RADIO
As we roll into the weekend, the NBA has seven games on the agenda. Before we dive in, we have some injuries to consider before setting our DFS lineup. Karl-Anthony Towns, who hasn't played since December 13th after battling a knee sprain as well an illness, could see the floor. Joel Embiid, one the other hand, who is recovering from a dislocated finger, will be out once again. To round out the rest, Chandler Hutchison, Luke Kornet, Lauri Markkanen, Tomas Satoransky, Fred Vanvleet, Tyler Herro, Justise Winslow, Steven Adams, Nerlens Noel, Jae Crowder, Jabari Parker, Chandler Parsons, Alex Len, Rudy Gay, Skal Labissiere, Mario Hezonja, and Kristaps Porzingis have all either been ruled out already or are in danger of missing Friday night's festivities. Jeff Teague, who make his second stop in Atlanta after being dealt by Minnesota, will sit as well.
From our friends in Vegas, Cleveland at Memphis, Atlanta at San Antonio, Washington at Toronto, and Portland at Dallas all lead the way, with each game having a projected score of 229 points. The remaining three games on the slate will run much slower and are all expected to combine for 216 points or less. Lastly, we have an abundance of teams putting in some extra work heading into Saturday as the Hawks, Bulls, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Thunder, 76ers, Trail Blazers, and Raptors will all play the first of back-to-back outings.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/17/20. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. You can also check out today's DraftKings lineup picks. Feel free to give me a follow on Twitter @Den_Clausen. Good luck.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers received five total writing awards and 13 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, tops in the industry! Congrats to all the award winners and nominees including NBA Writer of the Year, Best NFL Series, MLB Series, PGA Writer and Player Notes writer of the year. Be sure to follow their analysis, rankings and advice all year long, and win big with RotoBaller! Read More!
FanDuel DFS Guards
Trae Young - PG, @ SAS ($10,400)
After dropping 72.6 fantasy points against the Rockers, Young logged 34.4 in the next game against the Wizards. A bum hamstring kept him out in the following contest against the Brooklyn Nets, but he returned a few nights ago against the Suns, finishing that one with 58.8 fantasy points. The Spurs aren't as sound defensively as they have been in previous years and have also picked up the pace as well, which should give the sophomore guard plenty of chances to put up some shots on Friday night.
DeMar DeRozan - SG, vs. ATL ($8,100)
DeRozan has played extremely well recently as the team continues to find ways to get him even more involved. There have been rumblings of the veteran being dealt elsewhere, but he continues to get it done on the offensive end, nonetheless, scoring at least 25 points in each of his last seven games. He is priced very generously, considering his output as of late.
FanDuel DFS Forwards
John Collins - PF, @ SAS ($8,000)
As mentioned, Jeff Teague will not play on Friday night. The same goes for Alex Len, Chandler Parsons, and Jabari Parker, who are also out as each deals with their own respective ailments. With these guys not in the equation, Collins will get a noticeable boost, gaining a 2.5 percent bump in usage to go along with a +2.8 in the plus/minus category. He will start at the five more than likely and will be matched up by LaMarcus Aldridge, who is allowing 0.6 fantasy points per minute on the year.
Jarrett Culver - SF, @ IND ($5,200)
With Teague now in Atlanta, Culver will have his chance to shine. He has recorded at least 28 minutes in each of his last nine games and has scored in the double-digits in each outing during that same span. He also isn't a slouch on the defensive end and can also get after it on the glass, so if Karl-Anthony Towns is out once again, look for the rookie to remain involved against the Pacers.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Marc Gasol - C, vs. WAS ($5,000)
Gasol returned against the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing some time with a hamstring issue and finished with 15 points and a handful of rebounds. He was efficient from the field, going 6-for-9, and was equally impressive from deep by going 3-for-4. The Wizards are allowing a second-worst 59.05 fantasy points per game this year to opposing big men, so look for Gasol to potentially have another stellar outing, even if Fred VanVleet makes his return.
