RADIO
With Super Bowl LIV undoubtedly getting all of the attention on Sunday night, the NBA's four-game slate will begin at 12:30 pm (eastern) and conclude just before the start of the final NFL game of the season. Nonetheless, we still have some exciting games on tap to keep us satisfied until Monday, where 10 games will be featured on the night. To get down to business, we have some injuries to keep in mind as Paul Millsap, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Luke Kennard, Clint Capela, Frank Kaminsky, Aron Baynes, Cameron Johnson, Dario Saric, Wendell Carter Jr., Lauri Markkanen, George Hill, Otto Porter, Kris Dunn, Marc Gasol, and Norman Powell are all confirmed out. On the other hand, Tyler Johnson, Ricky Rubio, Daniel Gafford, Chandler Hutchison, Tomas Satoransky, and Denzel Valentine have a shot at playing. More significantly, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who accumulated 70.7 fantasy points a few nights ago against Denver, is also questionable with a hamstring issue.
Without a doubt, Houston (-6) at New Orleans will potentially be the most targeted contest for those partaking in DFS festivities, with this game projected to have a combined score of 245 points. James Harden could have higher than usual ownership, primarily due to the pace of this one, along with the Pelicans giving up some horrendous numbers to opposing backcourts. Coming in behind it, Phoenix at Milwaukee is projected to total 232 points. Milwaukee is giving 12.5 to Phoenix, but this contest may run closer than expected, primarily if the freak is unable to play, which could end up happening.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 2/2/20. 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 @DennisMClausen. Good luck.
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Khris Middleton - SG, vs. PHO ($7,200)
With Giannis Antetokounmpo out, Middleton erupted for 51 points against the Wizards a few nights ago and could once again serve as the No. 1 option on Sunday against Phoenix. Keep in mind that he will probably have high ownership due to several factors. However, this isn't the area to get cute, so make sure he is in your lineup if the freak isn't able to suit up.
Derrick Rose - PG, vs. DEN ($7,100)
Though he missed a game against the Cavaliers on Monday due to a sore right knee, Rose continues to impress offensively by having scored at least 20 points in his previous 14 appearances. The former MVP has picked up the slack in the absence of Blake Griffin, who is done for the year with a knee issue of his own, by averaging 18.1 shot attempts per game in January. The game between these two clubs probably won't feature a score as high as the others on the day. However, with Torrey Craig, Gary Harris, and Monte Morris all giving up less than favorable numbers on the defensive end, Rose has a higher ceiling than usual.
Eric Bledsoe - PG, vs. PHO ($6,100)
If you are looking to save some cash, check out Bledsoe, who is priced at only $6,100. Just as in the case with Khris Middleton, the veteran also stands to see a potential uptick in production if Giannis Antetokounmpo is not in the lineup, gaining a significant increase in both the +/- category and in usage. His stock was already high with George Hill out of the equation, but it will rise even higher if the freak isn't in uniform, so make sure you keep an eye on his status before opening tip.
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Zion Williamson - PF, @ HOU ($6,500)
After appearing in only four preseason contests before ending up on the shelf with knee surgery, Williamson finally made his debut against the Spurs a few weeks back. Since that time, his minutes have slowly increased, and his production followed along. With Danuel House and P.J. Tucker manning the four and five spots due to the absence of Clint Capela, the Rockets will be vulnerable due to a lack of size. Look for Williamson, who could see at least 30 minutes, to attempt to do some work in the paint against Houston.
Serge Ibaka - PF, vs. CHI ($5,800)
Just as the Rockets will likely suffer on the interior against New Orleans, Chicago has been doing it all year, allowing a fourth-worst 56.53 fantasy points per game to opposing centers on the year. While Ibaka is listed as a power forward, he will continue to start in the middle until Marc Gasol can return from a bum hamstring, and should also benefit offensively with Luke Kornet matched up against him.
Eric Gordon - SF, vs. NOP ($4,900)
With Clint Capela out with a heel injury, several guys on the Houston roster are slated to get a bump in production. While James Harden and Russell Westbrook come to mind immediately, and rightfully so, Gordon also stands to benefit by gaining 2.6% in usage to go along with a +4.8 in +/- differential. He played over 30 minutes against the Mavericks a few days ago, finishing with 17 points on 13 shot attempts. His percentages from both the field and from deep aren't the best, but he could produce enough to hit his value, especially when you consider the pace in this one. Also, look for Austin Rivers to get some more opportunities on the offensive end. However, he is a riskier option, nonetheless.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Nikola Jokic - C, @ DET ($10,000)
We already know that Jokic is always an ideal option at the center position regularly. However, just as the case with a lot of players on Sunday, the big man's potential is higher than usual, primarily as a result of the absence of Jamal Murray, who is day-to-day with a sprained ankle. He does have to deal with Andre Drummond, but it's not as bad as you'd think as he is allowing 0.6 fantasy points per minute this season.
