RADIO
With the NFL regular season finished, we can now turn our full attention toward crushing some NBA DFS contests. The league has five games on the agenda, beginning at 3 pm (eastern), to help you close out your weekend, and as usual, we have some injuries to monitor heading into the opening contest. Anthony Davis is once again listed on the latest report with his infamous shoulder ailment, but just like in games past, he is almost guaranteed to play. Kawhi Leonard, on the other hand, may sit as the Clippers will play the second of back-to-back outings. Karl-Anthony Towns, who has missed his previous nine contests while working his way back from a knee injury, is questionable against the Cavaliers, and Paul George, who is nursing a nagging hamstring issue, may not play once again after not suiting up on Saturday. Andrew Wiggins, Elfrid Payton, Blake Griffin, Jeff Teague, Luke Kennard, Patrick Beverley, Justise Winslow, Markieff Morris, Kevin Porter Jr., Larry Nance Jr., Skal Labissiere, Reggie Jackson, Dion Waiters, Frank Kaminsky, Alex Caruso, Treveon Graham, Noah Vonleh, Zach Collins, and Dennis Smith Jr. are all listed on the injury report in some shape or form. Keep an eye on these guys throughout the day as there is plenty of value potential.
In terms of Vegas, Memphis at Phoenix currently leads the slate with a projected overall score of 232 points. The Lakers are presently giving 14.5 points to the Pistons, which could mean fewer minutes for LeBron James and Anthony Davis. At the same time, the Clippers are giving eight to the Knicks, which is another indication that both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George may not be available.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 1/5/20. 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. Give me a follow on Twitter @Den_Clausen. Good luck.
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Jimmy Butler - SG, vs POR ($8,700)
Butler is fresh off of a double-double against Orlando and has a favorable matchup against a Blazers team that is giving up 47.5 fantasy points per game to shooting guards. C.J. McCollum, who is allowing 0.4 fantasy points per minute, surely isn't helping the matter, which should open the door for Butler to do some damage on Sunday.
Derrick Rose - PG, @ LAL ($5,900)
Rose will be afforded some extra opportunities as the Pistons continue to deal with a multitude of injuries across the board. With Reggie Jackson, Markieff Morris, and Blake Griffin--among others--out of the lineup, the former MVP will enjoy a 4.2 percent bump in usage, while also benefiting from +2 in the plus/minus category.
Shabazz Napier - PG, @ CLE ($5,600)
Napier has filled in admirably in the absences of Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, and Jeff Teague. He has logged at least 34.7 fantasy points in each of his last three games, but his outlook is less favorable if any one of those three guys can play.
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Marcus Morris - SF, @ LAC ($5,900)
Despite his recent string of impressive performances, Morris is still generously priced. Reggie Bullock is back, but until he sees a full allotment of minutes, the 30-year-old should continue to be the No. 2 option offensively for the Knicks, especially if Elfrid Payton, who is away while welcoming the birth of his newborn daughter, isn't available. Morris' stock will also increase if Kawhi Leonard and/or Paul George aren't on the floor.
Jarrett Culver - SF, @ CLE ($4,500)
Just as in Napier's case, Culver will benefit if the injuries persist for the Timberwolves. He recorded only 17.5 fantasy points against Golden State, but in the previous two games prior, he averaged 37.3. Keep an eye on the injuries because if the same group of guys are sitting, feel free to plug in Culver.
Sekou Doumbouya - PF, @ LAL ($3,500)
Doumbouya logged 26.2 fantasy points against the Clippers and followed that up by producing a value-busting 38 against the Warriors on Saturday night. The first-round pick has started to make a name for himself and could have solidified a consistent role for himself moving ahead, especially if Andre Drummond moves elsewhere.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Hassan Whiteside - C, @ MIA ($9,800)
Whiteside will make his return to Miami and should be fired up and ready to go. He was a monster the other night against the Wizards, recording 23 points and 21 rebounds, while also swatting five shots. The Heat has held its own against opposing big men all year, but Whiteside has been too good to overlook, especially if you aren't looking to pay for LeBron or AD in a game that could get out of hand fast.
