NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for January 22 2020

We didn’t have much to get excited about Tuesday with only one game in the NBA, but things ramp back up Wednesday with 12 games on the schedule. With so many options to consider, let’s try to narrow down the field by highlighting a couple of appealing players at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

De’Aaron Fox, SAC at DET
FanDuel = $8,400
DraftKings = $8,300

Fox had a rough go of it from the field against the Heat on Monday, shooting just 7-for-22 on his way to 14 points. However, he somewhat salvaged his stat line with eight assists and three steals. At least the volume of shot attempts that he had was appealing. In fact, he’s averaged 17.9 shot attempts across his last nine games compared to 14.7 for the season, overall. With the Pistons allowing the second-most FanDuel points per game to opposing point guards, this is an excellent opportunity for Fox to have a bounce back performance.

Monte Morris, DEN at HOU
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,800

Injuries continue to decimate the Nuggets, who could be without four key rotation players for this contest. With regards to Morris, their biggest absence will be that of Jamal Murray (ankle), who will miss his fourth straight game. Morris has started each of the last three contests with him out, averaging seven points, three rebounds and 5.3 assists. Add his increased playing time with the Rockets playing at the second-fastest pace in the league and Morris could provide value at this cheap price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

Zach LaVine, CHI vs. MIN
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $9,000

There hasn’t been a lot to be excited about on the Bulls outside of LaVine. He’s been putting up monster performances on a seemingly nightly basis, which has enabled him to average 30 points, 5.1 rebounds, four assists and two steals over his last 11 games. He averaged a whopping 22.5 shot attempts per game during that stretch and shot an impressive 49 percent from the field. Facing a Timberwolves team that has allowed the sixth-most points per game makes him an appealing option despite his rising price tag.

Lou Williams, LAC at ATL
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $7,300

The Clippers could be extremely shorthanded for this game. They just played Tuesday, so expect Kawhi Leonard to sit out for rest. Paul George (hamstring) has missed six straight contests and his status is still up in the air. To further complicate matters, Patrick Beverley injured his groin Tuesday, which will likely keep him out Wednesday. All that could lead to heavy minutes and plenty of scoring opportunities for Williams against a Hawks team that has played at the sixth-fastest pace in the league.

SMALL FORWARDS

Will Barton, DEN at HOU
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $7,400

With the Nuggets losing so many key players, they are going to need added production from Barton. He’s already having arguably the best season of his career considering his averages of 15.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals. Combine his ability to contribute in so many areas with the Rockets playing at such a fast pace and Barton is extremely appealing, especially at his price on FanDuel.

Danilo Gallinari, OKC at ORL
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $6,900

Given that the Magic have allowed the fewest points per game in the league, I don’t expect to see Gallinari included in a lot of entries. However, he’s someone to consider in tournament play, especially given his price on FanDuel. Steven Adams (ankle) and Nerlens Noel (ankle) are both questionable, so if they are out, Gallinari could be required to do extra work on the glass. With Noel out and Adams going down early against the Rockets on Monday, Gallinari finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds.

POWER FORWARDS

LaMarcus Aldridge, SA at NO
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,800

Aldridge produced a strange stat line against the Suns on Monday. He finished with 19 points, two steals and three blocks, which all look great. However, he managed just three rebounds, marking his fifth straight game with five or fewer boards. After averaging 9.2 rebounds last season, that mark stands at 7.3 a night this season. However, this is as good of a matchup as any for him to provide excellent all-around contributions with the Pelicans playing at the fifth-fastest pace.

Michael Porter Jr., DEN at HOU
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $6,600

Already without Paul Millsap (knee), the Nuggets are now missing another key member of their front court in Mason Plumlee (foot), who is expected to miss at least the next two weeks. Porter was already starting to see more playing time, which enabled him to average 16.8 points, 10 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals over his last four games. While I might avoid him on DraftKings based on his price, he’s cheap enough on FanDuel to be worth considering in tournament play.

CENTERS

Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at CHI
FanDuel = $10,100
DraftKings = $10,400

After missing only five total games across his first four seasons in the league, Towns recently was sidelined for 15 straight games due to injury and illness. The Timberwolves eased him back into action by playing him under 30 minutes in both of his first two games back. However, he looks safe to deploy as usual after logging 35 minutes against the Nuggets on Monday. With the Bulls missing their top two centers, look for Towns to feast on the likes of Luke Kornet and Cristino Felicio.

Enes Kanter, BOS vs. MEM
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500

After three quiet outings, Kanter was able to get back on track against the Lakers on Monday, posting 18 points and 11 rebounds over 24 minutes. While his lack of playing time is still frustrating, Kanter has been able to average 11.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks across his last 15 games. At this price, he could provide excellent value if he can approach those averages once again.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.