7K player, but Gobert continues to be overlooked. It's not like San Antonio is scary either, with the Spurs posting a 22nd OPRK against opposing centers. 

Expected Chalk 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder ($10,400) vs. Heat

It's strange to see SGA barely cracking five figures. This guy was closer to $12K at times last year, and it's just a matter of time before he's back there. We're talking about a guy who's established a 40-point floor and a 55-point average as one of the best players in DFS. He showcased that when he dropped 67 fantasy points in his most recent outing, and OKC needs him to keep doing that to get out of this mini-slump. A matchup with Miami couldn't be better, too, because the Heat play at the fastest pace in the NBA while surrendering the third-most fantasy points to opposing guards. 

Mid-Range Money 

Dillon Brooks, Suns ($5,900) vs. Wizards

Brooks has picked up a bad rep over recent years, but this guy has quietly had an amazing season for the Suns. This defensive stud is averaging 31 DraftKings points per game while scoring 45 and 38 DK points in his two most recent outings. That's far from surprising, as he's seeing more usage and shot attempts in Green's absence. We can't ignore that type of opportunity and mispricing in a matchup like this, given Washington has the second-worst defense in the NBA. 

Steven Adams, Rockets ($5,300) at Kings

It's wild that Adams is back in a starting center role, but he's always been a valuable DFS asset when given that opportunity. All we need is this big man to play 25-30 minutes to be a value at $5,300, which has been his floor since Sengun got injured. Adams has played at least 30 minutes in three straight fixtures, averaging nearly 30 DK points per game in that expanded role. That won't bode well for Sacramento since they surrender the most fantasy points to opposing centers. 

Value Picks

Tre Johnson, Wizards ($5,000) at Suns

It wasn't easy to choose between Bub Carrington ($5,000) and Johnson for this spot, but we'll go with Johnson since he's starting. Tre has found himself in the starting lineup because of the Young trade, which sent CJ McCollum to Atlanta. That's left this rookie with a substantial role, averaging 25 DK points per game across 26 minutes a night in his eight most recent starts. Seeing a rookie perform like that in their first opportunity is a recipe for success, especially when they're priced at just $5K. We also appreciate how shorthanded this roster is right now, as they need to leave Johnson out there for 30 minutes as one of the primary ball-handlers. 

Mark Williams, Suns ($5,000) vs. Wizards

The role has been frustrating for Williams, but this guy is way too talented to be sitting at $5K. He's still the starting center for the Suns and one of the best per-minute producers in the NBA. The big man showcased that when he had 33 DraftKings points across 27 minutes just two games ago. All you need is 25-30 fantasy points from a $5K player to be a solid value, and we're talking about a guy who has a 28-point average. That could be his floor against a woeful Washington defense, which allows the second-most fantasy points to opposing centers. 

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Joel Bartilotta plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: DraftKings: Joelbartilotta Yahoo: Joelbartilotta.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joel Bartilotta
Joel has 20 years of Fantasy experience, and can recall riding a young Daunte Culpepper to a championship in the 2003-04 season in his inaugural fantasy year. He covers NBA, NFL, daily fantasy, EPL, and MLB for RotoWire.
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